Tips For Moving Into A Shared House For The First Time
Moving into a shared house for the first time?
Whether you’re heading off to university, relocating for work, or just trying to save on rent, house-sharing can be a great experience - if you get it right.
But let’s be honest, it can also come with its fair share of challenges.
From dividing bills to setting house rules and avoiding passive-aggressive Post-it notes on the fridge, here’s some advice to help you navigate shared living.
Before You Move In: Planning is Key
Ask the Right Questions
Before you even pack a box, make sure you understand what kind of household you're moving into.
Some key questions to ask potential housemates include:
- Do you work from home?
- How do you usually split bills?
- What time does everyone usually go to bed?
- How do you feel about pets?
- How do you feel about guests?
- Are there any house traditions (e.g., weekly cleaning sessions, shared dinners)?
- Are there any house costs I should know about (ie cleaner, council tax splits etc.)
- Are there any rules around communal spaces?
Understanding house dynamics can prevent awkward misunderstandings later.
Sort Out Your Paperwork
Nobody likes admin, but getting your documents in order can save you a lot of stress.
Make sure:
✔ Your name is on the lease if you're in a co-tenancy.
✔ You have a copy of the rental agreement.
✔ Your deposit is registered with a tenancy deposit scheme.
✔ You update your address with banks, GP, and any government services.
And if you’re moving out of another property, don’t forget to check that your name is removed from previous bills and contracts.
Packing and Moving Day: What to Bring (and What Not to)
Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Before lugging all your belongings to your new home, check what’s already there.
Many shared houses come partially or fully furnished, so there’s no need to double up on appliances or furniture.
Essentials to bring:
✔ Bedding, towels, and personal toiletries
✔ Kitchen basics (a few plates, cutlery, a good mug)
✔ Laundry basket and drying rack
✔ Storage solutions (under-bed boxes, hanging organisers)
✔ Basic cleaning supplies (you’d be surprised how many houses lack these!)
Things to leave behind:
✘ Bulky furniture (check with housemates first)
✘ Excessive kitchen gadgets (no one needs five toasters)
✘ Items you’re emotionally attached to - accidents happen!
Take Photos of Everything
Before unpacking, take pictures of your bedroom and shared spaces, especially any existing damage. This protects you when it’s time to move out and helps you get your deposit back.
Settling In: House Rules and Boundaries
Communication is Everything
You might think everyone shares the same house expectations, but trust me - they don’t. Before little things turn into big ones, have an open conversation with your housemates about:
✔ Cleaning
✔ Quiet Hours
✔ Guest Policies
Creating a WhatsApp group is a great way to keep everyone in the loop without nagging.
Just don’t be that person who writes a five-paragraph rant about an unwashed spoon.
Communal Supplies: Sharing the Essentials
Some household items are better off being shared—after all, nobody wants four bottles of washing-up liquid cluttering the kitchen. Consider setting up a monthly house fund for:
✔ Toilet paper
✔ Bin bags
✔ Dish soap and sponges
✔ Cleaning sprays
✔ Cooking oil, salt, and basic condiments
To keep things fair, you can either:
✔ Rotate who buys what each month.
✔ Use a shared pot where everyone contributes a small amount regularly.
✔ Use an app like Splitwise to track shared purchases.
Keeping things organised ensures no one ends up carrying the burden (or the cost) alone.
Respect Personal Space
No matter how friendly you all are, everyone needs a bit of alone time.
Pay attention to body language - if someone’s wearing headphones or has their door shut, they probably don’t fancy a chat. Be open about the times of the day that you all need personal space - it's always best to be on the same page.
Set Up a Cleaning Rota (and Stick to It)
Cleaning arguments are one of the top reasons housemates fall out. Avoid passive-aggressive fridge notes by setting up a rota early on.
You can even use apps to assign tasks fairly.
If your housemates are notoriously bad at keeping tidy, consider splitting the cost of a cleaner. It might save a lot of arguments and usually isn't too expensive when divided.
Fridge & Pantry Rules: Avoiding the "Who Ate My Cheese?" Drama
Nothing causes house tension quite like stolen food! Before moving in, have an honest chat about:
Shared vs. individual groceries: Some houses split essentials like milk, bread, and butter, while others prefer to keep things separate.
Fridge organisation: Assign shelves or sections to avoid mix-ups - labelling your food can help too.
Leftovers and expiry dates: Is it fair game to eat someone’s food if they’ve left it untouched for two weeks? Discuss what works best.
House rules on takeaways: If someone orders pizza and leaves the leftovers in the fridge, can anyone eat them, or is that sacred ground?
Bills, Rent & Budgeting: Avoid Money Mishaps
Split Bills Fairly
No one wants to be chasing housemates for their share of the gas bill every month.
Apps like Splitwise, Monzo or Revolut can make tracking shared expenses easier.
Decide early on:
✔ Will bills be split evenly, or should heavy users pay more (e.g., if one housemate works from home and uses more electricity)?
✔ Who’s responsible for making the actual payments?
✔ How will you handle unexpected costs (boiler breakdowns, WiFi upgrades)?
Set a Budget
Moving out for the first time? It’s easy to underestimate how much everything costs.
Beyond rent and bills, factor in:
✔ Council tax (if you’re not a full-time student)
✔ Groceries (bulk buying staples can save money)
✔ Travel expenses
✔ Socialising (housemate nights out add up!)
Hosting & Guests: The Unwritten Rules
Be Considerate with Visitors
Your housemates probably don’t mind the occasional visitor, but if your best mate starts spending more nights on the sofa than their own home, it’s time for a chat.
Golden rules:
- Give a heads-up before inviting people over.
- Avoid loud gatherings late at night.
- If a guest stays over often, discuss whether they should contribute to bills.
- Check in with your housemates about whether the situation is ok for them.
Parties and Noise Levels
Whether your housemates are early risers or night owls, setting noise rules ensures everyone’s comfort. Some key things to consider:
Agree on quiet hours: If someone works night shifts or studies late, be mindful of their schedule.
Set expectations for music and TV volume: A speaker blasting at 1 AM is fun for one person, but not for the rest of the house.
Be mindful of phone calls: Voices carry, especially in thin-walled houses, so keep loud conversations to a minimum at night.
Establish rules for guests: If someone regularly brings friends over, it’s worth agreeing on quiet times to avoid frustration.
The golden rule? Be considerate, and if something’s bothering you, speak up before it becomes a bigger issue.
Security and House Rules
Locks and Keys: Keeping Your Home Safe
Security might not be the most exciting part of moving in, but it’s one of the most important. Make sure you:
Have a spare key: If your landlord doesn’t provide one, consider getting a copy made (with permission, of course).
Agree on a lock-up routine: Who’s responsible for locking the front door at night? Should bedroom doors be locked when you’re out?
Decide how to handle lost keys: Some landlords charge a hefty fee for replacements, so set up a plan in case one goes missing.
Discuss security for deliveries: If you’re all ordering packages, agree on where they should be left safely and who’s responsible for collecting them.
A little preparation goes a long way in avoiding security headaches.
Emergencies & Responsibilities
Emergency Contacts: Who to Call When Things Go Wrong
It’s easy to assume that emergencies won’t happen, but when they do, it’s best to be prepared.
Make sure everyone knows:
Where the fire exits are and how to safely evacuate.
The landlord’s contact details in case of urgent repairs.
Who to call for utilities issues (water, gas, electricity).
Where the fuse box and stopcock are in case you need to turn off power or water.
How to handle medical emergencies: Have a basic first-aid kit in the house, and know if anyone has allergies or medical conditions.
It’s worth writing all of this down and sticking it on the fridge or in a shared WhatsApp group.
Who’s Responsible for What?
Some issues are a landlord’s responsibility, while others are down to the tenants.
Before panic sets in over a leaking tap or a broken boiler, agree on who will handle:
Reporting maintenance issues: Will one person contact the landlord, or should everyone report problems individually?
DIY vs. calling a professional: Some things (like replacing lightbulbs) you can handle yourself. But major repairs (like plumbing or heating) should be reported immediately.
Dealing with household pests: If there’s a mouse problem, is it up to the tenants to sort it, or will the landlord handle it?
Garden and outdoor areas: If there’s a lawn, is it your responsibility to maintain it, or does the landlord hire someone?
Getting clear on these things early on prevents last-minute stress when something goes wrong.
Handling Conflict: When Things Go Wrong
Address Problems Early
No one likes confrontation, but ignoring issues can make them worse. If something’s bothering you:
- Bring it up calmly and respectfully.
- Focus on solutions rather than blame.
- Choose a neutral time to talk (not when someone’s running late for work!).
If things escalate, involve your landlord or lettings agency, especially if the issue relates to the property or rent.
Thinking Ahead: Planning Your Next Move
Know Your Notice Period
At some point, you’ll move on, so it’s smart to understand the process:
How much notice do you need to give?
Are you responsible for finding a replacement tenant?
Do your housemates have a say in the new tenant?
How do you get your deposit back?
Leaving on good terms makes everything easier - plus, you never know when you might need a reference for your next rental.
Now: Make The Most Of It!
Living in a shared house can be an incredible experience. You’ll learn new skills (like how to cook something other than instant noodles), meet interesting people, and maybe even make lifelong friends.
The key to a happy house share? Respect, communication, and a little bit of patience.
If you need a professional moving service, get in touch with The Box Co. today. From a man with a van to a cross-country move, we're here to make your move a success.
