You may be thinking about whether you should look for roommates, regardless of whether you’re moving to a new place after a successful job or going to college for the first. It all comes down to personal preference, but most often living with others has more benefits than disadvantages. Greenbar Secure Storage can help you decide if a roommate is right for you.
The pros of living with roommates
Although it may not be for everyone, living with roommates has many benefits. There are many reasons to consider living with roommates, including the possibility of reducing your monthly bills and having someone to share those Sunday afternoons with.
Save Money
Living with roommates has the greatest perk: you will save money. You’ll save money on rent and utilities by splitting them among the family members. Additionally, you can take turns buying essentials like toilet paper and cleaning supplies. It’s possible to save money on furniture, cooking utensils and other large purchases if you live alone. You’ll be able to share the financial burden with more people.
Home chores shared
Living with roommates has another great advantage: you can split the household chores. Everybody should do their part in keeping the common areas clean. This could include washing dishes, vacuuming floors, wiping down counters once per week, and sweeping the floors. The best thing is that you can trade with your roommates if you don’t enjoy doing a particular chore. Are you a terrible dishwasher operator but are willing to sweep up the kitchen floor once a week? Make a deal!
Companionship and Convenience
It’s great to be able to spend time with your loved ones, but a roommate can bring you companionship when you really need it. Even if you are just sitting down together to watch a TV show or sharing funny videos from across the room to one another, having someone to share your space with can help you overcome loneliness. Roommates can be a great way for you to make friends and get to know the local scene if you are moving to a new place.
A roommate can be a great resource to turn to when you are in dire need. You want to explore a new park, restaurant or event, but you don’t feel like going on your own? There’s someone right across the hall who can help you. A roommate is a great option if you are going out of town and need someone to take you to the airport, or to look after your plants or pets while you’re gone.
How to Reduce Conflict
No matter how bad your roommate experience was, or how many times you have seen the signs of a poor roommate situation on TV, everyone knows that there will be conflict when sharing space with others. This is normal, but there are steps you can take that will help to reduce the stress and resolve the situation quickly.
- Make “House Rules”. Although it may sound silly, creating house rules is an important first step in avoiding conflict. It should be done at the beginning of your lease. You and your roommates can agree on the hours you will be available, what guests are allowed to visit, when showers will take place, and other details so that you know what to expect.
- Create a Budget: Everyone is responsible for their own expenses. It’s essential to establish a budget that everyone can stick to. This will ensure that no one is taking on more financial responsibility because a roommate didn’t keep their word. It also allows for flexibility in case of extenuating circumstances.
- Communicate with: It’s important to communicate openly with your roommates, especially when it comes to behaviors that bother you. Avoiding the consequences of your actions or inactions can lead to more conflict. It’s better to communicate with your roommates early on, before things become a routine. You can agree to disagree with your roommate on certain things. However, it is okay to take actions to avoid conflict.
How to keep your privacy with your roommates
Living with others can lead to a reduction in privacy because you share common areas and possessions. Here are some tips to help you keep your boundaries in check.
- Respect and Set Boundaries: Discuss your preferences with your roommates. This could include things like how clean you prefer the common areas to be, who will use the appliances or furniture you have provided, who has access and control over your space, and guest rules. These things will help you ensure that your belongings and you are treated the way you want them to.
- Always ask before borrowing: If you have to borrow something from a roommate, make sure to first ask! It doesn’t matter how small the request may seem, it is important to get permission from the owner before you use something they own. They may have rules or preferences about how you should use it.
- Keep things separate. It is easy for stuff to get in the space of your roommate and vice versa.
- Discuss your Schedules: Everyone needs some alone time, no matter how introverted or not. Talk to your roommates about your schedule so that you can plan some time for yourself and your favorite TV shows without worrying about being interrupted.
Your Greenbar Secure Storage Facility will store excess belongings
If you don’t take care, it can be very difficult to share your living space with another person. You can coordinate with your roommates to determine who will be providing what pieces of furniture, appliances, or other necessities, so that you don’t end up with duplicates. If you feel your couch is too big or awkward to store, don’t worry! You can use a self-storage unit instead.
This post was written by a professional at Greenbar Secure Storage. Greenbar Secure Storage has a wide range of storage units available in Prineville, Oregon. They offer a variety, including ground-level access, security cameras, 24/7 accessibility, and parking spaces. Locally owned and operated, we are the best choice for convenient and clean self storage Redmond Oregon region. All of our commercial storage clients accept deliveries from businesses.