Moving in with your best friend is something you fantasize about. You often wish you could spend more time together each day, watching movies and having a good time. However, it’s not as simple as it sounds. Finances, budgets, rules, and so on are all important considerations.
There is a well-known saying “The grass is always greener on the other side”, similarly, while moving with a buddy may appear to be a wonderful idea, you should constantly consider the situation and make a wise decision.
Living with someone and meeting them regularly is very different, therefore if you are intending to move with a friend, you should consider the following:
Key Points To Cover Before Moving In
- Finances
When you move in with a friend, you should consider how you will split expenses. While most individuals like to split things 50/50, others may want to divide their spending depending on income, i.e. if someone makes more, they spend more, and so on.
As a result, to avoid financial disputes, it is critical to discuss matters ahead of time. Talk about how much you can contribute and whether it will be sustainable. And whether your transfer is feasible.
Furthermore, it is critical to clarify what your plan of action would be if any of you are unable to pay costs due to abrupt situations such as losing their job, unexpected expenses, etc.
- Rules
Many individuals believe that it is unnecessary to have regulations when living with friends, however, this is not true. Having rules helps to maintain boundaries and is essential for providing clarity and setting expectations.
Discussing and establishing ground rules will allow you to maintain personal space while also preventing disputes. Setting guidelines enables open communication while preventing unneeded pressure on the friendship. Having rules will help us maintain a balance without interrupting each other’s schedules.
- Chores Allocation
Assign chores and responsibilities equally. This promotes equality and reduces resentment. Some people like to perform duties based on their likes and dislikes, whereas others may arrange to complete chores on alternate days.
Discuss with your friend what chores you both want to accomplish and assign tasks accordingly. This will help you organize and keep your equilibrium.
- Privacy
Regardless of how much we like spending time with our friends, we all require our own space and privacy. As a result, it is important that you explain your desire for privacy and personal space.
Discussing these issues prior to moving in will help maintain realistic expectations and prevent problems.
- Guests
It is crucial to discuss where you and your friend stand on having people over. How regularly are you comfortable hosting guests, and how far in advance do you want to be notified of someone’s visit?
Even if you and your friend have a lot in common, there may be days when you don’t want to host people, and in such cases, it is best to express your worries with your friend first.
- Health
It is essential to be aware of any medical conditions your friend may have, as this will help you in an emergency. Also, discuss your expectations in case one of you becomes unwell.
For example, some people may prefer to be alone when sick, whereas others require care and attention.
Furthermore, be aware of any allergies your friend or you may have, and discuss what steps to take if someone has an adverse reaction. Also, include emergency contact information, such as family members, relatives, and guardians.
- Conflict Resolution
Conflicts are common when you live together for an extended amount of time. As a result, it is necessary to plan a conflict resolution strategy. Discuss subjects that you and your friend believe are likely to cause disagreement, and how you can address them accordingly.
Furthermore, it is crucial to discuss any tendencies that you and your friend may dislike about each other. While this conversation may be uncomfortable, it is necessary and will make remaining together easier.
Remember to be thoughtful, calm, and understanding. For example, if you don’t like it when your friend leaves their dirty dishes in the sink, instead of taunting them, be calm and ask them gently, explain your worries, and encourage them to be more attentive about it.
Clear communication will help to overcome disputes without straining the friendship.
- Pets
If you and your friend intend to live together for a long time, you should talk about whether they want to share pet chores and, if someone moves out, who gets to keep the pet. Some people dislike pets, while others have allergies from pets. Hence, it is important to have a discussion.
- Emergency Contacts
An emergency can occur at any time; therefore, it’s important to exchange each other’s emergency contacts so that you or your friend can easily reach each other during an emergency.
- Exit Strategy
Even if you want to live with your friend for a long time, consider what would happen if one of you walked out. For example, suppose your friend receives a job offer in another city or gets married.
It is essential to discuss these topics with your friends before considering moving in together. This will ensure you enjoy a hassle-free time while living with your friend.
Moving in and living with your friends may appear to be a dream, but it is vital to remember that everything has advantages and disadvantages. As a result, it is critical to consider both and make a conversation.
Benefits of Living with Friends
- Shared responsibility
Living with a friend allows you to share household tasks, reducing the workload at home. Assigning tasks and accepting responsibility will help to retain trust and reliability.
- Shared finances
Living with someone allows you to share financial duties, which minimizes the burden of financial hardship. Furthermore, if one of you fails to pay once, the other can cover and be reimbursed by another method.
This permits you to have more flexibility than you would if you lived with someone you didn’t know well.
- Mutual Trust and Safety
Living with a friend is considerably safer than living with someone you don’t know or living alone because you have someone you can trust.
Friendship makes it easier to overcome disagreements since you both understand one another. You may also trust one another not to steal or mistreat each other’s belongings because you know each other well.
- Constant Support
In case you are sick or are having a rough day. Having a true friend provides comfort because they will always support and cheer you up. Furthermore, knowing that you can trust them gives a sense of security.
- Companionship
Living with friends is like having a reliable companion with you all the time. You and your friends can share activities such as watching movies, eating together, and decorating your home.
These were some of the advantages of living with friends; now consider some of the negatives.
Disadvantages of living with friends
- Different expectations
When you live together, you and your pals may not necessarily have the same expectations. Not meeting expectations can lead to disappointment and strain in the relationship.
- Disagreements
While you and your friend may share similar interests, you may disagree on certain issues. Constant disputes can lead to high levels of conflict and fighting.
While arguments are frequent in friendships, if they are not handled maturely, they can cause you and your friend to split up because they generate hatred toward each other.
- Changing Dynamics
When you live together, you may encounter new situations and factors you were not exposed to during your previous friendship. For example, your roommate is dirty, but you prefer to keep your area neat. These variables can fuel anger and conflict.
- Conflict Management
Even if you’re close to your friends, dealing with arguments might be difficult. As a result, it is always a good idea to plan what you and your friend will do in the event of a quarrel and how you will handle it.
Managing disagreements with friends is more difficult than managing conflicts with strangers since there is an emotional link and expectations, and failing to handle the conflict can result in the loss of a valued friend, which is not a circumstance you desire.
- Lesser Privacy
When moving in with a buddy, it is crucial to establish boundaries and negotiate personal space ahead of time, as failure to do so might leave you feeling trapped.
When a friend’s privacy and personal space are violated, it produces discomfort, resentment, and conflict which may lead to a loss of trust.
Also Read: The Digital Age of Friendships
Analyzing all the positives and downsides of living with friends will help you smooth out your living experience and avoid unneeded arguments with your friends.
Conclusion
It feels like a dream come true to move in with your friends. Even if you are comfortable with your friends and trust them, it is critical to negotiate ground rules and weigh the pros and cons of living together.
Nonetheless, it is crucial to note that unforeseen issues may occur in such instances; therefore, you must remember to talk honestly with one another to overcome them. This will allow you to make educated decisions and easily manage any potential issues.