Now for all the details of organization. You need to decide what goes where, who provides what, who sleeps where, etc. It is time to start making some compromises, but this is definitely not the time to start nit-picking. As each question is resolved, be sure to write it down on your Roommate Contract, located in the appendix. Be careful of pitfalls on this point. Sharing expenses on things like refrigerators, furniture, pets, etc., may sound like a money saving option, but when the household dissolves it can be pretty ugly. Try to even out expenditures by having each person pay for one or more large item. If you can't manage that, try renting.

Sharing Responsibility For Utilities, Phone, Etc. Be sure to record who paid the deposit on the utilities and phone and also agree on how the bills are to be shared monthly. Sharing Personal Possessions. Make sure it is clear from the start how you and your roommate feel about sharing things like clothes, cars, etc. If you set guidelines now and write them down, you can avoid arguments later. Sharing Household Duties. Work out a schedule. Chores can be divided equally, or assigned on a daily or weekly basis. You might consider deals, for instance, where one person always takes out the trash in exchange for the other roommate doing the vacuuming. Be fair and do not overburden any one person. If there is any one particular task which you really hate, now is the time to say so. The other person may not mind the chore at all. Remember, if you live with other people (or have friends who live nearby), cook as a group. You will get a greater variety of meals, and you will not have to do all the work every night.