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Living Together: Guidelines for a Harmonious Co-Living Experience
Living together can be an amazing experience, but it also requires thoughtful communication and mutual respect to ensure everything runs smoothly. If you're sharing a space with someone, whether it's for a short or long period, establishing clear guidelines early on can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure a comfortable, stress-free environment for both parties.

Here's a living together fun agreement you can use to break the ice
Communication
Clear and open communication is the cornerstone of any successful shared living arrangement.
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Set Expectations Early
Discuss each person's preferences, routines, and any potential deal-breakers before moving in together. This will help avoid frustration later on. Regularly check in with each other to discuss how things are going and address any concerns before they escalate.
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Use a Shared Calendar or Task List
Consider using a shared digital calendar or app (like Google Calendar or Todoist) to track important dates (e.g., when bills are due, events, or planned activities). A shared task list can help ensure responsibilities like grocery shopping or taking out the trash are clearly divided.
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Establish "Private Time" and "Together Time"
Respect each other’s personal time. It’s important to make sure you have space to do things independently, whether it’s working, resting, or pursuing hobbies. But also prioritize quality time together, whether it’s enjoying a meal or relaxing in the living space. Balance is key!
Cleanliness and Household Chores
Maintaining a clean and tidy space is essential for mutual comfort, and it's best to agree on guidelines for household chores early on.
Create a Chore Schedule
Divide cleaning tasks evenly and assign regular times to complete them (e.g., vacuuming, dishes, cleaning the bathroom). Rotate tasks if necessary to keep things fair and avoid resentment.
Take Out the Trash
Agree on how often the trash should be taken out and who is responsible for taking it out. Consider setting a schedule (e.g., one person takes it out on Mondays, the other on Thursdays).
Kitchen Guidelines
Discuss cooking and cleaning responsibilities. Who cooks on which nights? Who does the dishes? Consider shared food storage to prevent confusion over leftovers or unwashed dishes. If you prefer cooking at different times, organize kitchen space (label fridge shelves).
Noise and Shared Spaces
Respecting each other’s need for quiet time or privacy is important in shared living arrangements.
Set Quiet Hours
Agree on a time when noise should be kept to a minimum (e.g., 10 PM to 7 AM). This is especially important if you have different work schedules, study habits, or early bedtimes. If you’re watching TV, listening to music, or hosting friends, be mindful of the volume. Consider using headphones if possible.
Shared Space Etiquette
Be aware of how much time you spend in shared spaces (living room, kitchen, etc.). If one person is trying to focus or relax, give them the space to do so. If one person is hosting a guest, it’s considerate to check with the other party about noise or any other potential disruptions.
Cooking and Food
The kitchen is often a source of tension when living together, so it’s important to create a system that works for both of you.
Cooking Responsibilities
Agree on how often each person will cook or whether you'll cook together. It may be useful to designate certain days for one person to cook, or you might alternate cooking duties. If one person prefers to cook while the other cleans, set clear expectations about who does what.
Food Storage and Labeling
Designate space in the fridge and pantry for each person’s food. Consider labeling food items with your names or using specific areas for each person’s groceries. If you’re sharing food (e.g., condiments or staples like butter, milk, or pasta), set expectations about buying and replenishing them.
Privacy and Boundaries
Respecting each other's personal space and privacy is essential for maintaining a healthy living arrangement.
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Personal Space
Agree on the level of personal space and privacy in your shared space. If someone needs alone time or has specific personal boundaries (e.g., not entering their bedroom without permission), discuss this early on. If one person has a tendency to borrow things (clothes, toiletries, etc.), set clear guidelines about asking first to avoid any misunderstandings.
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Visitors and Guests
Establish a clear policy about visitors. How often is it acceptable for the other person to have guests over? Do they need prior approval? Be respectful of each other’s space when hosting guests, and agree on whether or not guests can stay overnight or in shared spaces.
Bills and Financial Responsibilities
Even though rent and utilities are covered by the program, there may still be other shared or personal financial responsibilities to manage.
Shared Expenses (Groceries, Household Items, etc.)
Discuss grocery costs - will you buy together or separately? Agree on shared household items like cleaning supplies. Set clear expectations for who buys what.
Currency Exchange (If applicable)
If you’re traveling internationally, it’s a good idea to discuss how currency exchange rates may impact purchases. Consider if you’ll be using local currency, cards, or apps like to keep track of shared costs.
Conflict Resolution
Inevitably, conflicts will arise when living with someone else. The key is how you handle them.
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Approach Conflicts Calmly
If an issue arises (e.g., a disagreement about chores or noise), address it calmly and respectfully. Approach the situation with the mindset of finding a solution rather than placing blame. Don’t let issues fester—if something is bothering you, communicate it in a constructive manner.
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Compromise and Flexibility
Living together requires compromise. Be open to adjusting routines or habits if something isn’t working for both of you. Flexibility and mutual understanding are essential.
Key Takeaways
Living together requires open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to compromise. By establishing clear guidelines and addressing concerns promptly, you can create a harmonious and enjoyable co-living experience.
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