Living in New York City is a dream for many people, and for New Yorkers that have been living in the city for a quite a while, it can be both a dream come true and a challenge. Living in NYC means having to pay very high rental rates. And while it is indeed the city that never sleeps, you will always need a comfortable and an affordable apartment to sleep in through cold NYC nights. Sometimes, this means having a roomie to share all the expenses with. Having a roommate is fun. However, when you are just about to move in together, things may go a little bit awkward especially if you are just starting to organize the house and merge your things. So to make things a bit easier for you in the Urban Jungle, here are a few tips on how to start remodeling an NYC apartment with a roommate:
- Tone it down – Having a roommate means having to make some space for another person in the house. You cannot just let that person in and have all his or her stuff placed in what is left of the space. As a good roommate you need to tone it down when it comes to furnishing and make room for your roomie’s things. An NYC remodel is usually all about space maximization, so discuss this openly with your roommate and have a clear and communal objective about how you are going to work on that limited space.
- Plan out your zones – This may sound not so friendly, but as individuals with different interests, preferences and even genders, you also need to set your own private spaces or corners no matter how small your space is. Create a floor plan where you mark each other’s private zones. Be respectful of your roommate’s needs too. You cannot simply take the larger areas in the apartment just because you got there first. Kick off your roommate relationship on a good note!
- Know when to update some furniture and appliance – Now that you have a roommate, buying new stuff sure will be easier. However, you need to know when this is necessary. Consult your roommate about any furniture or appliance he or she thinks needs some upgrade. Discuss on the expenses and consider the new stuff your shared investment. Besides, an NYC remodel is not only about maximizing a small space; it is most importantly about making your home more functional for you and your roomie.
Having a roommate especially if you have been living alone for quite a while can be difficult. However, when you are in NYC, this often becomes necessary. So do not make the merge difficult for the both of you. New Yorkers are known to be some of the friendliest people in the world, so start off that communal living properly and make your apartment remodel a pleasant experience for the both of you.