Whether you’re moving in with a friend or a stranger, many of the same issues will crop up and cause friction in your relationship. It’s important to deal with the issues as they occur because you will be spending a fair amount of time with this person (or people).
Here are some tips to handle your rooming situation:
Communicate and Compromise
The only way problems can be dealt with is if people communicate openly. Letting your roommate know when there’s a problem will make him/her aware of the problem and work with you towards correcting the situation. Some cases include discussing little habits they have that annoy you and letting them know if you’re going to have people over. It’s important to sit down with your roommate and work out what is bothering both of you and what each of you wants to see changed. This way, you can come to a compromise by setting boundaries and feel better living in your shared space as a result. Remember that some of the issues you bring up may be petty, so think hard about which ones are worth discussing. It’s best to do this in the early stages prior to the move.
Everyone has a different idea about doing chores because we’ve all been brought up differently. You should discuss the details of what is expected to be accomplished, such as:
- Cleaning the bathroom. What areas should be cleaned during every session? Which areas need to be cleaned only every second session? What products are best for your bathroom?
- Cleaning the dishes. In what instance is it okay to soak dishes? How long should you wait for hand washed dishes to dry on the rack before replacing them in the cupboards?
- Dusting and Vacuuming. Which areas need to be cleaned at every session? Which areas are off-limits? Which materials and products should be used?
Do Some of the Chores
No one likes to do chores, but people are more willing to do them if they’re shared. If you don’t have a dishwasher, then do the dishes after dinner with one person washing and the other drying. That way, everyone’s doing their part, the dishes aren’t piling up, and any tension is avoided.
Alternating between tasks will motivate you and your roommate, but in this instance, it’s best to create a chart and designate a person to each task and week. With everything laid out and structured, there will be less confusion and arguments about who did the chores “last time”. It may help to actually check off the chore and initial it on the chart to confirm that you accomplished it.
Create a Roommate Agreement
Some people like knowing what they can and cannot do, so having the information written out provides a good layout they can understand and remember. Knowing how often cleaning should be done or what habits you’ll have to change will allow roommates to effectively plan their schedules and avoid arguments over details. Everything is in writing, so there will be fewer accusations thrown around about what you and your roommates said.
The professionals at Focused Moving can’t guarantee that you’ll have the perfect living arrangement after following all these tips, but we can guarantee expert moving services to get you to your new accommodations. We offer moving services within Toronto and Canada, as well as cross border and overseas. For more information on how we can help you, contact us today and ask about our groupage services!
