3 Tips When Moving In with a Stranger

If you’re a renter, at some point you’ll likely move in with a stranger. Ideally your new roommate will be delightful and result in a new extended social circle. But there is also the chance you’ll be stuck with someone … less than ideal. If you’re looking for someone new to share a space with, maybe take a look at this advice beforehand.

First, Find Them

When none of your friends are in need of a place (or at least a place with you…) or you’re moving to an area where you don’t know anyone, your best option is to start the search online. The internet has done many important things for us – providing several options to find a compatible roommate is one.

Browse local sites // Chances are the city where you’re looking has some sort of online community for posting “Roommate Wanted” ads (like KSL) or browsing through available rooms. These local sites tend to be a bit more thorough than Craigslist postings and you’re less likely to get weird emails about someone who needs you to wire them 6 months rent  immediately.

Reddit // Head straight to the subreddit for the city you’re interested in (reddit.com/r/whatever city you’re searching) and browse around. Look through recent posts and you’ll usually see people asking for roommates or create a profile and let everyone know you need someone cool to live with.

Ask friends via social media // Usually the best option is to find a friend-of-a-friend to get matched up with. This is probably common sense by now, but make sure to post a Facebook status or send a Tweet letting people know you are in the market for someone to live with.

Approach it Like Dating

Even if your new roommate relationship is strictly platonic, you can apply rules of online dating to make sure you’re a roommate match.

Chat beforehand // Send a few message to make sure you’re on the same page.

Meet up somewhere neutral // If you live close, find a coffee shop to meet at. If not, have a Skype date.

Stalk them online // By now we can all admit that thoroughly Googling a new acquaintance is just something you do. Use your finely honed online “shadowing” skills to find out all you can about a new person. Remember, we all do silly things online – so don’t judge too harshly. But use the info you find to help determine your compatibility level.

There’s an App for That

Chore charts might be a bit much, but having a system in place can make your living situation way more harmonious. In this beautiful age of endless apps, there are tons of options for cohesive rooming that don’t require you micro-managing your roommates. Once you’ve found someone to bunk with, use these apps to make life easier – for everyone.

HomeSlice // This pretty little app keeps track of bills, has a running list of supplies you share, and a whiteboard where you can passively-aggressively talk out any conflicts.

Venmo // If you decide to split the bills and just need a quick app to determine the break out, this app wins. You can transfer money to each other and request payment, which is way easier than bugging a deadbeat roommate in-person

OurGroceries // Some roommates decide to share food (although we wonder who those people are) and that’s what this app was made for. You can collaborate on a shopping list to make sure you always know when you’re out of toilet paper or if the frozen pizza situation is becoming critical.

Tab // If you’re the type of roommates who eat out together often, Tab is pretty cool. It allows you to take a picture of any receipt, select the items that are yours, then transfer money accordingly.

If you are looking for a new roommate, check the Seeking Roommates section on KSL Classifieds.

If you are looking for a room to rent or your dream apartment, Rentler has the most comprehensive selection of places to rent in Utah.

Any secret tips for finding cool roommates? Tell us!