How to Save Money by Living Together

With the economy rapidly sinking, many people are seeking to lower their expenses or boost their household income.  One option is to share living space, because several people can live together more cheaply than each of them alone.  Couples and people of all ages have explored shared living.  With careful planning and discussion, this can turn into a successful and fulfilling venture.

Making Arrangements

There are three basic versions: 1) You can move into someone else’s place.  2) You can invite someone to move into your place with you.  3) You can form a group of people to find and move into a new place all together.  In all three cases, it is easier if you already know and like at least some of your housemates; but it can be done with strangers if necessary.

If you want to move in with someone else, ask around to see who has space.  Sometimes you can take over a lease when one person has moved out early; other times you can find a spare room.  If none of your friends has room, check local bulletin boards for people seeking housemates.  If you’re single and you can travel light, this will be easier than finding space for more people or more stuff.

If you have a spare room or two, ask around to see who’s looking for space.  You can often attract a housemate by undercutting the local rate for housing, or by letting someone make up part of the rent in barter (housekeeping, babysitting, driving, whatever you need and they have).  If necessary, check local bulletin boards and newspapers for people seeking space.  However, one of the best ways is to offer a friend temporary  crash space in time of need — two to four weeks is a good range — during which you and they can see if the match is comfortable.  If it is, you can make it longer term; if not, they’ve at least gained some time to find other accommodations.

Planning and Communication

When making new living arrangements, spell out the details.  Discuss who will pay how much, for which expenses, and when.  Discuss who is responsible for which household chores, and when.  Compare people’s wake/sleep schedules and when quiet hours are (if any).   Agree on a general standard of neatness (or lack thereof) for the house, and whether it also applies to private rooms.  Agree on the parameters for bringing guests home and hosting dinners/parties/other activities.  Explore opportunities to carpool or otherwise share resources to reduce expenses.

Communication is a key to successful group living.  Depending on the size of your household, weekly or monthly meetings may help keep things on track.  Try to resolve minor disputes before they blow out of proportion.  A good guide to healthy conversation, and how to deal with hostile language, is The Gentle Art of Verbal Self-Defense by Suzette Haden Elgin. Living Beautifully Together presents ideas for taking care of yourself and maintaining relationships. Shared Visions, Shared Lives: Communal Living Around the Globe gives a glimpse of communal living.  Conversely, sometimes you just want to ignore each other for a while.

Making a House into a Home

There’s more to becoming a functional household than just sharing a roof.  The more you can do for yourselves, the less you’ll have to spend elsewhere.  The more you enjoy each other’s company, the happier all of you will be.

Cooking is a wonderful way to spend time together and save money.  At least once a week — more if schedules allow it — try to get everyone together for supper.  You can catch up on each other’s news.  It’s also easier and cheaper to cook one big meal than a lot of little ones.  You can remake leftovers into different recipes, or make things that reheat nicely; this is especially frugal if people can pack lunches to work or school instead of having to buy them.  Cooking and dining are also good social activities for friends outside the household.

Plan some activities just for fun, too.  Once a month is about right for most households, but suit the timing to your taste.  You might go hiking, jogging, or biking together.  For indoor activities, consider a game night or a movie night.  Roleplaying games, board games, or multi-player video games are all good.  If you show movies, make popcorn or do something else to make it a special occasion.  Ask your housemates what they enjoy and give it a try together.