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Moving in to a new place with new roommates (one is my friend) what are some things we could do to avoid drama and have the best living situation possible?
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Anonymous 14w

Establish open communication and house rules quickly. This includes figuring out how to collect rent and utilities from everyone. Basically hold a meeting with everyone to work out any specifics before they have a chance to become a problem

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Anonymous 14w

need rules for everything that everyone agrees to. otherwise you'll start to hate eachother because one loaded the dishwasher incorrectly or is loud when they get up early, and being pissed off impedes effective communication. no matter how chill u and your friend are, you'll still end up bitter at eachother over some house shit, just bc its stressful to live with others. my best friend and i are on a break from living together right now 😅 i do prefer it to living w a stranger though

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Anonymous 14w

like the other comments said, definitely establish house rules, a chore list, etc. asap!!!! Also maybe schedule recurring “family” meetings because it gives you all a set opportunity for open communication and having to talk something out would feel less awkward. But fs come to an agreement between all of you that if an issue does arise that has to do with sharing a living environment, IT IS NOT PERSONAL! :)

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Anonymous 14w

Type up a living agreement with your roommates outlining the terms of shared living arrangements with house rules, clarified responsibilities, and set expectation for expenses, chores, and guest policies. It’s not legally binding but if you have everyone sign and agree to it and make copy’s it could help during your lease agreement.

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Anonymous 14w

Talk about anything bothering you (nicely) so your roommates know not to do certain things. I like to say ‘hey don’t do that because (reason, feelings, etc)’ then not act too upset about it and try not to make them feel bad

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Anonymous replying to -> #2 14w

also when something comes up that irritates you and you want to bring it up, like "hey please dont leave food scraps in the sink again it's nasty" wait a bit to let your emotions cool off and bring it up later, when both parties are in a neutral space. ie dont text someone while theyre at work or class and stress them out, also let your emotions cool off. this was the biggest thing with my roommate and i we kept ruining eachothers days with pissy texts that could've waited til we were calm

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Anonymous replying to -> #3 14w

Also mark your furniture with a dot of paint/nail polish/ or marker in a hiding spot of it so when you move out or someone takes something to use/borrow, you have proof it’s yours. My friend and I have different theme pans/pots and dishes- and plastic dishes that are different colored from each other to avoid confusion or conflict about who’s dishes are who’s and it plays into our clean your own dishes rule.

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