Living with a roommate can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also come with its challenges. Sharing a living space with someone means compromising and communicating effectively. Whether you're moving in with a friend or a stranger, here are 11 things you can do to be a better roommate.

1. Set clear expectations from the beginning

Before moving in together, have a conversation about your expectations for the living situation. Discuss things like cleaning responsibilities, guest policies, and noise levels. It's better to have these conversations early on to avoid potential conflicts down the road.

2. Be respectful of each other's space

Respect your roommate's privacy and personal space. Avoid going through their things or using their belongings without permission. If you need to borrow something, ask first.

3. Keep common areas clean

Make an effort to keep common areas like the kitchen and living room clean. This includes doing your dishes, wiping down counters, and taking out the trash. If you notice something needs cleaning, don't wait for your roommate to do it. Take initiative and clean up yourself.

4. Establish a chore schedule

Create a chore schedule with your roommate to ensure that household tasks are evenly distributed. This can help prevent one person from feeling like they're doing all the work. Be flexible and willing to compromise if schedules need to change.

5. Be mindful of noise levels

Be mindful of noise levels, especially during late-night hours. If you're watching TV or listening to music, use headphones if your roommate is trying to sleep. Similarly, if you're having friends over, keep noise levels down and be respectful of your roommate's need for quiet time.

6. Communicate effectively

Effective communication is key to a harmonious living situation. If something is bothering you, address it with your roommate in a calm and respectful manner. Don't let issues fester and turn into bigger problems.

7. Be considerate of each other's schedules

Be considerate of your roommate's schedule, especially if you have different work or school hours. Avoid interrupting their sleep or study time, and try to coordinate schedules to avoid conflicts.

8. Respect each other's guests

If you're having guests over, give your roommate a heads up and ask for their permission. Be respectful of their space and make sure your guests don't overstay their welcome.

9. Share responsibilities

Living with a roommate means sharing responsibilities. This includes paying bills, buying household items, and doing chores. Be willing to share the workload and contribute equally.

10. Be open-minded

Living with a roommate means sharing your space with someone who may have different habits and preferences than you. Be open-minded and willing to compromise on things like decorating, food choices, and daily routines.

11. Be a good listener

If your roommate has an issue or concern, be a good listener. Give them your full attention and try to see things from their perspective. Offer support and solutions where you can.

For help with finding the perfect roommate, choose Roomrs. Roomrs does background checks on everyone that submits an application and works directly with you to ensure you’re paired with a Roommate that suits you best!