Dirty dishes piled up on the sink, and unfinished chores, living with a messy roommate can be annoying. With this co-living guide, you can learn how to adjust better with a messy roommate.
Dealing with a messy roommate
Adjusting with a roommate can be difficult enough, but when you’re saddled with a lazy roommate, coming back home can seem like a nightmare. As if work stress wasn’t enough, now you have to find time to complete your roommate’s chores as well? While you may wish to avoid confrontation, in some cases, it is unavoidable. So, what can be the best to ask your roommate to start cleaning up after themselves?
Related: Looking for a roommate? Here are some qualities to look for!
Communicate your distress
When living with a messy roommate, it is easy to assume they’re just lazy. However, it is best to give them a chance to explain themselves and have a conversation about it. When living with another person, communication is key. There may be several reasons why your roommate cannot clean up after themselves; perhaps, they just lost their job or dealing with a difficult work situation, or it’s just how they are.
The best way of dealing with a messy roommate is to communicate your distress. Instead of hurling accusations at them, try to frame the problem as something that you need to tackle together. Pointing out your roommate’s flaws may be tempting, but it will only make them defensive and unwilling to listen to your suggestions.
Pick your battles
Having honest conversations is important, but it is just as crucial to know when to pick your battles. Arguing over every dirty dish, or crumbs on the floor- is not going to be productive. Cribbing over minor issues will probably lead to your roommate not wanting to listen to you, even when things are their fault.
If your roommate’s laziness is affecting common living spaces, that’s when you should try to convey your unhappiness.
Related: Sharing a Kitchen: A Guide to Peacefully Share a Kitchen with Roommates
Think of your apartment in zones
When dealing with a messy roommate, you need to accept that your home will not be as neat and perfect as you want it to be. If you want everything to be your way, you’re likely to be disappointed. The best way to approach living with a lazy roommate is to think of your apartment in three zones: your space, roommate’s space, and common spaces.
You have complete control over your space, such as your bedroom, and can keep it as neat and tidy as you like. Similarly, your roommate has the right to keep their roommate the way they like it, although it may not be up to your standards.
Try creating a chore list
Although you may assume that your roommate understands their chores without needing to verbalize them, you may be wrong. Creating a chore list helps keep track of what you both need to get done. When creating a chore list, try to suggest chores that you both like; if you like to keep things tidy, why not take up that responsibility for yourself?
Try to divide chores evenly; you don’t want to get stuck doing all the work yourself!
Try cleaning and organising together
If all else fails, why not suggest cleaning and organizing together? Perhaps your roommate prefers group activities or could do with some tips on how to organize themselves better. Cleaning together can be a great way to spend time with your roommate and bond with them.
Although it can be difficult, living with a messy roommate is not impossible. With these handy tips, you will know how to approach the issue without turning it into another argument. To resolve the issue peacefully, try to approach the situation calmly and allow your roommate to explain themselves.
Finding the perfect roommate
Surprises can be good, but not when it comes to your living situation; don’t you wish there was a way you could find the perfect roommate match? With Roomi’s Roommate Finder, you can!
With Roomi’s Roommate Finder, it’s easy to search for the ideal roommate. Not only can you refine your search based on age, gender, and location, but you have an opportunity to look through their profile as well. Roomi makes it easier for you to get an idea of what your potential roommate will be like before you’ve met them; no more surprises!
