How to Share Your Space With a Roommate

The economy is slow. Jobs are scarce. Companies are closing. Houses are going into foreclosure. With finances tight across the country, many people are deciding that the best way to keep from drowning in debt is to cohabitate. Living with other people can be a wonderful experience, but it can also be tricky if you aren't mindful of the circumstances. Follow these tips to help your life with a roommate be both financially and emotionally rewarding.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Be prepared to change your ways. If you’ve been living on your own for a while, chances are you are used to doing whatever you want, whenever you want, in the way you want it. This is one of the great freedoms of living alone. When you live with another person; however, you must take that other person into consideration. Be grateful for this. Living with another person gives us an opportunity to emerge from our ruts, let go of our tight hold on the way things “should” be and learn about a different way of living.

2. Step 2

   Talk explicitly about how and when the house will be cleaned, about who will pay what bills and whether or not you will share food or shop for yourselves.

3. Step 3

   Schedule roommate meetings to discuss house matters and generally check in with each other.

4. Step 4

   Respect the common spaces such as the kitchen, living room, bathroom, front yard and garage. Remember, you aren’t the only person using these areas, so keep them neat.

5. Step 5

   Address problems immediately. If you are angry about something, do not let it fester. Instead, bring it up immediately in a kind, reasonable manner. Be clear when talking about the problem and offer several solutions that would make you happy.

6. Step 6

   When your roommate has a problem with something you have done, listen without getting defensive and be willing to compromise and apologize if needed.

7. Step 7

   If you’ve had a bad day at work, a fight with your significant other or just a generally bad day, do not take your frustrations out on your roommate. Do whatever you can to diffuse your anger before you return home.

8. Step 8

   Appreciate your roommate. The fact that you have somebody to live with is a blessing allowing you to save money and feel less stressed about your financial situation. Remember this and remain grateful and kind.

How to Organize a Small Space

You live in an apartment, share a home with several roommates, or own a small condo. Whatever your circumstance, you might think that because your space is so small there's no good way to organize. Think again! By using space you might not have thought of, you can organize your small space.

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Use the space under your beds. While an obvious item to store under the bed is off-season clothing, there are many other items that will fit there as well. For example, you might want to stash your big roasting pan that you only use during the holidays, or that mega-pack of toilet paper that was on sale!

2. Step 2

   Make use of all the upper space in your closets. Purchase inexpensive plastic shelving and install it on your top closet shelves. Store extra linens, clothing, or holiday decorations.

3. Step 3

   Double your closet space by installing a second rod halfway down from the top. This will allow you to hang twice the clothing in each closet.

4. Step 4

   Put lazy susans or small, wheeled baskets in your kitchen cabinets. This will allow you to store food items, plastic storage containers and more in a way that both maximizes space and allows you easy access.

5. Step 5

   Rid your home of items you don't absolutely need or absolutely love. By clearing out useless knick-knacks, unnecessary papers, out-of-date clothing and more, your home will be much more organized and comfortable.