Every move comes with its own, unique set of challenges. This is doubly true if you are in a season of life where you need to take on a roommate. Even though moving in with friends can seem like a preferable solution to sharing a house with someone you don’t know, it can also come with unique challenges. Before putting ink to paper on new lease, do yourself a favor and make sure that this is the right move for you and your friend by looking at our list!
Do Your Lifestyles Match?
Even if you’re moving in with someone that you have a great time with on the weekends, it’s important to take stock of how day-to-day life compares for you and your friend. Although, it can be comforting to move in with someone you already have a good rapport with, it also can put pressure on you to hangout more. Try and make sure that you are moving in with a friend who likes to do similar things and won’t pressure you to change your lifestyle.
Make Sure The Finances Fit
With any roommate situation, it’s vital to make sure that you and your roommate pick a home that doesn’t stretch either of your budgets thin. Sometimes, when it’s a friend, there is more pressure to pretend you can afford a place that is out of your range, so make sure you both have the conversation about what your maximum amount you want to spend is before you start looking to avoid this pitfall.
Discuss Furniture
Before your move, get together and discuss what furniture you each have and what you are intending to bring. Although, it may seem obvious to you that a certain couch or chair is superior, there may be sentimental aspects to be aware of with your friend’s things. Also, if you are considering hiring movers, try and take a large amount of heavy furniture from one person if possible. Since most movers charge by the hour and even the trucks cost more gas, you can save money if you only have to use movers to go to one place versus two.
Cleanliness Matters
One of the easiest place for resentment to build in any roommate situation is in the area of cleanliness. Before you move in, make sure to not only have conversations about cleaning habits, but also leverage your friendship to spend some time at their current place so you can see how the two of you match up. Even if there is a gap, that doesn’t mean that you’re a necessarily a bad match. Consider discussing getting a slightly cheaper place and spending that extra money on hiring a cleaning person. The key is to have the knowledge and conversation beforehand so that it doesn’t create a wedge in your friendship.
Set Clear Boundaries
Especially when it comes to friends, it’s very easy to tell yourself it’s no big deal to borrow that egg or drink a bottle of wine, but this can be an area that creates rifts when you live together. Make sure to discuss this and be clear about what you’re comfortable with before moving. Also, figure out what you both consider quiet time and when visitors are allowed over. By covering all these details, you’re protecting your home as well as your friendship.
Look At The Lease
When friends are involved, it’s much easier to get talked into situations that you wouldn’t normally get into with someone you don’t have a friendship with. The first, and most important thing, is make sure that both of your names are on the lease. Make sure you are splitting deposits evenly, just like you would in any other roommate situation. Also, don’t trust one friend to look at the lease, make sure that you both read it carefully and look for things that need to be clarified or changed independently so that you both feel confident in signing your names.