How To Make Your Space Feel Like Home | Living in Shared Housing

Living in shared housing can be an exciting opportunity to build meaningful connections while enjoying affordability and comfort. Whether you’re a student, young professional, or someone adjusting to a new city, learning how to make your space feel like home is key to living happily and productively with others. Comfort, respect, and understanding form the foundation of every great shared home, and with a platform like Platuni, it’s easier than ever to create harmony and balance in your shared living experience.

Still, many people face challenges when it comes to living in shared housing. How do you make your corner of the room feel personal and cozy without overstepping boundaries? How can you maintain peace and cooperation while keeping your privacy intact? What simple routines or décor choices can help you feel at home even in a shared space?

• How do you find a roommate who shares your lifestyle and values?
• What’s the best way to manage chores, rent, and responsibilities without stress?
• How can you stay connected while still respecting each other’s space?

This guide answers all those questions and more. It shows practical ways to transform your shared space into a home that reflects your personality while keeping the peace with your roommates. Whether you’re decorating, organizing, or learning to communicate better, Platuni gives you the tools to thrive in shared housing. From roommate matching to shared expense tracking and chore management, Platuni helps make shared living simple, organized, and truly feel like home.

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How to Find Compatible Roommates for Shared Housing

Finding the right person to share your living space with can make all the difference between peace and tension. The goal of living in shared housing is not just about saving rent, it’s about creating a comfortable home with people whose habits and values align with yours. A compatible roommate helps you build trust, share responsibilities easily, and enjoy your space without unnecessary drama.

On Platuni, finding a compatible roommate is simple and stress-free. The platform allows you to create a profile that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and preferences, such as cleanliness level, sleep patterns, and social habits. Once your profile is set, Platuni uses smart matching tools to connect you with people who share similar living styles and values. This feature helps reduce misunderstandings and ensures that your shared home feels calm, friendly, and balanced.

In addition, Platuni’s community section lets you connect with potential roommates before moving in. You can chat, ask questions, and build rapport before committing to live together. Whether you are a student, young professional, or someone new to the city, Platuni makes living in shared housing more enjoyable and well-matched.

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How to Manage Chores and Bills Without Conflict

One of the biggest challenges of shared housing is managing household chores and shared expenses. Without proper organization, small issues like cleaning schedules or unpaid bills can cause frustration among roommates. A peaceful shared home depends on clear communication, fairness, and accountability.

With Platuni, managing chores and bills has never been easier. The platform includes built-in tools for bill splitting, rent tracking, and chore management, helping every roommate stay on the same page. You can set reminders for rent payments, assign cleaning days, and even track who completed what, all from one dashboard. This removes confusion and ensures everyone contributes equally to maintaining the home.

Using Platuni also helps build trust among Canadian roommates or anyone sharing a space. Instead of awkward conversations or missed payments, everything is automated and transparent. These tools not only simplify living in shared housing but also encourage teamwork and responsibility, turning shared living into a smoother, stress-free experience.

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How To Make Your Space Feel Like Home

#1. Personalize Your Space

Start with your personal space, like your bedroom or home office. Bring in items that reflect your style. Display photos, art, or decorations that remind you of family, friends or places you love. These help in making your room feel like a sanctuary where you can unwind after a busy day.

#2. Create Functional Work Areas

If you work from home, set up a designated workspace that keeps you motivated. Even in a shared living situation, it’s important to have a spot where you can focus. Invest in a comfortable chair, a sturdy desk, and good lighting. This dedicated space helps your work feel separate from relaxation time.

#3. Bring in Comforts

Tiny touches of comfort can turn a house into a home. Cozy blankets, soft pillows, and warm lighting can make shared spaces more inviting. Scented candles or diffusers with subtle, relaxing scents can also enhance the atmosphere. Just be sure to ask your roommates if they’re okay with scents to avoid any issues.

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#4. Shared Housing Doesn't Have To Be Drab: Share Some Decor

You may collaborate with your roommates on decorating common areas. This helps everyone feel included and creates a sense of community and home, making shared housing feel less drab. Whether it’s picking out a piece of art for the living room or deciding on the color scheme, getting input makes everyone feel more invested in the shared space.

#5. Keep Things Tidy

A clean space feels more welcoming and comfortable. Set a cleaning schedule for general areas like living room and kitchen that everyone subscribes to. This keeps the shared space enjoyable for all. It also helps reduce stress, especially after a long day at work.

#6. Add Plants for a Fresh Feel

Plants bring life and color to any space. Consider adding a few easy-to-care-for plants, like snake plants or pothos to common areas. They improve air quality and create a calming environment. If you’re worried about maintenance, opt for low-maintenance plants or coordinate plant care with roommates.

#7. Set Boundaries and Respect Privacy

Creating a homey shared space also means respecting each other’s boundaries. When everyone is clear on rules about noise levels, guest visits, and shared resources, it fosters trust and helps maintain a peaceful environment where everyone feels at home.

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#8. Make Time for Social Moments

What makes a place feel like home is often the people in it. Plan occasional group activities like movie nights or shared meals. This helps strengthen your connection with roommates and makes the space feel warmer and more inclusive. However, respect each person’s schedule and preferences.

#9. Incorporate Your Passions

Consider elements that reflect your hobbies or interests. If you love reading keep a few books on a living room shelf. If into art, add a few of your own creations or pieces you love to your personal space. These details help make your living space uniquely yours.

#10. Embrace Flexibility

Finally, remember that living with others means being adaptable. While you may not have full control of every part of the shared space, you can create a corner that feels like home. Being open-minded, communicative and willing to compromise will make shared living more enjoyable for every roommate.

All the best with this!

Zoe Tavia has a degree in English Language and Literature and is a rising star in public speaking and Toastmasters. With roots in the U.S., Great Britain, and Canada, she uses her public speaking and copywriting skills to help students and young professionals focus on growth and development. You'll find her hanging out with family and friends when she's not working, enjoying quality time.

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Shared Housing

What is shared housing?

Shared housing is a living arrangement where two or more people share a home or apartment while maintaining private rooms. It’s a cost-effective and social way to live, especially for students, professionals, or anyone looking for community and convenience.

How can I maintain productivity in a shared living environment?

Create a personal workspace with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and minimal distractions. Even in shared housing, setting boundaries for work and relaxation helps maintain focus and mental clarity.

How can I build good relationships with my roommates?

Plan occasional social activities like group dinners or movie nights. Engage in open communication, show empathy, and respect each other’s schedules. Small gestures build a stronger sense of community in shared housing.

What should I look for when choosing shared housing?

Consider the location, cost, amenities, roommate compatibility, and access to work or school. Platforms like Platuni simplify this process by offering transparent listings and smart matching for shared living preferences.