Embrace the Share House Adventure

So, you’ve decided to go on a new share house adventure, and you want it to be fantastic! Our guide to being a wonderful housemate will help you make sure you’re everyone’s favourite, whether you’ve shared before or this is your first time.

10 Tips for how to be a great housemate:

Each of us is unique, and we deal with the excitement, fun, and unavoidable issues of shared housing in our own unique ways. So, before you move into your new share house, make a list of your personal expectations.

Another reason having a baseline of good behaviours helps is that you’ll know what’s deemed “acceptable” in the lovely world of house sharing if you’re called out on anything you’ve done (or haven’t!) — or if you want to call out your roommate.

1. Always pay rent and bills on time

Even though it should go without saying, it’s not unheard of for a housemate to be a bit short on rent day. Please don’t allow this happen to you!

2. Be open to being mates

If the first rule is to pay on time, the second rule is to be nice. You don’t have to be best friends with your flatmates, but being open to establishing real friends with them can help you get over the inevitable potholes on the road ahead.

3. Respect others’ privacy

Perhaps you enjoy sharing personal stories, but your roommate does not. You may enjoy it when your flatmates pop into your room for a catch-up over a cold drink, but they may not welcome the same “intrusion.” Respecting your flatmates’ various limits surrounding privacy — both personal privacy and private areas — sends a strong message.

4. Consider their schedules

You don’t need to be reminded to stay quiet when your flatmates are asleep since you already anticipate it! Unfortunately, the nature of share housing means you’ll almost certainly wake each other up at some time. But calendars aren’t just for sleeping: keep track of your flatmates’ activities so you know when they’re having friends around for dinner and want the apartment to themselves, or when they’re recovering from a night out and need some peace and quiet.

5. Follow the cleaning roster/schedule

When you first move in, be sure you know the rules for cleaning your shared house. Then listen to what your flatmates have to say. Perform your best to do what’s expected of you when it’s necessary of you, whether you have a planned cleaning day, a rotating roster, or specialised chores, and you’ll keep everyone happy.

6. Ask before you take

This idea is especially applicable to your flatmate’s food, as a shared fridge might seem like an invitation when you’re hungry and haven’t been to the store in a while. But, for everything from video games to bikes and boards to valued home objects, asking first is a smart idea. All it takes is a brief chat or SMS!

7. Share!

What exactly is that remark? Do unto others as you would like to be treated… Sharing if you wish to create an atmosphere of openness and kindness in your share house. Of course, there are certain things you won’t share, but where it’s feasible and enjoyable, offer your flatmates everything you’re comfortable with, from food and beverages to that extra movie ticket. Your kindness will undoubtedly rub off on them as well!

8. Take responsibility

It’s all too easy to fall into the habit of assuming, “Oh, someone else will do it,” when you share a house. That’s how bins get up on the street for a week and residences end up with unlocked doors all day. Take an extra minute to accept responsibility and double-check that all that has to be done has been done, for the good of everyone. What if it hasn’t been completed? Make it happen!

9. Know your boundaries, and make them known

We noted at the beginning of this article that these suggestions should apply to your flatmates just as much as they do to you: no one wants to be the stereotypical share home doormat. It’s only reasonable to expect your flatmates to respect your boundaries, so make sure you’re aware of them and that you convey them to your roommates. You’ll be able to respect each other in ways that are appropriate for each of you.

10. Start a share house tradition

Starting a new custom, whether it’s Taco Tuesday or an annual Christmas Eve movie marathon (or both!), is a great way to make your place feel more like a home and your flatmates feel more like friends.