What does it take to have a happy home?

Articles and thoughts about managing living with roommates.

You’ve Moved In. Now What?

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Have a meal together. The first few weeks of living with a new housemate are always a transitional time.  One very nice way to smooth the transition is sharing a meal. There’s something about eating together that warms our connections with others. It’s human. It’s universal. Think of barbeques, picnics, pot-lucks, Thanksgiving dinner, dates, wakes, [...]

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How to Deal with the #1 Roommate Hassle

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“Whose dishes are these in the sink?” “Why doesn’t he ever pick up after himself?” “How come I’m the only one who changes the toilet paper roll?” Do these thoughts sound familiar? I hope not, but there’s a good chance that if you are living with other people at some point you will find yourself [...]

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How to Make Your Housemate Feel Welcome

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Good insights in  Homeowner? Here’s How to Make Your New Roommate Feel Welcome by Christine Busser on MovingCost.com. I agree with with most of it. Yes, you should make decisions together. Yes,  allow a new housemate to weigh in on redecorating. Even encourage the new housemate to add a piece of furniture or a picture [...]

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Why Some People Find Themselves in Housemate Hell

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“The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” It’s hell to live with someone who doesn’t respect your space, who uses your things without permission, who eats your food, who doesn’t pay the bills, who has a different routine than you. Or, even more simply, someone you just don’t like. One route to this [...]

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How to Deal When Your Housemate is Late Paying Bills

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Should you scream, throw a temper tantrum, walk around silently resenting that he hasn’t paid his bills? No, none of those are going to help the situation. What you do need to do is to ask for the money in a clear, non-apologetic and non-angry tone. Don’t text or email. Look your housemate in the [...]

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