You don’t need us to tell you how much West London has going for it as a potential home base. As well as playing host to some of the country’s most desirable locations, West London simply brings a touch of class that you’ll struggle to find elsewhere in the city. Unfortunately, that class can come with a pretty high price tag.
For renters, West London apartments cost more than £2,000 a month. It’s hardly surprising, then, that many West Londoners are currently choosing to house or flatshare for a more modest £1,040. Sure, there are compromises to be made, but who can sniff at the potential to slash rental rates in half?
Unfortunately, it’s easy to lose your mind if you’re living with strangers, and sometimes even easier if you move in with friends. That’s why we’ve put together our top guide about staying sane in your West London flat (or house) share.
Tip 1: Keep it in Your Room!
The chances are that your belongings spill here, there and everywhere when you’re living alone. It’s your space, after all! But, you know what isn’t yours? The communal areas of a flat share. If you start leaving your stuff all over the kitchen table or drowning out the living room shelves with your to-be-read pile, you’re going to annoy people.
Rule 101 of sharing is to simply keep your stuff in your room. If you’re struggling for space, consider an out-of-house solution like the units offered by Squab Storage for things like your out-of-season wardrobe or non-essentials. While there may be some additional cost involved, it’s a price well worth paying to stop your flatmates from blowing up at you every five seconds.
Tip 2: Sharing is Caring
While you undeniably want to keep personal effects like clothes, books, and other clutter in your room, learning to share things like kitchen goods and household appliances with your housemates is going to make everyone’s lives easier. After all, you don’t have space for four or more of the same spatula!
If you’re unsure of what you should share and what you should hide away, then just speak to your flatmates. Together, you’ll come to see what each of you is bringing to the household, and which items you’d all be happy to share in communal spaces.
Tip 3: Get Better at Communication
Speaking of talking to your flatmates, nothing is more important to your sanity here than honing your communication skills. Even if you think you’re a great talker/listener, you’re going to need to do better!
Even minor missed communications can lead to major fallouts in such close living proximity, so if in doubt, talk it out! The best option is often to simply arrange a weekly household meeting, where you can discuss everything from concerns you’re experiencing, to upcoming bill increases that will keep you all on an even keel, and more importantly, living harmoniously together.
Worried about losing your head in a flat or house share? These tips are sure to keep you afloat!
