How do you move in with a roommate smoothly?

• Confirm the move-in order. Who arrives first, who brings what, and where large furniture goes. A quick shared doc prevents the hallway pile-up.
• Split cleaning duty. Even if the place looks clean, one of you should deep-clean before move-in day. Agree on who does what.
• Label your boxes by room. It sounds obvious, but unlabelled boxes in a shared living room create instant chaos.
• Take photos of the empty space. Document condition for the landlord and for your own reference if damage disputes arise later.

• Assign rooms before you unload. Don't wait until you're exhausted and arguing over the bigger closet.
• Decide on shared furniture first. Couch, TV, kitchen table — agree on what stays in common space before either of you claims territory.
• Unpack common areas together. The kitchen and living room are shared space; unpacking them collaboratively sets the tone.
• Buy shared supplies together. Toilet paper, trash bags, cleaning products — split the first grocery run so no one feels they're carrying the load.

The first week is when habits form. Don't wait for resentment to build — have the conversation about chores, quiet hours, guests, and groceries within the first few days. It doesn't need to be a formal meeting; a walk to the store together works. The key is surfacing expectations before assumptions harden.

• Write a short roommate agreement (see roommate agreement checklist).
• Set up a shared expense app or group chat for bills.
• Agree on a cleaning schedule — who does what, and how often.
• Confirm guest boundaries and overnight-stay expectations.

• They leave all their boxes in common space for days without a plan.
• They refuse to discuss chores, money, or guests — 'we'll figure it out later.'
• They move in a partner or pet without discussion.
• They claim they 'forgot' their share of the security deposit.