Ask about work schedules, sleep schedules, social habits, cleanliness, and how issues are handled. If one of you is very neat and the other more casual, it could cause friction. Observe fridge organization, sink state, and bathroom tidiness during viewing. Look for someone whose daily routine and approach to shared living align well with yours. Trust your instincts – feeling comfortable with their personality is a good sign.
Small spaces can impact mental health through feelings of claustrophobia, lack of privacy, and difficulty separating work and personal life. Ensure adequate ventilation to prevent stuffiness and mold. Prioritize natural light and consider full-spectrum lighting for mood regulation. Make time for outdoor activities and social interaction to counteract potential isolation from compact living.
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.
Some noise might travel, yes. If the two bedrooms share a wall, you may hear talking or TV from the other room. Layouts that put bedrooms on opposite sides of the living room help. Also, newer buildings often have thicker walls.
Landed houses have different safety profiles with multiple entry points, windows at various levels, and potential outdoor access. Ensure proper locks on your room and understand emergency evacuation routes from upper floors. Consider personal security measures and understand neighborhood safety patterns, especially if your room has ground-level access.
Create zones with rugs, shelving, and lighting changes. Use furniture placement to carve out separate areas. For example, a shelf or screen can divide your bed from the rest of the space. Try to group your bed, sofa, and desk separately, so sleeping, relaxing, and working each have their own corner in the room.
Create a dedicated workspace even if it's just a corner with a desk. Use visual cues like different lighting or a room divider to separate work time from personal time. Establish routines that help you mentally 'leave work' even when you can't physically leave the space.
Yes, but you need to plan your space carefully. Dedicate a corner for a small desk (or a foldable wall-mounted desk)6}. Use a shelf or curtain to separate your “office” from your bed. Having that defined work zone helps you focus in a studio.