At some point in our lives, it’s inevitable that we’ll have to share a confined space with other people, whether a crowded office or a flat in an entirely new country. Despite this fact of life, there’s guaranteed to be at least someone who always forgets to wash up their mug or dirty dishes from the night before. Compared to office-life though, it is an inescapable truth that you’ll see your ‘flat-family’ every morning and evening as there’s no nine-to-five clock off. Navigating the realms of co-living can be a tricky aspect of day-to-day life. But worry not, despite these ‘big-move’ tensions, mid to long-term rental specialist, Spotahome, has compiled a few tips and tricks to ensure that no matter how different you may be to your co-living friends, your living situation will remain harmonious and happy. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or you’ve recently made the move to a new city, a shared house is likely to be the most preferable option when looking for a living space with its convenience and security. The only problem you may encounter is ‘getting along’ with your flatmates, particularly if you’re moving to a new country – a combination of differing habits, interests, and cultures might cause a bump in the road.
Communication
First things first, don’t forget to talk. It may sound obvious but communicating with your housemates is the best way to ensure everyone knows what’s going on, and what’s expected of each other. Sit down together at the start of your tenancy, make yourselves a hot drink, and check people are clear on the rules of living together. Don’t spontaneously invite large groups of people over, don’t hog the bathroom, and perhaps most important of all, do your washing up. If you start the tenancy off knowing what everyone expects of each other, you’re definitely going to have a much better time settling in.
Get chatting
With moving nerves aplenty, it might be tempting to lock yourself away in your room. Instead, spend some time getting to know your housemates, from their likes and dislikes of their favorite films and music taste. Depending on how your tenancy goes, your new housemates, although having started as complete strangers, could become your lifelong friends. Do things together, explore the area, go out on day trips. Living with new people may be difficult, but you should soon have a house full of friends to come home to every day.
Compromise
Finally, enjoy yourself! Ultimately, living in a shared house is a wonderful experience, if only a temporary one. Enjoy it while it lasts, and hopefully, despite any anxieties you may have had initially, the end will involve tearful farewells, and you will have created friendships to last a lifetime.