The top five things that roommates fight about are bills, cleanliness, food, the bathroom, and noise. Today we are going to talk the unwritten decrees of “toilet truism,” which will lead to a copacetic relationship with your other half (the roommate). Living with someone is up close and personal. In fact, these are rules to remember when you’re forced to marry your life-time roommate. We care about your relationship with your apartment, roommate, and everything in-between here at Apartment Science…so here are our best suggestions that you should study, and share with your live-in cohabitor.
- There are two people in life: When they see this….
The person who sees the empty loo roll and replaces it with a new roll back on the holder.
VERSUS
The person who sees the empty loo roll and ignores it opting to use tissues or paper towel (ouch!) that may or may not clog the toilet OR simply plops a new roll in any convenient place it falls.
Who would you rather live with? Who makes a desirable roommate? DUH, the first person. Even if you are the second person, I guarantee you want the first person as your roommate (trust me it’s an all-time low to consider the rug as an option for wiping). Do your best to make the bathroom process as easy as possible and considerate. Sure, will it kill anyone if the roll isn’t back on the holder? Nah- but it will look better and keep visiting-moms at bay. It’s so easy to do and considerate. Organization is key to being the proud owner and sharer of a bathroomThis brings us swiftly to the next issue at hand.
2. Sharing is Caring When it Comes To Toilet Paper
Take initiative. Check the supply of toilet paper on the regular so you aren’t left in a bind. I can remember gnashing my teeth in rage at my roommate over being toilet-paper-less when it was supposed to be his/her turn to buy. If you see there is a need for toilet paper i.e. 1-2 rolls left, buy more and replace it. Make that a hard rule for your roommate too. It will all even out and if you are worried then tally whose turn it is or who owes who in a polite way you both agree to.
Also make sure you both agree to the kind of toilet paper you both prefer. Don’t be left with eco-friendly sandpaper after you have been purchasing plush charmin.
Hint hint: My favorite way to deal with buying toilet paper is to buy it in bulk online on Amazon or Costco and share the cost with my roommate. It’s cheap and no one has to make any real moves other than a few clicks but keep in mind that you might have to order when you are down to five rolls.
3. Sharing is Caring When It Comes To Bathroom Cleaning
Both of you need to clean the bathroom regularly and mutually agree upon a set schedule. This you may want to make a chart for it. This includes sharing the purchase of cleaners like bathroom bleach, toilet brush, glass cleaner, clorox wipes, draino, and PLUNGER.
Want to know what else is awesome? Hair Free Drains – invest in one of those stoppers that collect hair if need be and gloves while you’re at it.
NOTE: You are responsible for cleaning your own bodily fluids and stray hairs IMMEDIATELY and plunging the toilet if you blocked it. That’s all on you- no ifs, ands, or buts. I don’t care how much you drank last night.
3. Remember when I said sharing is caring that rule DOES NOT apply to a few select items. What’s mine is yours except when it comes to…
- Razors
- Toothbrush (please distinguish yours some how- color, caps, whatever)
- Brushes and Combs
- Eye makeup
- Towels/ Loofahs (keep these hanging somewhere at all times)
These all come down to health risks and general yuckiness (that’s not a word). All three of these things hold your bodily fluids, skin cells, and known/unknown passable conditions or infections. Don’t subject anyone to these things except yourself or live ALONE. Believe it or not you can be held criminally accountable for being reckless and spreading STDs. That’s a fight that should NEVER be fought.
4. There are are few things that can be shared but need an open, clear, and specific conversation about their use like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, moisturizer, skin/hair care, etc. All might be easier if you keep these things separate but that’s up to you. Things kept personal should be officially announced and labeled. If you share these things please refer to Sharing is Caring in that you must replace what you use in a fair way.
Keep in mind that separate wash cloths keep each person in check when it comes to sharing soap if someone’s wash cloth isn’t used they went soap to skin- ew.
Toothpaste caps should always go back on.
Lastly, store bathroom necessities in a convenient place within the bathroom if possible.
5. They say, “What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas,” and that’s what we think is applies to all bathroom rules for you and your roommate. Bodily waste is best left unseen to ALL of the senses.
Always flush. Ignore this saying “if it’s yellow let it mellow and if it’s brown flush it down,” unless the plumber is on the way.
Lock the door if you do not want to be disturbed. Ew, and even if you do.
Streak Free Zone – look behind you after you flush and make sure everything went down. Wipe away all leftovers. And while you’re at it, wipe the floor or sink down if you doused them in water and then hang the towels to dry properly- ever step in stale water? Enough said.
Keep evidence out of sight. This means used feminine products should be wrapped in the trashcan or anything used for private time should be hidden in your room.
Remember when I talked about your hair above… well, that shouldn’t be astray around the bathroom either. Invest in Shop Vac. Sorry if you’re hairy but that sounds like personal problem.
Light a match after use, close the door, and turn on the fan. It works miracles. Sprays are OK but should be agreed upon. I still shudder at the smell of febreeze after having my desk near my boss’ toilet and it was his favorite and ineffective mask for no. 2.
Speaking of no. 2, everybody poops. Do you recall that great book from childhood? Here’s a refresher course. Everyone farts and vomit too,. If you’re shy about this- try turning on the sink to keep your noises private or maybe have a bathroom-friendly radio. These both will actually make your experience better too.
TIP: Buy a modest robe to be worn to and from the shower. When you get out of the shower sure you can wrap yourself in a towel to proceed to your room but then that forces you to go back and hang your towel which will likely lead to you hanging your towel on the door and forgetting it for your next shower adventure.
6. Be respectful of each other’s schedules.
This is the first thing you talk about with someone once you move in. Fair compromise is compulsory. Make the morning commute as easy as possible for one another and make it known it in advance if there is changes to your schedule that might interfere with your roommate’s. Quick showers and getting-ready with haste is must if you have similar schedules. Ladies, I recommend making the top of dresser or desk in your room into your part time vanity for doing hair and makeup.
7. Don’t be an asshole. Be empathetic and help your roommate if they need ask for help with a towel, more toilet paper, pepto, etc. Holding your roommate’s hair when they are sick or giving them their pillow to sleep on while they clutch the toilet are very kind gestures but are not required.
When all of these rules are followed, the chance of roommates fighting decreases a lot. With these rules broken, we recommend it’s time to think “outside of the box” and find a new roommate or new apartment. We are here for more tips or can help you relocate.
