If you’re on the verge of a life transition and moving to a new place, you’re probably weighing the pros and cons of a big choice: should I live with roommates or alone? They both have perks as well as downfalls, so it is important to examine the factors to make the best decision for you at this point in your life. Here are some key points to consider on your list.
Advantages of living with roommates
- When you choose roommates that are well-suited to your personality and lifestyle, you have a built-in social network. You’ll never have to worry about being lonely and will have plenty of opportunities for sharing meals, movie nights, or hosting social events together at your home.
- You don’t have to take care of an entire apartment or house alone. You’ll have help with the cleaning, the decorating, furnishing the common living areas, and if you’re good communicators, even the grocery shopping. A roommate can feel like a teammate when you’re both committed to having a home that feels well taken care of and cozy.
- You’ll probably save money by splitting rent and utilities. The fact of the matter is, a one-bedroom is almost always more expensive for its inhabitant than a larger place split between multiple people. Finding a roommate may also enable you to rent a house instead of an apartment, giving you more space and the possibility of a yard if that is important to you.
Advantages of living alone
- You’ll have all the privacy you need. If you really value being able to do what you please whenever you want, you might come to resent negotiating with a roommate to have that opportunity. Introverts and people who prefer a really, really quiet lifestyle would probably do better to live alone — or at the most, with a pet.
- You won’t have to worry about navigating issues with a roommate. One of the disadvantages of living with roommates can in some cases be learning how to cooperate and communicate when there are differences of opinion or lifestyle. One of you will inevitably be tidier than the other, or stay up later, or like to make smoothies in the early morning. Living alone? You can make smoothies whenever you want.
- You’ll really get to know your own rhythms and preferences. If you’re living alone for the first time, you may go through phases of loving it and phases of hating it — but it’s a great practice in learning what you need!
Deciding to live alone or with roommates can really alter your experience in your new home in the best way! Once you’re ready to pack up and go, let Unpakt help you find moving services that are reliable, professional, and affordable for your budget.
