[CHAT] Living with others

Be mindful of chopping boards that are already out. One of my housemates was about to use a chopping board I had just used as she saw me cutting veggies on it, but what she failed to see was that I put my raw meat on it to season it. I pretty much yell NO at her. Hahaha.

Don't assume that something is safe to use if it is already out.

Hey guys, thanks for tonight. Thanks @ruenhonx and @hartley_ for facilitating. Hopefully I haven't scared off too many people with my stories of horrible housemates.

@j95 wow that is so close, whoever that is that yelled out is so awesome, can't imagine what damage would have happened. Yikes!

Thanks for that awesome summary @hartley_ and thanks everyone for coming and sticking with us till the end, you are all champs.

Have a great night and a great week. Happy living 🙂

I was thinking to keep the peace right I'd have my own TV, fridge, Internet and key and then I wont be annoyed. Would that work?

@ruenhonx
It depends who you live with - some people are happy to share the big things but get cranky about lil things! But i think as long as you are mindful of whose things are whose it should be ok

So we have all agreed that gross, stinky, borrowing, food thieving, bathroom creeping housemates are the worst! The best ways we have found to combat our problems with house mates/notreallymates is with open communication! Telling them straight up, calmly and casually that its not okay to steal your favourite mug, to leave mouldy mould all through the fridge and to touch your beloved phone charger (just don’t!)

 

We have also agreed that you can learn a lot from housemates whether they are good or bad, you learn about effective communication, to respect and enjoy diversity, that leaving passive aggressive notes isnt always the best way (even though its pretty funny at the time) and what you need to do personally to get some space and have time to yourself and prevent an explosion. Taking time out, having some you time, having an escape and being able to remove yourself from bad situations or living arrangements is key to keeping sane while living with others.

 

Being open to diversity, communication and experiences while standing your ground and speaking up for yourself will have you on your way to enjoying the time you spend with housemates and people that could possibly become friends for life!

 

 

Thanks for joining us and sharing your tips and hilarious stories! If you need some more tips on living with others check out our fact sheets living with housemates, tips for living out of home and stop by the forums, we are always up for a good chat!

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

@EloiseRose in the house!

 

yes that sums it up perfectly!

So for those like me who are still in the comfort of family (sometimes) and want to move into a new environment

What is one tip you would give to someone moving into a shared house?

Tip:
-Be prepared for anything!
-Brush up on your negotiation skills.
-Set your boundaries.
-Find out how the cleaning is done in the house, how the bills are split, whether the house does combined groceries or not. And how they go about communal items such as dish washing liquid, toilet paper, cleaning agents.

Sus out food allergies or any allergies for that matter.

Treat your housemates how you would like to be treated.

Also, keep your alcohol in your room. It will start disappearing otherwise.

@stonepixie
super great points!!!
also be ok with spending time in your room! haha .
Learning that not everyone likes to chat after their day is important haha

@EloiseRose yep that's me, I like to have my space after a long day so I'm sure other people feel the same.

Stick to your guns about your morals. You have a right to be respected and not made fun of. There will probably be peer pressure.

Having said that, I do let things slide as it is just not worth the argument and doesn't effect me that much. Mainly stuff that I can just brush off my shoulders.

Thanks guys such helpful information although @stonepixie you kind of freaked me out for a moment like I have to do all that stuff...I dont want to poison anyone so I will definitely ask 🙂

Don't want to be responsible for someones hospital visit @ruenhonx

That is usually one of the first things I ask when someone moves in. "Do you have any allergies that I should know about?"

Most people are shocked that I ask that as I am the first person to ever ask them, but better safe than sorry.

Agreed @stonepixie and its such a smart idea too. I wouldn't be shocked but like very appreciative because that means you will cook for me 😄

I've got 4 and a half years experience with living in shared accommodation, so you want to hope that I have some good points.

What is one tip you would give to someone moving into a shared house?

 

Be open minded, anything can happen! anyone can end up being an awesome friend that you wouldnt of been able to get to know otherwise, and anyone can suprise you with awesome and not so awesome living habits !

Being open to people and with your communication

Also knowing what you want from housemates and not being afraid to speak up about what you want and need in the house too (after all you are paying rent too!)

 

Hey @EloiseRose lovely to have you 🙂