MERGING TWO HOUSEHOLDS
Part 1 of 4
Part of being organized is knowing what to do when two people move in the same space. It can be a roommate status or moving in with your soul mate. In any case, it means blending two households and there are golden rules to be applied.
ROOMMATES
- Box up and store duplicate things.
- Write a simple but precise signed agreement covering financial responsibility for:
- the rent or mortgage,
- utilities,
- insurance, and
- other monthly expenses.
- Include:
- what happens if one party becomes unable to provide his or her share, and
- the conditions under which the agreement can be dissolved.
- Pay special attention to cooking and shopping by deciding if you’ll share groceries or if you’ll each need your own cupboard space and a way to label your food.
- Make a schedule for kitchen and bathroom cleanups; take turns.
- As per your agreement, organize cupboards and drawers, refrigerator and freezer and label your own things.
- Have a frank discussion about:
- house keys,
- cleanliness,
- music,
- children,
- pets,
- smoking,
- alcohol,
- drugs,
- overnight guests (including lovers and relatives), and
- any other area of potential friction.
- Agree on ground rules and stick to them.
- Come to a signed agreement and make compromises when decorating common areas e.g., decorate one room and the other person gets to decorate another.
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