Living in shared accommodation can be an exciting and cost-effective way to experience life in Ormskirk and everywhere surrounding it. Whether you’re a student at Edge Hill University, living up in Warrington, settling down in Burscough or a professional new to the area, shared living offers a chance to meet new people and save money.
However, it does come with its own set of challenges, so here are some tips to make shared accommodation work for you while keeping things enjoyable and stress-free.
Tip #1 Set Up Clear House Rules
Good communication is so important when sharing a living space and early on, you should sit down with your housemates to agree on rules that everyone can follow. These might include when to keep noise levels low, how to split cleaning duties, or agreeing on a guest policy. A group chat can also be handy for quick discussions or updates about household matters.
It’s worth writing down the agreed rules and putting them somewhere visible, like on the fridge. This way, everyone knows what’s expected, and it helps avoid misunderstandings later.
Tip #2 Divide Expenses Fairly
Living with others often means sharing costs for things like utilities, internet, and household supplies. To keep things simple and avoid arguments, agree on how bills will be split. Apps like Splitwise can make tracking shared expenses easier and prevent anyone from feeling short-changed.
If one person is in charge of paying the bills, it’s important to reimburse them promptly. This helps maintain trust and avoids unnecessary tension.
Tip #3 Respect Each Other’s Space
Sharing a home accommodation in Ormskirk or nearby areas such as Warrington, St. Helens, Wigan, etc., doesn’t mean you have to spend all your time together. Everyone has their own needs for privacy and relaxation, so you have to respect closed doors and give your housemates the space they need when they want some alone time.
At the same time, try not to clutter shared areas like the kitchen or living room with your belongings. Keeping communal spaces tidy shows consideration for others and makes the house feel more comfortable for everyone.
Tip #4 Create a Cleaning Routine
Nobody likes living in a messy or dirty home, so setting up a clear cleaning rota is a simple way to keep things under control. You should divide tasks fairly and rotate them regularly so that everyone shares the workload.
Make sure that cleaning supplies, like washing-up liquid, bin liners, and cleaning sprays, are well-stocked. This keeps the process smooth and avoids excuses for skipping chores.
Tip #5 Be Considerate with Noise
Ormskirk is a lively town, along with the others, but not everyone has the same schedule. Whether someone is studying late or has an early morning shift, excessive noise can cause frustration. Simple things like using headphones for music, keeping the volume low on the TV, and avoiding loud phone calls at night can make a big difference.
If you’re planning a gathering or having friends over, let your housemates know in advance. A little notice goes a long way in keeping the peace.
Tip #6 Get to Know Your Housemates
Shared living is a great chance to build friendships, so take the time to get to know the people you live with. Organising a shared meal, watching a film together, or even just chatting over a cup of tea can help strengthen your bond.
That said, don’t feel pressured to become best friends. It’s perfectly fine to have a polite and friendly relationship without sharing every detail of your life. Finding a balance that works for everyone is the goal.
Tip #7 Explore Ormskirk and Surrounding Areas Together
Living in Ormskirk and surrounding areas offers lots of opportunities to go and explore so why not suggest a group outing to discover the local area? You could check out the Thursday and Saturday markets, enjoy a walk along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, or grab a drink at one of the town’s cosy pubs.
Going as a group can help you bond with your housemates and create shared memories, making the experience of living together even more enjoyable.
Finding Your Perfect Accommodation in Ormskirk or Close By
Shared accommodation in Ormskirk or anywhere close can be a fantastic experience if approached with a positive attitude and a bit of planning. All it takes is for you to act like adults and put a plan together on how it’s going to work. Respect is a massive part of this. I hope this