How to Share a Bathroom
When sharing a house or flat you are most likely going to be living in an older place where not everyone will be lucky enough to have their own en-suite. By establishing how you are going to share a bathroom with your flatmates upfront is going to save some frustration in the future.
In all likelihood you would have shared a bathroom with another family member when you were growing up – so moving in with others shouldn’t be that different.
If you do have your own bathroom, you might need to pay a little bit more in rent for the convenience and it’s on you to make sure it is cleaned often. Also don’t be precious if someone asks to use your bathroom once in a while because the main bathroom is occupied. But don’t let it become a habit!
Schedules
Work out when you need the bathroom before work/uni. If you start work at 8.00 am and your flatmate starts later – you can have the first shower. If the shower and toilet are not separate – you need to be mindful of other’s needs.
Remember, if you have someone staying over they can’t just choose to use the facilities whenever they want – they need to ask before making someone else late for work.
Keep it simple
Do what you need to do and get out. Keep your deodorant, makeup and hair straighteners in your room. Always have a spare toothbrush outside of the bathroom so you can brush your teeth in the kitchen or Laundry sink if someone is taking too much time in the bathroom.
Use your own products
It’s not okay to help yourself to your roommates Aesop body wash, no matter how good it smells. Buy your own stuff. Get a shower caddy with room so everyone has space to keep their products.
Shared Products
If you do decide to share products like toothpaste, body or hand wash and of course, toilet paper. Work out how it is going to be paid for and who is going to buy it. Consider setting up a standing online order every month for your shared items so you don’t run out of products.
Clean as you go
If you shave your legs, arms or face – wash that stubble away. If you have long hair – clear out the shower drain. Wash excess toothpaste from the sink and hang up your wet towels.
Cleaning schedule
Set up a schedule for things to be done each day of the week, i.e wipe down the surfaces, make sure there is enough toilet paper, empty the bin and clean the floor. If you do small things every day an overall quick clean on the weekend shouldn’t take more than 20 minutes to do a quick clean. If you are living with a few people you might only have to do a weekend clean once or twice a month!
If you can’t be bothered to clean, pool your money together and get a professional cleaning service to come in once a fortnight. If you do get a cleaner, make sure you are specify what areas need attention. And always tidy up for the cleaner – it’s not their job to pick up your wet towels or undies.
Be understanding
There is nothing worst than walking into the bathroom to find it in a wet mess or the toilet roll has three pieces of paper left on it and there is nothing in the cupboard!
We have all slept through an alarm or had a rough night, so give your flatmate some slack if they live the bathroom in a mess once or twice.
If you work out how to share a bathroom with your flatmates, and cut them a little slack, you can avoid resentment creeping in.
If you keep the bathroom cleaning routine on track, you won’t have a massive chore on your hands when it comes time for the next rent inspection! (Remember you want that Bond money back!)
Related Articles: Cleaning Routine
Resources: Professional Cleaners
