TorontoRentals
Whether it’s the love of your life, your BFF, or a random you meet on Craigslist, everyone has to live with someone at some point. Nowadays, with rent as high as it is, it’s a great idea in order to save some money. More and more young professionals are jumping at the opportunity to split rent.
Unfortunately, it’s not as easy as you might imagine to just jump right into a new living arrangement, so here are four ways you can ease the waters and make the transition as simple as possible.
Start by making house rules together
Do you have to be in bed at 10 pm every night so you can wake up at 6? Do you need to work in a large space at home, or can you work in your room? Do you share a Netflix account? Will you buy groceries together? Be sure to hammer out all these questions before moving in with someone so you can get a good idea of what to expect in the future. If you both come to an agreement about some house rules, everything is going to be much easier to work with.
Choose a cleaning schedule ASAP
While house rules are important, one of the most neglected and argued-over aspects of living with another person is how the chores will be divvied up. Do you hate cleaning the bathroom, but really don’t mind dishes? Tell them.
The sooner both of you come to a suitable arrangement that you can both live with, the happier you’ll both be – and the cleaner your apartment will be, too!
Use this opportunity to downsize
Having a tiny Toronto apartment full of extra furniture and appliances and linens doesn’t make much sense. Now is the time to assess what you both own and see what you can both get rid of. Every dollar counts, and if you can get $100 for that old dining table you don’t need anymore, all the better!
Choose your ‘must haves’
Not only in terms of physical items (I need my blanket!), but also in terms of non-negotiables. If you need peace and quiet on Saturdays, let them know. If you need some warning if your roommate is bringing a date home, let them know.
It’s important that you feel safe and comfortable in your own home! Of course, also encourage that your roommate tell you the same thing, so you can both live harmoniously.
