Finding a roommate to share living expenses is definitely a smart move. Now the million dollar question is how to find someone you can live with but won’t drive you insane. You need to select the ideal human being that will match your lifestyle. Don’t freak out just yet! finding the perfect roommate is possible if you follow these rules.
There has to be enough common ground for the two of you to get along.
Well, duh! but it’s easy to miss the mark. While the two of you will not spend every waking moment together, it pays to find a roommate with a personality similar with yours. Spend some time learning a little about the potential people you have in mind.
Let’s say, you like your stuff tidy. A roommate who likes to leave a mess of dirty dishes in the sink… well, not likely to be a good fit for you. Pick the clean freak.
Rules, Rules, Rules
With someone else sharing the space, there needs to be some expectations set about how the two of you will manage to get along.
A person who thinks that house rules both of you agree to follow are a waste of time will not make a good roommate. What you want is someone who is willing to sit down and work out some basic rules that both of you find agreeable.
“Show me the money…”
The main reason you want a roommate is to share expenses and allow you to allocate more of your income to savings. That will only happen if the person sharing your space is able to pay half of the rent and utilities. It’s that simple.
Even though it’s awkward, remember that covering the costs of living is easier when both parties have steady incomes and can pay the bills on time. Make sure that this person earns enough money to cover the costs.
These three areas will help weed out any nut cases you really don’t wanna end up stuck with.
Listen to your instincts and if someone seems too good to be true, there is likely more to that person than you know. Take your time, ask plenty of questions, and only invite the person to share your space once you are completely happy with the answers.