According to a Pew Research Center study, 1/3 of Americans are living with roommates or other non-family members, driven largely by rising rent prices and shifting lifestyles.
Moving from living alone to sharing a space is becoming the norm, but it’s a transition that comes with its own unique challenges—not just packing boxes, but adjusting to new routines, space limits, and emotional ups and downs.
That’s why this guide is a lifesaver.
Whether you’re moving in with a friend, a new partner, or just someone to split costs with, these 8 tips will help you handle the practical stuff and the emotional curveballs with less stress and more confidence.
Ready to make the move? We’re here to help.
1. Prepare emotionally
This is your first real test in sharing your personal space. It’s exciting but also overwhelming.
You might feel like you’re losing your “alone time” or personal freedom. That’s normal.
Just be patient with yourself and your roommate. Communicate openly—set some ground rules about noise, cleaning, and guests early on.
Think of this move as a partnership, like a mini-team project with someone else’s habits thrown in.
You’re moving into a new way of living, and that takes time to get right.
2. Talk budgets early
So, this one’s actually a pre-move, move-adjacent tip, but—
Sharing a space means sharing bills, and that can get tricky fast.
Before you move, sit down and have a real chat about rent, utilities, groceries, and any shared expenses.
Get clear on who pays what, when, and how (apps like Venmo or Splitwise can help keep things fair and simple).
No, but for real now—ironing this out early saves a ton of headaches later. Nothing kills the good roommate energy faster than money drama.
3. Purge what won’t fit
Seriously, less is more now.
You’ve got to face it: your stuff isn’t moving solo anymore. When you’re sharing, space shrinks — and fast.
So, that vintage chair you love? Maybe it’s time to let it go. Same with those three extra sets of dishes you never use.
(We don’t wanna say “be ruthless,” but you know…do.)
The point is: Think about what you actually need, ’cause downsizing now means less clutter and less stress later.
4. Pack smart
Packing for yourself is one thing.
Packing for shared living? Different ballgame.
Label everything. But don’t just label “kitchen” or “bedroom”—try “John’s mugs” or “shared pantry stuff.”
This helps when you and your future roommate (or partner) start figuring out who keeps what where.
Also, use clear bins for shared items so nobody gets defensive about “whose stuff is whose.” And if you can, pack a “first-night essentials” box separately—everyone needs easy access to basics while the chaos settles.
5. Organize with shared spaces in mind
Once you’re in, you’ll realize some things won’t have their own “home” like they used to.
Your bathroom shelf? Now a battleground for shampoos and skincare.
Be proactive and buy organizers or baskets labeled for each person. Make space for “his” and “hers” or “roommate A” and “roommate B.”
Think vertical storage — shelves, hooks, under-bed bins — because you’ll need to squeeze every inch of space.
It’s a great way to keep your stuff separate but tidy, preventing those awkward “whose toothbrush is this?” moments.
6. Coordinate your move-in day
Moving in with someone else means coordinating two schedules, two sets of keys, and probably a lot of last-minute “Wait, can you bring this?” calls.
Set a clear plan for who’s doing what and when. Maybe one of you handles packing snacks and drinks, while the other handles directing movers or unpacking the essentials first.
Also, communicate openly about timing — no one wants to be stuck waiting outside because the other got held up.
And if things get hectic, remember: Patience and a sense of humor go a long way.
7. Hire a moving company
You might think, “It’s just me and my roommate. We can handle this!”
But the reality is that moves like this often involve double the stuff from two different households and all the emotional whirlwind we just talked about.
That’s why hiring one of the top moving companies Queens offers is a smart move, as it will provide you with experienced help who knows how to handle tight city spaces and busy schedules.
In other words, they’ll handle the heavy lifting (literally) for you, so you can focus on settling in and managing the new dynamic without breaking your back or your budget.
(Plus, it’s less stress when you’re already torn around a million other “new roommate” things, trust us.)
8. BONUS: Do a Final Walkthrough and Double-Check
Before the big move, carve out some time to do one last walkthrough of your place (and maybe the new one if you can).
- Did you unplug all the appliances?
- Have you canceled or transferred utilities?
- Are your important documents (lease, IDs, keys) all packed and easy to reach?
This is your moment to catch stress before it hits, and a quick final check helps avoid annoying surprises.
Conclusion
We know—moving from solo living to sharing your space isn’t always easy, but it’s totally doable.
The most important thing is to plan ahead and talk openly about everything—money, space, and expectations. There will be bumps along the way, but with patience and a little humor, you can turn this challenge into a chance to grow and connect.
Oh, and don’t shy away from help—especially from pros who know Queens moves like the back of their hand.
You’ve got this.
