Sharing living costs in NYC with a roommate

Many aspiring New Yorkers decide to move the city that never sleeps pursuing their dreams, being those dreams about new lifestyle or career opportunities. It’s no secret that there is no better place for making a clean slate. In spite of a number of benefits, such a decision proved to be a bit demanding and challenging for everyone, especially for newcomers and new graduates. Considering a high cost of living in NYC, being financially independent is anything but easy. Luckily, as a resident of a metropolis that abounds with different opportunities, you have probably realized that sharing living costs in NYC with a roommate will help you cut down living costs.

In spite of exorbitant NYC rentals, there’s still a huge number of people flocking to the City. Moving to the Big Apple can be as exciting as much as it is overwhelming. Being part of the stunning city culture and enticing lifestyle comes with a lot of pros and cons. As it turns out, numerous advantages seem to outweigh the financial challenges most people face after moving to NYC. Sharing a living space and splitting living expenses with a roommate seems like a budget-friendly solution until you are ready to comfortably afford your own place. Without a doubt, finances are one of the main reasons why people decide to get a roommate. But the final decision shouldn’t be based solely on the financial aspect. There’s certainly more at stake when deciding whether sharing living costs in NYC with a roommate is the right call.

What to consider before partnering up with a roommate?

Is getting a roommate worth the financial benefit? This is one of the major concerns you will face when you decide to move out of your parents’ home, venture out and live on your own. Having considered all the pros and cons, you’ve probably come to realize that there is no one absolute answer to this question.

The truth is that we are all creatures of habit. Figuring out which living situation is best for you should start with assessing your own personality and individual preferences. So try to be honest with yourself when answering the following questions.

• How do you put up with different characters and habits?
• Did you get along with your previous roommates or family members?
• If you didn’t have similar experiences, are you willing to compromise?
• Are you a loner?
• How do you deal with conflicts?
• Are you comfortable with the idea of living with a stranger?
• Do you already know your prospective roommate?

Although there are numerous benefits to sharing living costs in NYC, many people still shy away from this idea. So, let’s take a look at some of the most common pros of making such an important leap.

Benefits of sharing living costs in NYC with a roommate

Starting an independent life is an important milestone in everyone’s life. But, before you contact your residential movers NYC and start creating your moving plans, here’s what you should know about embarking on this life-changing event.

Financial benefits

If your modest finances don’t allow you to rent a decent and conveniently located apartment, you may want to change your perspective and get ready for some serious compromises. Moving in with a roommate will cut your monthly living costs in half. When you split monthly utility bills and rent with your roommate, you will be able to afford a more spacious apartment.

Nicer apartment

With a roommate on board, you’ll be able to afford a nicer apartment in a more desirable neighborhood that is close to the most important places of interest.

Sharing the chores

It’s a lot easier to keep your place clean and tidy when you can split the chores with your roommate. Having around someone who will help you with the chores that you dread is certainly advantageous.

Safety reasons

If living alone bothers you due to safety reasons, then moving in with a reliable person is the right call. Ideally, your roommate will keep an eye on your belongings when you are away from home. They may even take care of your pet and inform the landlord in case of any inconvenience.

More socializing opportunities

Moving in with a roommate is not only about sharing living costs in NYC. If you are open to it, you are likely to expand your social network by meeting your roommate’s friends and relatives. It can make the post-move adjustment process a lot easier. Also, having a roommate means there’s always someone you can talk to when you feel lonely.

Disadvantages of moving in with a roommate

While sharing living costs in NYC with a roommate seems like an ideal situation for millennials and new graduates, you may be wondering what’s on the other side of the coin. Surely, like any other decision, this one also has its downsides.

Less privacy

When living with a roommate, especially with a stranger, you will enjoy less privacy. If you more of a loner who values his/her privacy and independence, then having a roommate might not be a good idea.

Possible conflicts

Joining different personalities, habits, and backgrounds may result in potential conflicts and arguments. When moving in with a roommate, there’s always the chance that you might not get along. But, regardless of your personalities, make sure you are on the same page about finances, cleaning and other important common activities.

Financial struggles

When partnering up with a roommate, you should find a reliable person who won’t skip monthly payments. Otherwise, it could end up costing you. So, instead of sharing living costs in NYC, which is one of the most expensive cities in the world, you can end up paying more.

Skipping chores

Living with a roommate means it’s twice as likely to get messy and chaotic. There’s always the chance that your roommate’s cleaning habits and standards are nothing like yours. So, in order to avoid future misunderstands, the best would be to clearly define your responsibilities right from the start.

How to avoid ”roommates from hell” and similar horror stories

One of the burning issues among those whose financial resources are far inferior to the demands of the big city is how to make existence more bearable.

The answer is pretty obvious, cohabitation with a roommate may provide you with the chance of sharing living costs in NYC.

Once you have made the decision that you really need a roommate, get to work and find one!

The truth is that no matter how much time and energy you are investing in this search, only the time will tell whether it was successful. A friend or a colleague experiencing similar difficulties like you could be a good match. But, in case you are forced to make a random selection of possible roommates, there’s no need to panic.

Just follow some basic steps and stick to the tips you were given by someone more experienced than you. No matter how urgent the situation seems to be, don’t make rash decisions. Remember that it’s in your best interest to find a reliable and honest person.

NYC is known for its diversity, so be prepared to meet different types of people. Knowing that you can obtain professional assistance could be a bit relieving. There are plenty of roommate services available in New York you can eventually recourse to. They may find you a match according to your criteria and standards. For the purpose of advertising use also social networks and Craigslist. You may have doubts about this method, but you will eventually make your own judgment of all candidates.

However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to take some precautionary measures in order to save yourself from possible issues during the cohabitation.

How to tell if your potential roommate is a good match?

At the very beginning of your quest bear in mind the fact that you and your roommate are allowed to have different lifestyles, communication skills, experiences, values, beliefs, etc. That shouldn’t hold up the progress in your relationship and at one point you two could become even best friends. It’s all about compromising and negotiating.

As long as you are trying to maintain a positive living environment, you will get along well. Keep in mind that the cases of perfect matches are very uncommon, so mind your expectations. Naturally, some substantial differences shouldn’t be disregarded, but you can reach an agreement on some less significant matters.

Here are some guidelines when meeting your potential roommate:

1. Are you sharing the same or at least similar priorities?
2. What’s his/her attitude regarding hygiene?
3. Is he/she willing to provide on-time monthly payments?
4. Is he/she willing to make compromises in order to improve the living environment?
5. Does he/she value open communication?
6. Is he/she fully aware of the possible challenges of cohabitation?
7. Is he/she willing to talk openly about his/her expectations, needs?

Living with a friend may seem very appealing, but sometimes it turns out to be a wrong call. A good friend doesn’t make necessarily a good roommate and all guidelines pointed above should be applied to this case with no exceptions.

Once the selection process is over, the two of you are supposed to join forces and take care of the apartment hunting and moving. Luckily, New York City offers a variety of services dedicated to the moving process, so if you do thorough research, you can surely find affordable movers NYC providing excellent moving services.

Although you are joining forces to make your apartment more livable, you shouldn’t be merging everything you have. Some decluttering is always in order when relocating, especially if you are moving in with someone you barely know. So, no matter how much you like your favorite musical instrument, you should find another solution for it. Contact the best piano movers NYC to get more information about cheap storage solutions.