Tips For Sharing A 2-Bedroom Apartment

Living with a roommate in a 2-bedroom apartment can be frustrating, whether you're rooming with a stranger or your best friend. You've probably had those nights when your roommate comes home at 3 a.m., and you're trying to sleep—or when you come home to a messy kitchen because your roommate didn't clean up after themselves. Then there are the roommates who just don't respect your space. It can be really frustrating when you don't see eye-to-eye.

But sharing an apartment doesn't have to be a source of stress. When you and your roommate are on the same page, you can save money and enjoy more living space.

Have An Open And Honest Conversation About Expectations 

Start things off with an honest conversation about how you want to live. Talk through the basics, from whether you’ll each buy your own groceries to how you like to spend your alone time.

If you need quiet time to recharge or want to keep all your belongings in your own room, say so early on. Clear house rules help avoid conflicts and make it easier to respect personal space and be a good roommate.

Split Up Chores And Responsibilities Evenly

Without a clear system, resentment can occur, especially if there are continual conflicts. Here are a few tips to mitigate that:

• Make a chore list and rotate responsibilities weekly.
• Respect each other’s boundaries in shared spaces like the kitchen and living room.
• Schedule regular check-ins with good communication.
• Let the other know if scheduling conflicts or issues arise ahead of time.

Even best friends need structure to stay friends.

Clearly Define Living Arrangements 

Living with a roommate can be exciting, but it’s crucial to define how the space will be shared. That's why you'll need to talk through where furniture will go, how to divide storage, and what parts of the room or common area are off-limits. In addition, decide what stays in each person’s room and what’s shared, like the fridge or the couch.

Define And Respect Boundaries 

You can significantly reduce the likelihood of future issues by talking through your non-negotiables. If you need the apartment quiet by 10 p.m. or don’t want guests over during study hours, say so early on. From there, discuss what makes your space feel like a happy place.

Used Shared Spaces With Consideration For Other 

Shared spaces only work when everyone does their part. Leaving dishes on the counter, hair in the bathroom sink, or trash on the floor makes sharing an apartment stressful fast.

You should always be mindful of the mess you make and clean it up right away. Don’t let your laundry, your pet, or your groceries spill into someone else's space.

Talk Through Issues, Get On The Same Page

Personality differences can create tension fast if you don’t talk through issues as they come up. Maybe one of you needs quiet to sleep, while the other prefers late-night TV. Find a layout that gives you both room to breathe in a fabulous 2-bedroom apartment in Winnipeg from Globe Property Management.