Are you living with roommates? If you answered yes, you’re not alone. Approximately 1 in 3 adults in the United States have an adult roommate who is not a romantic partner or college-aged person under the age of 24, according to a Pew Research Center survey.
We’ve seen the fun television shows depicting roommate life in a big city, but there can be many annoyances with having a roommate if they aren’t always on their best behavior. Nothing is worse than going to grab a bowl of your favorite cereal and noticing someone ate it without your permission or finding out your roomie “borrows” your favorite tops while you’re out of town. If you want to improve your home life and make your space a safer one, follow these home security tips.
Set Boundaries with your Roommates
Once everyone is settled into the new space, schedule a house meeting. This is the time to go over how to treat private spaces of the house and establish which areas are communal ones. Be sure to set rules for when roommates can invite guests over and host parties. Setting these boundaries creates the foundation for better communication among roommates and allows everyone to be on the same page.
Put a Lock on Your Bedroom Door
If there isn’t a lock already installed on your bedroom door, install one and be sure to use it. Closing your door while you’re away is always a good idea, but a lock ensures that no one will enter without your permission. If you’re living in an apartment, find a lock you can install easily that won’t create any damage. You can also install a smart lock that will eliminate the use of keys and make it easier for certain people to gain access if they have the correct code.
Create an Inventory of Valuables
Make a list of everything valuable that you own. In the event of a break-in, you’ll have a record of your belongings and know which items need to be replaced or what to report missing.
Install a Personal Safe
It may seem silly to have a personal safe hidden in your bedroom if you practice the habit of locking your bedroom door, but a small safe can best protect valuables such as jewelry or personal information. Small safes can be hidden under beds and can be great to have in your room if the landlord doesn’t allow a lock on your door.
Plan for When A Roommate Moves Out
When a roommate moves out, they no longer live there. Make it clear with all roommates that once someone moves out, that person must forfeit their keys and remove all belongings. Also, be sure there are no financial responsibilities lingering for any roommate in the event someone leaves suddenly.
No matter who you live with, safety should always be your number one priority. If you’re looking for additional ways to protect your apartment, learn the top 5 ways to avoid a home break-in at your apartment here.
Categories: Safety Tips
