Tips for moving into a shared house for the first time

Author: Gabrielle D, Staff Writer

Moving into a new home can be overwhelming enough, let alone chucking a few strangers into the mix! If you’re on the introverted side, the idea of living with strangers can be a stressful one. Not to mention, moving with friends can also bring its own anxieties. ‘What if we argue?’ ‘What if my friends hate my shower singing??, or worst of all, ‘what if I hate their singing???’ All of these thoughts are perfectly normal, and whoever you decide to move in with will probably share the same worries!

Spoiler alert, communication is KEY, and takes practice. Moving into a house share offers a unique opportunity to meet new people, share experiences and create lasting memories. In this blog, we'll provide you with valuable tips to make your transition into a shared house as smooth as possible, fostering a harmonious and enjoyable living environment for the long term.

Communication is Key.

Prior to moving in, establish open lines of conversation with your roommates. Discuss expectations, boundaries, and responsibilities to ensure everyone is on the same page. Regularly checking in person can help address any issues that come up. WhatsApp and text can often be misread, so face-to-face conversations are always best!

The most important part of communication is making sure it happens BEFORE things get bad. As soon as someone leaves you feeling remotely irritated, annoyed or upset, let them know as soon as possible. Even if the problems seem insignificant, leaving small issues untouched only leads to long-term resentment. Eventually, these small things will build up in a heated argument that neither party can make sense. Always talk when the atmosphere is calm and steady.

Set Clear Expectations.

Establishing clear expectations from the beginning helps avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Discuss guidelines for chores, cleaning schedules, noise levels, overnight guests, and shared expenses. Creating a shared house agreement can serve as a reference point and ensure everyone understands their responsibilities. Whilst it is unlikely to have perfectly tidy, Marie Kondo-obsessed housemates, we are all allowed to have basic needs met by others, especially those who we live with. Be direct and honest about your standard of living, and make sure your housemates meet your basic expectations. If they are not willing to budge, perhaps consider a different living arrangement.

Respect Personal Space

It goes unsaid, we all need time to ourselves, no matter how chummy we are with our housemates. Respecting each other's personal space is crucial in maintaining a positive living environment. Acknowledging the personal space of others creates a stronger, more respectful relationship. Whilst direct communication is important, being able to read body language and ‘read the room’ is just as crucial. The people-pleasers among us may not be able to tell you directly; “hey, as much as I love this convo, I’m tired and I need some space”. Paying attention to others will allow you to create space, even when un-asked. Understand that everyone has different preferences and boundaries. Make an effort to keep common areas clean and tidy, respect quiet hours, and be mindful of each other's schedules. A considerate approach goes a long way in keeping the peace.

Establish Boundaries

While fostering a sense of community is important, it's equally crucial to establish personal boundaries. Clearly communicate your need for personal space, quiet time, or privacy. Encourage your roommates to express their boundaries as well. By respecting each other's limits, you can maintain a healthy and balanced living environment. By having strong and firm boundaries, we can open ourselves up to better relationships and opportunities. When we give ourselves what we need to thrive, we are better equipped to help others. Also, striving to be the ‘chilled one’ in the group, the laid-back friend, only creates room for boundaries to be pushed by others. Be confident in what you need, and don’t allow others to take advantage. The coolest person in the room is the one who knows what they need and want.

Some Quick Tips!

1. Divide Chores Fairly:

Create a system for dividing household chores fairly between housemates. This may involve rotating responsibilities, creating a chore chart, or using task management apps. Make sure everyone understands their roles and contributes to maintaining a clean and organized living space, fairly.

1. Be Financially Transparent:

Money can be a sensitive topic, but it's essential to address it openly in a shared house. Discuss how shared expenses such as rent, utilities, internet, and groceries will be split.

Consider using online platforms or apps such as Goodbudget, Snoop and ‘Daily Budget Original‘ to simplify expense tracking and ensure everyone pays their fair share promptly. Maintaining transparency and trust around financial matters helps prevent conflicts.

1. Have a Seamless Moving Experience:

To ease the stress of moving in, try to create a smooth transition from your old home, to your new place. At LOVESPACE, we aim to make your move easy. We collect your stuff right from your front door, store it in one of our secure storage facilities, then deliver it to any UK address when you’re ready.

1. Foster a Sense of Community:

Living in a shared house can be an opportunity to create a sense of community and build lasting friendships. Organise time to hang out so you can really get to know each other. Encourage open communication, respect each other's differences, and embrace the diversity of your household.

1. Be Responsible and Reliable:

Reliability is a key characteristic of a good housemate. Be responsible for your own actions and fulfill your commitments. Pay bills on time, complete assigned chores, and be mindful of shared resources. Demonstrating reliability and accountability helps build trust among roommates and creates a positive atmosphere.

Moving into a shared house for the first time can be an exciting adventure filled with new experiences and lifelong friendships. By following these tips and maintaining open communication, setting clear expectations, and fostering a respectful and considerate environment, you can ensure everyone is happy in the long term. Remember, it's the collective effort of all housemates that makes a shared house a truly wonderful home.