As most people who live alone will tell you, living with a roommate can be too much to handle. Whether it's the first experience of off-campus housing during college or moving in with someone you're dating and not quite knowing what to expect, there is a lot of stress associated with sharing a living space. Unfortunately, the current financial state of things makes living alone even more expensive--and impossible--than ever before, so most people are having to bite the bullet and try to find the best roommates around.
Unfortunately, sometimes this can be tough, and not just in superficial ways. For every bad roommate story that's just about something like dirty dishes, there's another that directly relates to home security. Roommates, of course, get a bad reputation for stealing, letting strangers into the house too often, and throwing raging parties that neglect a regard for other's belongings. But a little bit of communication and preventative measures when on the search for housemates can prevent a whole world of hurting. And all of those bad experiences, fortunately, are good for something, as they give people the background needed when looking out for potential trouble.
First and foremost, do not assume that just because someone is a good friend or significant other, that they will be a good roommate. It is silly to think that couples should always move in together, especially when they aren't on the fast track to marriage, because sometimes it is better to learn and grow together, but apart--at least as far as living goes. And while your best friend might always remember your birthday or be there with you at last call, this will start to matter less and less as she forgets to set the home alarm system, is consistently late with her share of the rent, and keeps you up all night with her hard-partying ways. Just because you know and like someone does not mean that you need to live with them.
But you do, obviously, need to live with someone. So how to get along with those you do end up sharing a space with? Like most things in life, communication is key. You have to be clear on expectations: the day the rent is due, the day that bills are due and how they are split, what the situation is with groceries, and how many nights a week overnight guests are allowed. This is the best way for a household to get along, and this is also helpful for maintaining morale and also preserving home security. After all, if you always have enough money for expenses, know who is coming and going, and have an open line for communication, there's not much left to go wrong.
By far, aside from not paying rent, the two biggest complaints people seem to have about roommates is the mooching significant other or the excessive party thrower. Prevent both by laying down ground rules: a cap on evenings that a non-housemate can spend the night should handle mooching boyfriends, and making it clear that huge parties are a nonnegotiable can prevent those home security nightmares that come with hundreds of strangers trampling your home and digging through your stuff. Just in case, though, it's always good to invest in a padlock or dead bolt for the door to your personal room.
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