Coordinate with your roommate about quiet hours, morning routines, and shared space usage during different schedules. Consider soundproofing measures like rugs, curtains, or white noise machines. Discuss kitchen and bathroom usage during early morning or late night hours. Establish guidelines for guests and entertainment when one person is sleeping.
Decide early on how to keep the place clean. Many housemates create a rotating chore schedule so each person takes turns cleaning common areas (like kitchen, bathroom) each week. Alternatively, some households chip in to hire a part-time cleaner for a couple of hours weekly or bi-weekly. The key is to ensure everyone is on board with the plan. Also, basic etiquette helps – everyone should clean up after themselves (wash your dishes, don’t leave personal stuff all over common spaces) so the home stays tidy day-to-day.
Living alone means being prepared for emergencies like power outages, water leaks, or medical issues. Keep emergency contacts readily available, know your building's security and maintenance procedures, maintain a basic first aid kit, and establish check-in routines with family or friends. Know your neighbors and building management for urgent situations when you can't reach your landlord.
Decide what’s communal and what’s personal, then stick to it. If you borrow, return items clean and promptly. Replace consumables you finish. A quick message before taking anything avoids misunderstandings and keeps goodwill in the household.
Landed houses may have multiple entry points, ground-level access, and outdoor areas requiring different security considerations. Check all locks, consider motion sensors or security systems, and understand neighborhood security patterns. Establish routines for securing the property and coordinate with neighbors if appropriate.
Even with more space, it’s wise to plan storage to avoid clutter. Use the built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms. If one bedroom is spare, add extra shelves or cabinets there. Use any storeroom or utility room for bulky items. Assign each type of item a spot so storage is spread out. And declutter regularly even with more room.
For multiple generations, prioritize accessibility and privacy. Make sure one bedroom for grandparents is easy to reach (no stairs) and near a bathroom. A 4-bedroom with a second en-suite (junior master) is ideal to give older parents their own space. Ensure there's plenty of common area for family gatherings, but also enough rooms or corners for privacy when needed. That way, everyone has a comfortable room and nobody feels cramped.
Landed properties may require different maintenance approaches for multiple levels, outdoor areas, and potentially more complex systems. Understand your responsibilities versus the landlord's, know how to access different areas safely, and establish procedures for reporting issues. Consider whether you're comfortable with the maintenance demands of a larger property.