So you’re moving into a flatshare? Here’s everything you need to make it a smooth process

Article by Sinead Clarke Marketing Specialist 12 February 2024

Moving into a flatshare can be daunting, particularly if it’s your first time leaving home! From navigating rental agreements to anxiety about meeting and cohabitating with new people, it can be a stress-inducing process. However, it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ve accumulated a list of everything you need to consider and plan for to make the process as smooth as possible. After all, if you adequately prepare for move-in day, and can acknowledge the bumps in the road that may pop up, it allows you to enjoy what should be an exciting milestone experience. Happy moving!

1. Ask questions well before move-in day

Before moving in, it’s important to ask your future housemates the right questions. It’s true that no question is a silly one, however, it pays to be targeted and have your queries ready to go before move-in day. Some of the best questions to ask your future housemates include: 

• Does anyone work from home? 
• Are you social or more of a homebody? 
• Are you ok with family and friends staying over? 
• What about pets?
• Do you have any household traditions? 
• If someone uses more of the wifi is this reflected in the bill?

These questions are important as they allow you to understand the culture and routine of the house, making your move-in process as smooth as possible. Moving in with new people always calls for a period of adjustment, but understanding the household customs can shorten this and create transparency from the get-go.

2. Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork!

Paperwork is one of those things that is a nightmare to organise, but so often comes in handy. So we encourage you to take it seriously and find a way to file paperwork that works for you, as well as being able to back it up on your computer. After all, we do live in a digital world. When moving into a new home, the best place to start with paperwork is to ensure that your name is on the official lease. This seems obvious, however, if you’re moving into a private rental or flatshare, it’s something your future landlord or housemates can be a little relaxed about. It’s imperative to ensure that your name is on the paperwork, after all, it legally recognises that you’re living in your new place. 

Beyond that, we want to reiterate that it’s important to have copies of all of your paperwork secured and stored appropriately. This includes ensuring your Property Manager gives you a copy of your lease agreement and bond receipt. It also doesn’t hurt to ensure that your bond has been listed with the Rental Bond Board. Lastly, make sure you change your address on all your legal documents such as your government services and banking.

Suppose this isn’t your first rodeo and you’re moving from one place to another. In that case, we also suggest checking that you’ve gotten your bond back from your previous Property Manager, as well as following up to make sure your name isn’t left on any utility bills or the lease agreement!

3. What do I need to buy?

Knowing what to buy for your new place can be one of the most confusing and costly parts of your move! How many plates are too many, and do I need to contribute to any of the big appliance purchases? The good news is that if you’re moving into an existing flatshare, you’ll often find that the majority of your new place is already furnished, particularly the bigger ticket items. With that being said, we suggest having a brief conversation with your new housemates to determine what you’ll be expected to bring, to eliminate any over-purchasing or packing. 

From there you can have fun with it, and buy pieces for your bedroom to make it your own. If you’re concerned about cost, it’d be advantageous to look at online marketplaces, such as Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree, to find good quality second-hand items such as bed frames, bookshelves and desks, that way you only have to worry about splurging on decorative touches.

4. Take photos of everything

We recommend that you take photos of everything when you first move in. This protects you when you move out, ensuring that you get your bond payment back. So what do we mean when we say take photos? Take photos of your new bedroom before furniture has been moved in, including pictures of the flooring, walls and any closet areas. Furthermore, take pictures of the common spaces, including the provided appliances, laundry room and living room walls. 

General wear and tear is to be expected and is taken care of by your Property Manager and in that same vein accidents happen. While we like to always think the best of people, and for good reason, it’s important to make sure that you’re protected in case things go awry. Ensure you store the photos somewhere safe, similar to your paperwork. 

5. Organise an introductory meeting with your housemate

This step is arguably the most important, as you’ll be spending the majority of your year around your housemates. Whilst you don’t have to be the best of friends, it’s vital to understand how everyone prefers to handle the daily going ons, such as paying bills and completing household chores, to ensure harmony. During this introductory meeting, we suggest discussing the following topics: 

• How would we like to pay for bills?
• Do we have an existing chore schedule, if not, do we want to create one? 
• Do you have any customs or habits that we should be aware of? 
• What does everyone’s work arrangement look like (e.g. is anyone in the house a night shift worker)? 
• How would we like to pay for cleaning products and general household goods?

It’s also ideal to write the answers to these questions down and share them with your housemates, that way if any disagreements arise in the future you have written proof of what was discussed.

6. Create an exit strategy

While we hope you’re not entering a flatshare already dreaming of leaving, it’s sensible to have an exit strategy in place in case you have to leave. Life gets in the way, your circumstances might change or you might be finding it difficult to gel with your new housemates. All of that is part of life, however, it’s important to be prepared so that if you do choose to leave, you can do so in the least stress-inducing way possible. Before moving in, put a note in a safe space, such as the notes app on your mobile phone with your exit strategy for peace of mind. Your exit strategy may look something like this: 

• Alert your Property Manager and housemates within the notice period 
• Assist your housemates in sourcing a new housemate (if applicable)
• Conduct a deep clean of your room/s 
• Get your bond back 
• Ensure your name is removed from utility bills and the lease agreement

7. Facilitate ongoing communication

Communication is key and life can get busy, before you know it you’ve been in your new place for over six months. For some housemates having a monthly sit down is needed, and for others a brief text once a week is enough to ensure healthy communication. So check in with your housemates to see what style of catch-up works best with them and make a note to follow up each week or month. 

To learn about the PropertyMe mobile app for tenants and what it can do to help you, head on over to the PropertyMe website for more information.