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

1. Box up and store duplicate things.

2. Write a simple but precise signed agreement covering financial responsibility for:
   • the rent or mortgage,
   • utilities,
   • insurance, and
   • other monthly expenses.

3. Include:
   • what happens if one party becomes unable to provide his or her share, and
   • the conditions under which the agreement can be dissolved.

4. 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.

5. Make a schedule for kitchen and bathroom cleanups; take turns.

6. As per your agreement, organize cupboards and drawers, refrigerator and freezer and label your own things.

7. 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.

8. Agree on ground rules and stick to them.

9. 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.