PRE-PLAN

from Spring 2020 Living Guide

DON’T DO IT ALONE

When searching for a roommate, you can encounter a lot of different personalities. Some are lifelong best friends, and others are ghosts who seem to come out of their rooms only at 3 a.m. Some like to chill on their own, and others like to throw huge parties.

Regardless of personal habits and quirks, you and your roommate(s) will be sharing a space, and it’s important to make a contract or have a discussion up front to make sure you both feel at home. Here are some things to keep in mind when establishing rules and boundaries for your apartment or house: BY MOLLY KRUSE

CLEANLINESS

1. On a scale from 1 (messy) to 10 (neat freak), what are my roommates’ cleanliness preferences? 2. How will we keep our space clean and how often? Will we use a cleaning chart, honor system, etc.? 3. Should we make a laundry schedule?

PETS GUESTS OTHER

1. Does anyone have pets? Will anyone be getting a pet? 2. Is anyone allergic to or scared of certain types of pets? 3. Where will pets be allowed to go in our space? 4. Who will take care of the pets?

1. What is our party policy? How many people are allowed, will we serve alcohol and what days are best for parties? 2. May roommates have overnight visitors? If so, how many nights a week? 3. Should we notify one another before hosting guests?

1. Are my roommates introverts, extroverts or a mix? 2. What are my roommates’ communication styles? Would they rather be confronted in person, via sticky note or text? 3. Does anyone have any allergies to smells or foods? 4. How do we feel about borrowing items or sharing food?