Moving into a house share in Perth is an exciting experience—new friends, shared dinners, and plenty of great memories ahead. But let’s be real—sharing a home also means sharing responsibility for keeping your stuff safe. Whether it’s your laptop, jewelry, or that emergency stash of Tim Tams (we all have one), you’ll want to take some simple precautions to protect your valuables. Here’s how you can keep your things secure without turning into a paranoid housemate.
Smart Storage: Keep It Out of Sight
The easiest way to keep valuables safe? Make sure they’re not just lying around for anyone to see. While most housemates are trustworthy, accidents happen—things get borrowed, misplaced, or worse, “accidentally” eaten (RIP to your favorite snacks). If you have cash, important documents, or pricey gadgets, invest in a small lockable storage box or a sturdy drawer with a key. Keeping your belongings tucked away reduces temptation and avoids unnecessary drama in your house share Perth experience.
Lock It Up: Simple Security Solutions
If your room doesn’t have a lock, it might be worth asking your landlord if one can be installed. A simple door lock can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re out and about a lot. For extra security, consider a small safe for things like passports, expensive jewelry, or any sentimental items you wouldn’t want to lose. If you have tech gadgets like laptops or cameras, a laptop lock (yes, those exist!) can be a game-changer. It’s a small investment that could save you a major headache.
Trust, But Set Boundaries
Living in a house share Perth means getting along with different personalities, and trust is key to a happy home. But trust doesn’t mean leaving your stuff unprotected and hoping for the best. Have a friendly chat with your housemates about shared spaces and respecting each other’s belongings. If something ever goes missing, avoid jumping to conclusions—misunderstandings happen. Open communication can prevent awkward situations and help keep the household vibe positive.
Emergency Preparedness in a House Share Perth
Living in a house share in Perth is all fun and games until an emergency happens—then it’s pure chaos if no one’s prepared. Whether it’s a power outage, a fire alarm blaring at 2 AM, or the sudden realization that no one paid the WiFi bill, it’s always good to have a plan. Emergencies don’t happen often, but when they do, knowing what to do can make all the difference. So, let’s go over some simple ways to make sure you and your housemates can handle anything that comes your way.
Fire Alarms and Exit Plans: Don’t Just Wing It
Nobody likes fire drills, but trust me, the last thing you want is to be clueless in an actual emergency. Take a few minutes to check where the fire exits are and make sure everyone knows how to get out quickly. If your house share has multiple floors, decide on a safe meeting point outside. Also, those smoke alarms? Don’t ignore them! Check that they’re working properly—because that burnt toast incident last week won’t be the last time it goes off.
First Aid Kit: More Than Just Band-Aids
Every house share in Perth should have a first aid kit that’s easy to find when you need it. Stock it with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, painkillers, and something for burns (because someone will definitely touch a hot pan at some point). If you or your housemates have allergies or medical conditions, make sure everyone knows where important medications are kept. You don’t have to be a trained doctor, but knowing how to handle small injuries can save a trip to the emergency room.
Emergency Contacts: Save Them Before You Need Them
How many of your housemates actually know who to call in an emergency? If the answer is “Umm…” then it’s time to fix that. Save important numbers like emergency services (000 in Australia), the landlord’s contact, and the nearest medical center in your phone. It’s also a good idea to have an emergency group chat with your housemates—so if something happens, you can alert everyone in one go. Bonus tip: add each other’s numbers under ICE (In Case of Emergency) so paramedics or responders can easily contact someone if needed.
Stranger Danger & Housemates: Staying Safe in a House Share Perth
Living in a house share in Perth is a great way to meet new people, make friends, and save money on rent. But let’s be honest—when you’re sharing a home with others, you don’t always have full control over who walks through the front door. Whether it’s a housemate’s friend crashing on the couch, a random date staying the night, or an unexpected visitor, knowing how to handle strangers in your shared home is important. Here’s how you can keep things safe without turning into the overly suspicious housemate.
House Rules: Who Can Bring Guests Over?
No one wants to feel like they need permission to have a friend over, but in a shared house, boundaries matter. It’s a good idea to have an open discussion with your housemates about visitors. Are overnight guests okay? Should people give a heads-up before bringing someone home? What about parties or extended stays? Having a simple agreement about guest rules can prevent awkward situations—like waking up to find a stranger in your kitchen making coffee with your last bit of oat milk.
Trust Your Gut: If It Feels Off, Speak Up
Not every guest will be a problem, but sometimes you might get a bad feeling about someone. If a visitor seems sketchy, overly nosy, or just makes you uncomfortable, trust your instincts. Let your housemates know if something doesn’t feel right, and don’t be afraid to set boundaries. If you ever feel unsafe, it’s totally okay to ask a housemate to be more mindful about who they invite over. Your home should be a place where you feel secure, not a constant mystery of who’s coming and going.
Lock Up & Stay Smart
When you’re living in a house share Perth, it’s easy to get too comfortable and assume everyone is looking out for each other’s stuff. But strangers don’t always play by housemate rules. Keep your valuables in a safe place, and always lock your door if you’re heading out or going to bed. If your house has a shared entryway, make sure everyone knows not to leave the front door unlocked. A simple habit like locking up at night can make a huge difference in keeping your home safe.
Best Home Insurance for Renters in a House Share Perth
When you move into a house share in Perth, you probably think about rent, bills, and maybe even how to split the grocery costs. But have you thought about home insurance? Most renters assume they don’t need it because the landlord has coverage—but here’s the catch: the landlord’s insurance only protects the building, not your stuff! If your laptop gets stolen, your clothes get ruined in a leak, or your bike disappears from the front yard, you’re on your own—unless you have renters’ insurance.
What Does Renters’ Insurance Actually Cover?
Think of renters’ insurance as a safety net for your belongings. It usually covers theft, accidental damage, and even some natural disasters (yes, even in sunny Perth). If your room gets broken into and your gadgets vanish, insurance can help replace them without draining your savings. Some policies even cover personal liability—so if you accidentally start a kitchen fire while trying to cook something fancy, you won’t be stuck paying for all the damage.
Choosing the Right Insurance for a Shared House
Finding the right insurance for a house share Perth setup can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Some policies only cover individuals, meaning each housemate needs their own plan, while others offer shared coverage for multiple people under one roof. If you’re going for individual coverage, make sure your policy includes “contents insurance” to protect your personal belongings. If your housemates are on board for a joint policy, double-check that everyone’s stuff is covered—not just whoever’s name is on the lease.
Is Renters’ Insurance Expensive?
Good news—it’s usually pretty affordable! Depending on the level of coverage you choose, renters’ insurance in Perth can cost as little as a few dollars a week. That’s probably less than what you spend on coffee. And considering it could save you hundreds (or even thousands) if something goes wrong, it’s worth the small investment. Some insurers also offer flexible plans, so you’re not locked into a year-long commitment if you’re planning to move.
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