7 Things You Should Consider When Moving in with Friends

It is a well-known fact that moving in with friends can be an exciting and adventurous step, filled with promises of unforgettable memories and shared experiences. It’s an opportunity to create a home with people who know you well and with whom you have a special bond. However, before embarking on this new chapter of communal living, it’s essential to consider a few crucial factors to ensure a smooth transition and maintain the harmony of your friendship.

two friends talking and laughing overlay
July 26, 2023 Posted in Moving Tips

Among the most important things you need to consider before moving in with friends are compatibility in terms of lifestyle and cleanliness, communication and conflict resolution skills, financial responsibilities, division of chores, respect for personal space, and the potential impact on your friendship.

#1 Compatibility and Communication are Important When Moving In With Your Friends

Cross-country moving to a new state is an overwhelming and stressful experience, and it can be equally overwhelming if you are relocating alone or moving in with friends. There are a lot of things you need to do and consider before you move – from house hunting and job searching to hiring cross-country movers and doing all the relocation organization.

And if you are relocating with friends, your compatibility and communication are two of the most important factors to consider. Living together means sharing a space, routines, and responsibilities. It’s crucial to discuss expectations and ensure that your lifestyles and preferences align.

Open and honest communication is vital for addressing any potential conflicts or misunderstandings that may arise. By understanding each other’s needs and maintaining clear channels of communication, you can create a harmonious living environment and strengthen your friendship throughout the moving process and beyond.

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Discussing Lifestyle Habits, Cleanliness, and Personal Preferences

Moving in with a roommate checklist must include an open and honest discussion about lifestyle habits, cleanliness, and personal preferences. Everyone has different routines and standards when it comes to cleanliness and organization. It’s important to address these topics upfront to avoid potential conflicts down the road. Discuss how you prefer to maintain the shared living space, establish a cleaning schedule, and determine expectations for tidiness and organization.

Considering Schedules and Routines

Another crucial aspect to consider when living with friends is the compatibility of schedules and routines. Each person may have different work hours, hobbies, or commitments that can impact the daily flow of the household. It’s vital to discuss schedules and routines to ensure that everyone’s needs are taken into account. Find a balance that allows for individual activities and downtime while also accommodating shared responsibilities.

Two roommates talking
Make sure you are on the same page before you start living together

Discussing Expectations, Boundaries, and House Rules

Clear communication regarding expectations, boundaries, and house rules is key to a successful living arrangement with friends. It’s important to discuss and establish guidelines for various aspects of communal living, such as noise levels, guests, sharing of common spaces, and responsibilities. By setting these boundaries early on, you can prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts. Make sure everyone’s input is heard and take the time to find common ground.

Two girls talking
All the big issues must be addressed before relocation

#2 Go Over Financial Considerations

Before you decide where to move and start with a relocation organization, it is crucial to discuss finances with your friend. Figuring out who will pay for what is something you don’t want to do after you relocate. Relocating to a new home is stressful enough – you don’t want to add financial misunderstandings to the mix.

Determine How Expenses Will Be Divided

If you got used to live on your own, now you will have to get used to sharing both obligations and responsibilities. Sit down with your friends and discuss how you will split rent, utilities, groceries, and other shared costs. Consider everyone’s financial situation and come up with a fair and transparent system that works for everyone. Whether you decide to split expenses equally or based on income levels, establishing clear guidelines will help avoid misunderstandings and potential conflicts down the line.

If you are relocating to a new city, take into consideration how big life expenditures are in that city of choice and plan your budget accordingly. You can go on the Numbeo website and see the average costs of living in your city of choice.

Plan For Unexpected Expenses and Emergencies

Financial planning should also include preparing for unexpected expenses and emergencies. Situations such as medical emergencies or sudden home repairs can strain your finances if you’re not adequately prepared. Discuss with your friends how you will handle such unforeseen circumstances. It’s a good idea to set aside emergency funds or create a contingency plan to address these situations.

Calculator and money
make a precise budget and stick to it

#3 Talk about Personal Space and Boundaries

Maintaining personal space and boundaries is crucial when living with another person, and it’s something you need to consider whether you are relocating for love or with your best buddy. Start by identifying individual preferences and discussing how to accommodate them within the shared living environment. This includes setting boundaries regarding the use of common areas, quiet hours, and personal belongings. Clearly establish guidelines for respecting each other’s belongings and living spaces, and discuss rules for borrowing and lending personal items.

Now is also a good time to discuss and organize your packing. Sit down and make an inventory list of items you two plan to keep, and cross all duplicates you may have. Get rid of all the items that will get in the way; for example, if both of you have a sofa, only bring one, preferably one in better condition. Do the same when packing dishes and other items. Not only that your packing will be efficient, but you will save on relocation costs this way as well.

#4 Communicate About Household Chores and Responsibilities

No matter if you are relocating to an apartment or house, you and your roommate will have to share chores and responsibilities regarding maintaining that household. Discuss how tasks will be divided and create a system that works for everyone. Consider individual strengths and preferences when assigning specific chores. Regularly communicate and check in to ensure that responsibilities are being fulfilled and to address any issues or adjustments that may be needed.

Discussing and Dividing Household Chores

Nobody likes to do house chores, but they have to be done. So how to divide household chores so everybody is happy?

Start by creating a comprehensive list of tasks that need to be done regularly. Discuss each roommate’s strengths, preferences, and availability when assigning responsibilities. Consider rotating or alternating chores to ensure fairness. Regularly communicate and check in to address any issues or adjustments that may be needed. By having clear and open conversations about household chores, you can establish a system that works for everyone and promotes a balanced distribution of responsibilities.

Woman holding cleaning supplies
Divide and conquer is the best strategy for household chores

Addressing Cleaning Standards and Expectations

Cleaning standards and expectations can vary among roommates, which can lead to conflicts if not addressed. Have a conversation about what constitutes a clean living space and establish agreed-upon cleaning standards. Discuss expectations for cleanliness in shared areas, such as the kitchen, bathroom, and common spaces. Clarify guidelines for tidiness, organization, and cleanliness frequency. Additionally, talk about preferred cleaning methods, products, and any specific requirements.

#5 Consider Each Other’s Idea of Socializing

Interstate relocation brings a lot of challenges, and one of those is adjusting to a new town and, most importantly, finding new friends. And even though this whole adjustment period will be much easier when going through with someone you know, you still need to consider your roommate’s feelings and preferences regarding socializing.

People have different preferences and comfort levels when it comes to socializing and having guests over. It’s crucial to discuss and understand each other’s expectations and boundaries regarding social activities within the shared living space. Consider factors such as noise levels, frequency of guests, and guidelines for hosting gatherings. By finding common ground and respecting each other’s preferences, you can create an environment that allows for both personal space and social interaction, fostering a positive and harmonious living experience.

Friends laughing
Respect each other boundaries regarding socializing

#6 Exchange Views on Safety and Security

Safety and security should be a top priority when relocating. Take the time to exchange views on safety measures and discuss any concerns or precautions that should be taken. This includes discussing locking procedures, fire safety, and emergency protocols. It’s important to establish guidelines for ensuring the security of the living space, such as not sharing keys or personal security codes with unauthorized individuals.

A man entering code on home safe
Never share security codes with people you don't know

#7 Ensure You Hire One Long Distance Moving Company to Help You with Relocation

Organizing and arranging long-distance moving can be a real nightmare, and if you wish to have stress-free relocation, the best would be to hire one long-distance moving company to relocate you and your buddy at the same time. This way, your belongings will be packed on a truck and delivered to your new location at the same time. Not only that you get to share expenditures for long-distance moving services, but you will actually save a lot of money if you hire one company to move you and your roommate.

Hire Long Distance Movers That Can Help You Both Move Without a Fuss

When searching for long-distance movers near me, make sure you book the ones that can offer you special deals and provide you with all the services you may need down the road. For example, Trico Long Distance Movers is a moving company that also offers car shipping services, so if you and your buddy decide to road trip to your new location, you can ship one car and drive another one.

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Moving in with Friends Will Be a Start of a Great Adventure

Moving in with friends is not only a practical choice but also the beginning of a great adventure. It offers the opportunity to create a shared living space filled with laughter, shared experiences, and unforgettable memories. By considering important factors such as compatibility, communication, financial considerations, personal space, socializing preferences, safety, and security, you can lay the foundation for a harmonious and fulfilling living arrangement.

Additionally, enlisting the help of a long-distance moving company can ease the logistical challenges and ensure a smooth transition. Contact Trico Long Distance Movers today and get a free quote for your upcoming move. Get ready to embark on an exciting adventure together!

FAQ

What should I do if conflicts arise between roommates?

When conflicts arise, it’s important to address them openly and calmly. Engage in honest and respectful communication to understand each other’s perspectives. Consider compromise, mediation, or involving a neutral third party if needed.

How can we ensure equal division of household expenses?

Establish a clear and transparent system for dividing expenses. Consider factors like income levels and individual preferences. Regularly review and adjust the arrangement as necessary to ensure fairness and avoid financial strain.

What happens if one roommate wants to move out?

If a roommate wants to move out, discuss the situation openly and respectfully. Determine how the remaining roommates will handle the financial and logistical aspects of the change. Consider finding a replacement or negotiating new arrangements.

How can we maintain a healthy balance between friendship and roommate dynamics?

Maintaining a healthy balance requires open communication and respect for each other’s boundaries. Establish guidelines for personal space, socializing, and household responsibilities. Regularly check in with each other to address any issues or concerns that may arise.

Daisy Wilson

Daisy was born in Salt Lake City and in her free time, she writes about moving and watches Charmed.

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