16 Items That Could Potentially Improve Co-habitation with a Roommate
In the quest for a harmonious shared living environment, a few key household items and tools can help prevent conflicts and promote organization. Here are some recommendations that can make your shared living experience more enjoyable.
Firstly, a shared calendar, whether physical or digital, is an invaluable tool for tracking each other's schedules, chore rotations, and important dates. This ensures respect for each other's routines and time for chores or social activities.
Secondly, chore management tools such as apps like Flatify, allow roommates to assign tasks, set reminders, and keep score of completed chores. These apps also help split expenses for shared items or bills, which is a common source of conflict.
Thirdly, labelled storage containers and organizers can prevent confusion over ownership and keep shared spaces tidy. Fridge organizers, Ziplock bags, and fruit or veggie strainers help keep food items separated and clean.
A roommate agreement or house rules sheet outlining shared and personal boundaries, guest policies, and item use rights can clarify expectations upfront and reduce misunderstandings.
Communication tools such as apps or simple shared chat groups allow quick discussions or polls to resolve minor issues or plan household decisions without confrontation.
Other useful items include a sign that communicates clearly when words fail, a set of wardrobe dividers to help identify your clothes, a wall-mounted key rack to prevent key loss, and a set of waterproof reusable chalkboard labels to protect shared food items.
Sound-dampening adhesive stickers for doors and cabinets, a nylon cable management cord, a quick charging station, a shoe rack, and an ottoman with storage space are additional items that can help keep your shared living space organized and noise-free.
By incorporating these items into your shared living space, along with open communication and respect for each other’s space, conflicts can be greatly minimized, and your shared living environment can remain organized and harmonious.
References: [1] Roommate.com (2021). The Ultimate Roommate Survival Guide. Retrieved from https://www.roommate.com/blog/roommate-survival-guide/ [2] The Spruce (2021). How to Make a Roommate Agreement. Retrieved from https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-make-a-roommate-agreement-818388 [3] Apartment Therapy (2021). The Best Apps for Roommates to Stay Organized. Retrieved from https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/the-best-apps-for-roommates-to-stay-organized-265166 [4] The Balance (2021). How to Set House Rules for Roommates. Retrieved from https://www.thebalance.com/set-house-rules-for-roommates-2061631 [5] The Kitchn (2021). 15 Genius Fridge Organization Ideas to Save Space and Keep Your Food Fresh. Retrieved from https://www.thekitchn.com/fridge-organization-ideas-27206159
- To maintain a well-organized shared living space, it would be beneficial to utilize digital platforms like Pinterest for finding innovative shopping ideas for household items, such as home-and-garden products like label storage containers and organizers.
- In addition to these organization tools, having shared accounts for services like Amazon for the purchase of common items like a quick charging station, or Amazon India for international supplies, could help streamline shopping and eliminate any conflict.
- To further promote harmony, roommates might consider familiarizing themselves with shopping options from platforms like Intlcomtent or Indiacomtent, ensuring that everyone's cultural preferences for lifestyle necessities are met.
- Communication between roommates is crucial, and inpinterest can be a great resource for finding creative communication solutions, such as a sign that communicates clearly when words fail or a set of waterproof reusable chalkboard labels to protect shared food items.
- To manage chores and expenses more efficiently, roommates can keep track of schedules, tasks, and expenses using apps like Flatify, which can help reduce potential conflicts and promote a more organized shared living environment.
- Lastly, by adhering to open communication and agreed-upon boundaries, as outlined in a roommate agreement or house rules sheet, and making thoughtful shopping decisions for household items, roommates can help create a harmonious shared living experience.
