Piles of dishes on the sink, hair strands left on the shower drain, newly washed clothes cluttered in your common area, shoes on the hallway. These are just some of the things you don't want to see around your apartment. But, what if your roomie has a hobby of doing those things? It surely is a MESS STRESS. But, don't fret! We have listed several ways on how you can address this mess without the need for you to become ex roomies and ex-friends. You can meet halfway and come up with a peaceful agreement.

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Communication is the key

We strongly believe that communication is the key to resolving any disagreement. If you’ve identified the problem and there’s no solution being made yet, you can start by initiating a productive conversation instead of pointing fingers and demanding your roommate to have the same habits as yours. Remember, no two people are the same, but this doesn’t mean you will just settle with the problem and let it as is without formulating a solution that both of you can benefit from. If you initiate a conversation, always be mindful of the wordings that you will use without exhibiting the idea that you are putting all the blame on your roommate. Try to be open to compromises when bringing the issue. For example, you can say, “Let's keep our clothes in our bedrooms or wardrobe so that we can keep our communal areas neat and clean.”

Be wise in picking your battle

It’s stressful in finding every fault with your roommate and always voicing your opinion without analysing the situation. Do not start a conversation if you are at the peak of your emotions as you might regret the words that will come out of your mouth. Save your energy in a bigger issue that is affecting your ability to use your common area. Try to understand that there might be situations wherein your roommate must have forgotten to put their things in order and where they should belong. Give them the benefit of the doubt. The goal here is to keep a harmonious relationship and not ruining it just because of sweat pants that have been missed to put in their hamper.

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Establish separate spaces

Setting up boundaries will save you from possible issues when using spaces in your apartment. If both of you can determine your own spaces, each of you can have the right to speak up if in case your established area is being cluttered by your roommate's personal belongings. You can politely ask them to move their things in their bedrooms, and in that way, they can be reminded by the boundaries you’ve all agreed. The idea of “your space, your rules” can also save you from any disagreement as this signifies that you cannot dictate your roommate on whatever they like to do with their room for as long as their own rules will not affect the entire apartment. If their actions in their bedrooms attract pests, say food hidden in their own space or their belongings block the fire escape, then maybe it’s time to talk it over.

Suggest a chore list

Creating a chore list together with your roommate is a good idea. This list can help you divide the tasks equally. For example, cleaning individual rooms, vacuuming the apartment, and cleaning the bathroom. You can schedule the task in rotation. You can also add a twist on this list by establishing a penalty rule if one of you fails to do the assigned task. For every failed task, you can pay an amount that will go to your “apartment funds.” This fund can be used for household necessities such as cleaning materials.

Roommates who clean together, stay together!

Cleaning and organising together might be an effective strategy in involving all your roommates to take care of your apartment. You can do a once-a-month “house cleaning party.” Put on some music to hype up the activity and to add more fun in doing the chores! This can also be a bonding activity to strengthen your relationship. Division of labor can also speed up the cleaning and organising process.

Rent a storage unit

This can be your last resort if all else failed. If your roommate doesn’t have the liberty to do his chores and his belongings are just "added clutters" in your apartment, then, you can both agree to rent a storage unit and split up the fee. This way, you can lessen the clutter and can be a big help in tidying up your apartment.

Don't worry about finding a reliable storage facility. We, at easyStorage, can help you choose the best storage unit for your belongings. Unlike the traditional storage company, we have a free van to collect and return your items, giving you ultimate convenience in moving your things. Our storage facilities are climate-controlled and CCTV monitored 24/7.

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Your concern about your messy roommate should not be as messy. Don't burn bridges. Don't ruin your relationship just because of a misunderstanding that can be resolved with effective communication and strategies that can make you meet halfway.

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