Tiny homes have become extremely popular in recent years as people choose to downsize, declutter, and adopt the “less is more” mindset. Tiny home living requires simplification, extreme organization, thinking outside the box, and questioning the things that convention says you need.
Moving from a traditional home to a tiny home and making space for all your things can be a challenge. So what do you do when you need to make room in your tiny home for a new partner or roommate?
Luckily, there are practical ways to help you welcome a new housemate into your tiny home, including analyzing your space, making necessary adjustments, and setting clear communication and expectations from the get-go. All these things can contribute to a successful and happy living situation for all parties involved.
Analyze Your Tiny Home Space
The first step in getting ready to welcome a new housemate is to take a long and hard look at your space. Have you already taken advantage of every nook and cranny? It might be time to get rid of some more things or revamp your organization. A fresh start with organization and decor can actually be a good thing and make you happier with your space in the long run.
What may seem like a daunting process can actually be manageable if you go section by section through your home. How can you better organize the bathroom? How about the sleeping quarters? What about shared space? If you reassess how space is being used, you can determine whether there is room for improvement.
Take a notepad and a pen around and make notes of areas, no matter how small, that could use improving. If you feel like your tiny home will be too full with someone else’s possessions in it as well, you can create space in a small room through certain paint colors and decorating techniques. You may also opt to make the long walls of each room accent wall, as this can make rooms feel larger. The right setup can make all the difference.
You can also use this time to do a deep clean of your tiny home and start off fresh when your roommate arrives. Starting with a clean slate will likely make both of you feel a lot better as time goes on.
Make Practical Adjustments and Guidelines
Once you have your list of desired changes or updates, it is time to put them into action. Your list can include both ways to increase storage, improve organization, save energy in your tiny home, and reduce your carbon footprint.
There are tips that can help when you are sharing a small space with roommates. These include:
- Being aware of clutter.
- Deciding on the purpose of each room.
- Using labels for organization.
- Embracing eclectic decor.
Dreaming up new organizational and decor for your tiny home can actually be fun, especially for highly creative people. If you look at it like a puzzle or a blank canvas, a once-overwhelming task can seem approachable and even enjoyable.
Taking care of any major organizational updates before your new roommate moves in with all their things can make the entire process a lot easier. Once they move in, you want to be able to focus on enjoying the space together — not totally revamping it.
Set Up Clear and Frequent Communication
Communication is a huge and integral part of thriving with a roommate. If you do not set up communication guidelines and expectations for how you will share space, you both might end up feeling upset or frustrated.
If you have a pet peeve about dishes piling up or papers being strewn across a table, you need to communicate these things ahead of time so you do not feel resentful. It is not fair to expect things of your roommate without letting them know. Clear communication is key, and it’s even more important if you are sharing a tiny home with your partner.
Lastly, you want your new roommate to feel welcome in the tiny home and like it is their space, too. One of the best ways to do this is to throw a housewarming party. New living situations deserve to be celebrated, especially when they are as unique as tiny home living.
Your tiny home might not be able to hold 30 of your closest friends, so consider throwing your party in summer so people can see and admire your space while also being able to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.
Tiny home living can be a challenge, especially with a roommate. But with a little planning, preparation, and clear communication, you and your roommate can enjoy each other’s company and thrive in your space.
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