All posts by Eric Yadao

How Does Shared Housing Impact Mental Health Today

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Mental Illness Housing, Shared Housing

House sharing is very popular these days. Why? It’s economical and socially viable for young adults. However, there needs to be a broader understanding of the effects of shared housing on mental health. 

The Study on House Sharing & Mental Health

A survey was conducted in Seoul, Korea, wherein 834 young, single adults living in shared houses and non-shared housing participated. The study found two results. The first one is that those in shared housing have a more positive attitude and show improvements in their mental health. Next, young adults that were forced to live in shared housing are more at risk of social dysfunction. 

Health Benefits of Shared Housing

Living in shared housing can potentially improve your mental health if you have a positive mindset. A positive mindset can affect our physical and mental health. Some of the health benefits include:

  • A sense of social support that can help reduce depression and anxiety
  • Networking and more opportunities to form new relationships
  • Better acclimatization to the outside world
  • Learning social skills
  • Learning to live with other people
  • Learning to share, compromise and communicate
  • Learning time management and self-discipline

On the other hand, living in shared housing can also be a risk factor for mental health if you have a negative attitude. More specifically, it can be a risk factor for social dysfunction. Some of the negative attitude risks include:

  • Hostility, aggression, and anti-social behavior
  • Less social support
  • Lack of interest in social activities
  • More conflict with your housemates

The Importance of Being Okay with Shared Housing

Living with other people can be a good thing if that’s what you want. Therefore, it all comes down to your preferences and how you view them.

The following are some positive ways to look at shared housing:

  • Shared housing is a stepping stone to success
  • You learn to live with other people and be more understanding
  • You have more freedom to do what you want when you want
  • You can save money and have more disposable income
  • You get to learn to compromise and live with other people
  • Shared housing is fun
  • You learn to appreciate other people
  • You get a new perspective on life

One of the most important things to keep in mind is that shared housing is not for everyone. It’s for people that don’t want to live alone. If you prefer to live alone, it’s much better to be honest about it and move on.

As long as you have a positive attitude, living in shared housing should be beneficial to your health.

How to Find Shared Housing in the US

When looking for shared housing, consider the following:

  • Make sure you have a private room
  • Ask to see the room before committing
  • Have a roommate agreement
  • Look for an affordable place
  • Use social media and online forums to research the house and surrounding area
  • Ask the landlord if you can get a picture of the surrounding area

Share a Living Space Today

Overall, shared housing is the best option for young adults because it gives them the benefit of living on their own without the financial burden that comes with it and the burden of other adult responsibilities. It allows young adults to learn to interact with people from all walks of life.

Are you looking for room sharing in Stanislaus County, CA and Modesto, CA? Stayhaven Homes offers affordable and specialized housing. Get started now!

Pointers for Finding a Rental When Relocating to a New City

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing

If you’re moving to a new city and you only have a specific budget to spare for rent, you should tap into your resourcefulness because you will need it. Finding a place to rent might be difficult, and you don’t want to risk it and accept a lease in a location that lacks amenities or demands a long daily commute. 

Long before you rent a moving truck, think about the important elements that make up your dream home, as well as the actions you’ll need to take to get it. 

Take your time and do it correctly, and you’ll have a lot better chance of producing something fantastic. Here are helpful pointers to help you get started.

Begin Your Rent Hunting as Soon as Possible

If possible, begin researching your new city’s housing alternatives at least a few months before you apply for a lease. You may be certain that you know exactly what you’re looking for this way. 

Examine general neighborhood ratings and average rental pricing, and immerse yourself in the local scene as much as possible. Living in a city is considerably different from visiting one, and you’ll want to take your time getting to know the area before deciding where to rent.

Get to Know the Neighborhood Market

Once you’ve decided on the neighborhood or communities you’d like to live in, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with their rental markets. 

How much does a month’s rent cost on average? When a unit is listed, how long does it take for it to be rented? What kind of amenities should you anticipate? Answering these questions will assist you in setting your expectations and guiding your search. 

Take a look at real estate blogs for the locations you’re interested in and skim through a lot of internet listings to get a sense of the kind of rental possibilities available and what it takes to secure one.

Get a Rental Agent If You’re Unsure of How to Proceed

A rental agency will already be familiar with your new city and will be able to provide you with options depending on your preferred location, budget, wish list, and anticipated move-in date. Rental agencies are invaluable resources, especially if you’re having trouble narrowing down your selections or are completely bewildered and unsure where to begin. 

It won’t cost you anything to employ their services because their fees are paid by the landlord or property manager, who you eventually end up leasing.

Don’t Miss an Opportunity to See the New Place

Photos can only convey so much information. While renting a wonderful home without seeing it isn’t impossible, it doesn’t hurt to go see several listings in person. If possible, schedule showings for a weekend approximately a month before your relocation, either on your own or through an agency. 

In addition to being in the location, you can spend time getting a sense of the regions you’re interested in. It’s even better if the scheduling works out, and you can sign a lease while you’re there.

Be Careful of Scams

Renting in a new place, especially from afar, requires trusting your instincts and avoiding any renting conditions that raise red flags. Do your homework on any potential landlords, and never send cash, even if they ask for it. Even if you can’t see them in person, call the landlord to get a sense of their personality. 

Back out if you find yourself second-guessing a situation. If it means avoiding the chance of being scammed, it’s worth continuing your search.

Consider Renting a Room Share Home

You will find organizations that provide all-inclusive affordable housing to a wide range of special needs clients. These room share homes are dedicated to offering tenants clean, safe, all-inclusive living situations that they will not find anywhere else.

Conclusion

Finding a rental in a new city needs a lot of research and a little luck, but you’ll eventually find a wonderful place to call home in your new location. Stay positive and focused. The proper path to your new home is out there; all you have to do is find it.

Get the best room share home experience in California at Stayhaven Homes! We provide a wide variety of special needs populations with affordable and specialized housing. Contact us today to learn more!

Knowing Your Compatibility with a Roommate in Shared Housing

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing

Owning a house in the United States has been quite challenging for many people due to the skyrocketing prices in the previous years. Fortunately, the concept of shared housing has been introduced, resulting in many people being roommates and splitting the utility bills every month, giving them lots of savings.

While the whole situation may seem straightforward, the truth is that people will always have their differences. That is why one must be compatible with the person they are going to share the house with; otherwise, there will be a definite case of conflict along the way.

The term compatibility simply refers to the fact that you may live with the other tenant in harmony. In such a case, you may take note of the following pointers that will determine how compatible you are with another person in a shared housing scenario.

1. Do You Have Similar Habits and Beliefs?

This is the first reason why you and the other tenant must have good compatibility. If you are both people who like routine and hate surprises, then you have excellent compatibility. In contrast, you may not have good compatibility if you and the other person are completely different.

2. Do You Know Each Other?

There are many reasons why you need to know each other a little before deciding on living together in a shared housing scenario. To start with, you need to keep your personal information and background private. This is also to let the other tenant know that you are a good person to live with.

3. Do You Want to Stay?

If you are planning on living with the other tenant for a long time, it is best if you are planning to stay for the long haul. This will show the other tenant that you are in the relationship for the long term. You must remember that you are planning to share your house with the other tenant for a long time, which is why you must both know each other well.

4. Do You Have a Sense of Humor?

This is something that the two of you should be mindful of. You must constantly be aware if you are looking forward to living in a place where you would need to laugh with the other tenant. If you are both people who like to joke, take note of this because it will help you both in many ways.

5. Do You Want to Live Within Your Means?

You will not want to live in a place with someone who is going to spend too much money without any sense of consideration about whether he can afford to pay the bills. This is why you must always be mindful of the other person’s financial condition.

6. Do You Have Respect for One Another?

Contrary to what many people think, it does not only refer to physical respect but also spiritual and mental respect. It is important to note that you are going to be living with the other person, so you must be mindful that you will need to respect the privacy of the other person.

Conclusion

If you really want to live within your means, then you must start living with someone else. In contrast, you must also make sure that you are going to be living with someone who can make it a fun experience. Always remember that you will have other people living in the same house as you, so you must always be mindful of the qualities you are going to look for.

Take note of our pointers above and see if you and the other tenant may have a harmonious life within shared housing.

If you are looking for available shared housing in San Joaquin, look no further than our options here at Stayhaven Homes. Since we opened our first shared home, we have provided a wide variety of special needs populations with affordable and specialized housing. Call us today for more information about our homes and their amenities.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Roommate

Group Homes, Shared Housing

Every major decision you need in your life requires careful consideration. We shouldn’t rush into doing things without weighing their pros and cons first. From things that you do every day, like choosing what to eat to what career to pursue, where to live, and more, you need to consider many factors before arriving at a decision. 

The same goes for choosing a roommate. You might think it’s not as serious as choosing a life partner. However, you need to consider that this is someone who’s going to be living with you – sharing your space, seeing you at various stages of your life, and basically being present in your home every day. That certainly requires some serious thought. 

Stayhaven Homes, the best-shared housing in Modesto, California, discusses some of the factors you need to consider when choosing a roommate:

Trustworthiness

First, you need to ascertain if the person has a good enough moral compass to warrant your trust. This is important because you will be sharing things like your home (and your stuff), your money, and even your personal space with this person. The last thing you want to happen is for someone to take advantage of your generosity and loyalty.

Hence, it’s important to be certain that your roommate is not only a good person but that they’re also someone you can count on to keep your secrets and protect your personal details as well.

Capability to Share the Bills

Another thing you need to consider is whether you’re going to be able to share the bills with this person. For instance, if you have a water bill, you have to make sure that whoever you’re going to live with would be able to pay his share on time or risk your utilities getting shut off.

Hence, you need to make sure that this person is ready to take on their financial responsibilities and is prepared to face the consequences when things go wrong.

Cleanliness

Aside from being able to pay your share of the bills, you need to be sure that your roommate is also able to be as considerate as possible – especially when it comes to cleanliness. After all, living in a place that’s cluttered and dirty is not only uncomfortable, but it’s unhealthy as well.

If you’re going to live with someone for an extended period of time, you need to be sure that they can help you keep the place clean and organized.

Habits and Hobbies

A person’s habits can either enhance or detract from the experience of living with them. If, for instance, your roommate likes to spend his weekends out of the house and you’re an introvert who needs time to relax, that’s not going to work out. In the same way, if you’re the type of person who gets a hangover easily or is trying to avoid drinking altogether, you might not like it if your roommate is a heavy drinker.

Schedule

Finally, you need to make sure that your roommate’s schedule is going to work well with yours. You should be capable of having mutual understanding when it comes to things like house chores, getting groceries, and other things of that nature.

Conclusion

Many people mistakenly think that picking a roommate is something that doesn’t require a lot of thought. However, if you want to ensure a good experience while living in a shared house with someone, you need to do your homework and make sure that the person you’re going to live with is someone you can trust and enjoy being around.

Stayhaven Homes offers shared housing services in Modesto, California to those who are seeking affordable or specialized housing. Contact us today to learn more about our shared houses!

Room Share-Hunting Made Easier: Here’s All You Need to Do

Group Homes, Shared Housing

It can be tricky to find a room share for rent, but we have an extensive guide to help you. Here’s the first thing to remember: try to avoid looking for an apartment or house for rent. The biggest hurdle you’ll face is a bad neighbor or an irresponsible roommate, but that’s nowhere near as common as dealing with an evil landlord. If you deal with them directly, you can be sure that they’re not against the subletting and that you’re legally renting the room.

Here’s how room share-hunting can be a much easier experience.

Consider Several Options

Some of the most common mistakes that room share enters make when searching for an apartment to live in is attempting to rush and find the first apartment they can. As a renter, you should take your time and look at a few different options before choosing one.

Another common mistake that renters make is failing to narrow down their options. Don’t think you should rent the first place you come across, especially if it seems too good to be true. Take the time to get multiple options to ensure that the site you rent is right for you.

If you decide that you do want to rent a particular apartment, be sure to schedule a tour or at least receive information about your future rental through e-mail or by telephone. Even though this step may seem like a hassle, it will prevent you from making a rushed decision based upon what may be inaccurate information.

Finalize Your Budget

Don’t jump to look at room share listings beyond your budget. Set your spendable amount and make a list of your needs first to narrow the list of apartments you want to see. 

Since you’re looking for a smaller room, it’s evident that your budget is limited. But knowing exactly how much you can afford will help you avoid getting over your head. You should do that before you start looking. See how much you can spend each month, and then look for apartments on or below that price level. 

Next, look for what you need in an apartment. Write down everything you need in an apartment, including closets and a workspace, and then look for listings with those specific amenities.

Finalize Your Choice of Furnished or Not

As we discussed earlier, you can have a minimal budget. The most popular way to save money when renting is if you find an unfurnished apartment or room. You need to decide whether you will be able to furnish it, or if you will bring your furniture.

Meet Your Potential Roommate

Although you’ll have multiple roommates in your future rental, you need to meet all of them in person and get to know them a bit. You should remember that these people will be your neighbors and live with them every day. There is no place for hate. A positive attitude and friendly atmosphere are needed for a comfortable renting experience.

Meet Previous Subletters

Whenever you find a perfect room share, chances are you’re not the first person to live in that room. So the best way to know more about your prospective roommate is to talk to the previous renters. After all, you don’t want to live with someone who will trash the place.

Of course, you shouldn’t act like you’re doing an extensive background check like some detective. But a few simple questions may reveal whether your future roommates love or hate conflict.

Discover the Right Room Share in Stanislaus

There’s nothing to be afraid of concerning room share-hunting. Follow the above tips, and you’re in for a much easier experience than other first-timers. Always do your research online and look for reviews to narrow down the most suitable options for yourself.

Get better access to a room share in Stanislaus, California, through Stayhaven Homes! We offer a wide variety of special needs populations with affordable and specialized housing for the disabled, veterans, seniors, sober living, transitional housing, re-entry, low-income, and other special needs customers! Talk to one of our agents today!

Sober Houses: What They Are and How They Help With Sobriety

Sober Home, Sober Living, Uncategorized

Life after leaving rehab or inpatient treatment can be challenging. Many people need help to transition back to their communities and lives, making a sober living house a great option to help make the move smoother. If you’re wondering what a sober house is like, read on to find out how it works and if it’s the right step for you.

What is a Sober House?

A sober house is a place where people can live while they are in the process of recovery from addiction. In some cases, sober houses can be found within larger facilities, such as a rehab center, where people can reside for a time and learn the skills needed for long-term recovery. A sober house can also be independent of a larger treatment center, and sometimes, former treatment patients can go through a sober living program of sorts as they transition back into life after treatment before they return home.

An intake counselor takes information about a person’s physical health, mental health concerns, drug use history, and treatment objectives when they check into a sober house. Counselors identify particular requirements that the program can satisfy and assist in explaining the home routine so that residents understand what is expected of them. Drug and alcohol testing may be performed regularly to verify that everyone in the house remains sober. Some sober houses enable members to go to school, work, or volunteer while living there.

What to Expect When Moving into a Sober Living House

One of the most often asked questions about sober living houses is what life is like daily. Daily and weekly routines are used in sober houses to assist members to live as a family unit working toward similar goals. Cooking and cleaning duties are shared so that everyone contributes to the efficient operation of the sober house. Many persons who have spent an extended period buried in drug and alcohol addiction have lacked a routine and benefit from having one again. As a resident of the home, individuals learn to accept responsibility, collaborate, and hold themselves accountable.

What’s the Difference Between a Sober and a Halfway House?

When seeking help while working on your sobriety, it’s crucial to grasp the distinction between sober living and halfway homes so you can determine which is best for you.

Some sober living homes are now associated with addiction treatment programs. In contrast, others are operated by sober living professionals whose only purpose is to create a safe living environment for persons in this stage of recovery.

So, what exactly is a halfway house? Some halfway homes are managed by government entities. Halfway houses can be busy and dorm-like, whereas sober living homes are more like private homes, providing occupants with more solitude and comfort.

Another distinguishing characteristic between sober living and halfway houses is the expense. Halfway homes are often the least priced alternative since they offer fewer amenities, less privacy, and less structure. On the other hand, Sober living is occasionally covered by insurance, making it a practical alternative for persons who may benefit from this level of support.

Conclusion

Living in a sober home is a significant transition step for someone considering returning home to live independently. It offers structure, support, and a new lease on life to help people get back on their feet.

Stayhaven Homes offers affordable shared housing in Stanislaus, Merced, and Sacramento. We proudly provide special housing options for teens, the elderly, veterans, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you! 

Is There a Difference Between Shared Housing and Co-living?

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing, Uncategorized

Room sharing can be very helpful as a means to have a place to stay that is more affordable and naturally gives you a sense of community. Because there are so many options available to you with their own benefits, it may help you to know the real difference between co-living spaces and shared housing.

Amenities Available

Though most spaces of either nature will already come with their own amenities, the difference lies in whether they are shared with others or designated per tenant. It’s also a matter of pricing, as co-living spaces will usually include amenities in their total rental fees. On the other hand, shared housing will have utilities separate from the fees.

In general, it depends on the actual place you reach out to. You can, however, expect water, maintenance, electricity, cleaning, and Wi-Fi.

Usual Demographics

Although you are not limited to any single type of space when it comes to finding a place to stay, you will usually see a distinct difference in the demographics of residents in the area.

Co-living spaces see a lot of working professionals, students, and sentient residents that travel a lot. In terms of shared housing, on the other hand, you’ll see an interesting mix of older retired individuals, professionals, and those that are looking for more extended stays.

Location

There are co-living spaces that span all over the world, while shared housing is limited in the number of cities and regions it encompasses. You can expect co-living spaces to be in major metropolitan areas with a very active nightlife, while shared housing often set up shop in city outskirts.

Rental Fees and Options

You can choose from a dorm-like floor plan with shared living spaces to a live-for-free arrangement. For shared housing, the number of rooms available can go as low as just two to a maximum of twenty. Rent differs depending on what you want and how much space you need. Not all setups are created equally, so it can vary quite a bit.

You can easily find affordable shared housing these days, though, and can choose a viable payment plan that fits your own lifestyle, stream of income, and pool of funds.

The Rise of Shared Living

Shared living is seeing a major boost in popularity, and for a good reason. It’s a movement that’s meant to bring people together and share a sense of community through the shared resources that are available.

We can attribute its popularity due to the flexibility of its contracts, which don’t tie you down to year-long leases. Other reasons for its popularity are the inclusivity it provides for various residents without sacrificing safety.

The only thing to think about is whether or not you’re looking for a living situation that puts you in the presence of other people. It takes a sense of community and an ability to coexist with others to maximize the benefits of your housing situation.

Conclusion

The rise of various types of shared housing is something that doesn’t look like it will go out of style any time soon. By understanding the differences in these options, you can pick the one that suits your style and needs.

If you’re looking for shared housing in Sacramento, then reach out to Stayhaven Homes. We have rooms and beds available for a wide variety of demographics. 

How Affordable Housing Is Worrying A Lot Of Americans

Group Homes

When we talk about affordable housing, one might be forgiven to assume that nothing can go wrong here. After all, it’s affordable housing, how can it be a bad thing for anyone, right? The thing is, given how the economy has been, the prices of the average home are skyrocketing. This has led to the younger generations worrying about what might be available to them in the future. 

About half of the current population (49%, to be specific) are worried about the availability of affordable housing in their community. This number has only gone worse from when it was first called out in 2018. And this isn’t solely a problem for younger generations. Understandably, lower-income individuals share this sentiment, along with urban residents given how urban real estate has never really been cheap. 

What’s telling about this statistic is how affordable housing has become a bigger priority for concerned individuals, even bigger than the usual community concerns. To be specific, approximately 22% of Americans find housing to be a more important problem than crime and about 35% believe it to be a bigger problem than drug addiction.

Race plays a role here as well. About 57% of racial minorities share the concern about affordable housing in their area. Meanwhile, only about 44% agree that the lack of affordable housing is a cause for concern. The majority of urban dwellers, on the other hand, generally agree that affordable housing is a cause for concern. This surprisingly remains the same throughout the different income levels but 66% of lower-income adults all worry about affordable housing in their city. 

It should be noted though that the location in America plays a big part in this problem. For example, two-thirds of Americans living on the west coast see affordable housing to be a problem but only 49% of Americans in the northeast see this as a problem. In the south, 44% of southerners are concerned while only 33% are in the midwest.

This is the reason that shared housing is becoming a more popular option, not just for the youth but for seniors as well. This is considered a viable option as living in assisted-living facilities can often be expensive, making it difficult to maintain a certain lifestyle. In other countries though, the opposite is what happens, where senior care homes offer youth discounted housing in exchange for companionship for the elderly. 

Thankfully, more and more shared living spaces are being opened in America. These spaces are available to share regardless of age. This helps people find options for accessible and affordable housing within their community. This comes with the bonus of developing a network of friends and associates within the living space. 

This idea isn’t anything new. The National Shared Housing Resource Center currently lists 40 formal home-sharing services in the United States. These housing centers can even help match individuals that share an interest or are perceived to work well together to make the experience much more enjoyable for everybody. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, while things may seem difficult, taking a look at it from a different perspective can help. Yes, traditional housing options may be difficult to afford right now but new ways are being offered to have what we need at an affordable price. As they always say, change is something we can expect at any time. In this case, it’s how we as a society treat affordable housing. 

If you’re looking for shared housing in Sacramento, then you’ve come to the right place. We here at Stayhaven Homes are dedicated to helping our clients by providing them with inclusive and affordable housing. We provide a wide variety of special needs housing options for adult men and women. For more information on what we can do for you, visit our website today!

10 Tips to Be a Good Housemate in a Shared Housing

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing

Shared accommodation houses people from different backgrounds and ethnicities, and living close to strangers can be a challenge. Therefore, it’s important to have some general social etiquette when living with others. Here are some tips to help you become a good housemate:

1. Chip In

Each person needs to chip in for their share of the household expenses and chores. Be fair and respectful, and don’t take advantage of your housemates.

2. Respect Other People’s Boundaries

Respect each other’s privacy, personal space, and belongings. This can help avoid conflicts such as noisy neighbors or a messy roommate.

3. Communicate

Shared accommodation is the perfect environment to foster a good relationship with your housemates and form a network of people to hang out with outside of the house. Take the time to get to know one another and keep communications open.

4. Be Considerate

Your housemates are there to live with you, not for you to entertain them. Try to be respectful of one another’s time, belongings, and privacy.

5. Be Polite and Mind Your Manners

The golden rule is to treat others how you would like to be treated. Try to be polite and considerate, and treat others with respect. Try not to leave a mess and keep your room tidy as much as possible.

6. Clean Up After Yourself

You are responsible for your own mess, so keep the house clean and tidy. If you cook, wash up and make sure your kitchen is clean. If you have a dog, make sure to clean up after it.

7. Keep an Open Dialogue

Keep an open dialogue with your housemates about issues bothering you. This can include anything from a messy roommate to someone playing music too loud.

8. Be a Good Neighbor

Remember that your housemates aren’t the only ones living on the property. Try to be a good neighbor and respect the other tenants by cleaning up after yourself and keeping noise minimal.

9. Be Flexible

Shared accommodation often means living with people of a wide range of ages, lifestyles, and living habits. Be open to different ways of living and try your best to be flexible and adaptable.

10. Get to Know Your Sharing Agreement

Before signing a shared accommodation contract, make sure you understand your agreement with the landlord. This can include anything from house rules to cleaning responsibilities.

How to Find a Good Shared Accommodation

Finding a good shared accommodation can be time-consuming, but the benefits of living in one often outweigh the challenges. It’s important to do your research and follow all the necessary steps. Here’s how to find a good shared accommodation:

Get Your Budget Ready

Before looking for a place to live, you’ll want to know how much you can afford to pay in rent and bills each month. Having a firm budget in mind is important, so you can avoid overspending once you find a place to live.

Start Looking for Available Properties

Once you have your budget ready, you’re ready to start looking for shared accommodation properties in your area. Use classified ads, online ads, and local newspapers to help you find a property.

Pay a Visit and Have a Look Around

After you’ve found a property you’re interested in, make an appointment to check out the property and meet the landlord. Ask the landlord any questions you have about the property, and try to get a feel of the place before deciding if this is where you want to live.

Take the Time to Get to Know the Landlord

The landlord will have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to managing the shared accommodation, so it’s important to find a landlord who can take care of the property and be an effective landlord. Take the time to see if you’re a good match.

In a Nutshell

Shared accommodation is a great way to live in an affordable, convenient location. It’s important to be comfortable in your place, so it helps to keep a good relationship with your housemates so you won’t have to deal with any stressful situations during your stay.

Are you looking for shared housing in Stanislaus? Stayhaven Homes offers rooms and beds in shared housing. Contact us!

5 Helpful Tips to Living a Harmonious Shared Home Life

Group Homes, Halfway Homes, Shared Housing

Moving into a shared home has a lot of benefits. You get to have a roof over your head, a community you can rely on, and a place where you can be yourself.

However, since you’ll be living with strangers, things can get awkward at the beginning. Fortunately, here are a few things that can help you live a harmonious shared house life.

Make Friends

Socializing while living in a shared house with other people is inevitable. Regardless of whether you are an extrovert or an introvert, you can expect to do some level of socializing. 

Meeting new people and making friends can make life easier. For example, you can be friends with people who have been in the house longer. They can teach you the ropes while you figure out how to make a place for yourself.

Remember, the key to socializing is to give and take. Share your stories, but pay attention to when someone else is talking. You want them to know more about you, but you also want to know more about them.

Be Nice

Being nice is not only about what you can give your roommates or housemates; it’s about being a good person. Respect everyone’s space, do your part in the house upkeep, and be mindful of what you’re doing.

Speaking to your housemates about their boundaries early on is a great idea. You will learn how to live peacefully with them, helping you bond more. Try eating with them, and broach the subject while you’re at it.

Create Your Haven

Your room is now your safe space, so go ahead and decorate it as you like. But before you make big changes to the room, like changing the wall color, check with the administration first. 

Some homes will allow you to repaint the room, but others don’t. If your house doesn’t approve of repainting your walls, you can tack on your favorite posters or make a photo wall instead.

If your room has a lot more height than floor space, use it. You can add hooks to the walls to hang your clothes or accessories. You can also go to the thrift store and dollar store to find affordable décor to make your room feel like home.

Organize

The trick to living with limited floor space is to keep it clean and organized. Make sure that everything in your room has a place. You can use thrift store or dollar store storage containers. You can also upscale product packaging into custom storage containers.

Organizing your space is one thing, but keeping it in order is a separate issue. You just have to remember one thing to stay organized: Put everything back to where they belong when you’re done with them.

Get and Give Help

Although you live with other people, you are, in essence, living independently—that can be a scary thought. At the same time, when you share a house, you are not alone. This means that you can ask for help from your housemates when you need it, and you should lend a hand when you can.

If you think that asking for help is a sign of ignorance and weakness, you’re wrong. Asking for help shows a willingness to learn and grow. When you ask, you know things faster. Sure, you can try to figure things out alone, but that would be a slow learning process. It can involve a lot of mishaps too.

Conclusion

Living in a shared house can be a wonderful experience that you will remember for the rest of your life. Try to make it a good one. Build connections, respect people, be nice, and have fun.

Stayhaven Homes offers affordable shared housing in Stanislaus, Merced, and Sacramento. We proudly provide special housing options for teens, the elderly, veterans, and more. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!