Moving into a Rent House with College Friends

What You Need to Know

How to Create a Happy and Stress-Free Living Space With the Right Roommate

Choosing the right roommate can make or break your living experience. The right person doesn’t just share your rent—they share your lifestyle, values, and vision for what “home” should feel like. By establishing clear agreements from the start, you can avoid misunderstandings and enjoy a peaceful, cost-effective living arrangement.

Share the Costs and Responsibilities
One of the biggest benefits of having a roommate is splitting the financial load. This typically includes rent, utilities, groceries, and shared household items. Have an open conversation about how you’ll divide these costs—will you split everything 50/50, or will certain expenses be based on usage? The same goes for household chores. Agree on a cleaning schedule early so that no one feels like they’re carrying more than their share.

Keep Your Home Secure
Your home’s security should always be a priority. Know exactly who has keys to your space—this includes friends, family, and maintenance workers. If a key ever goes missing, consider changing the locks or upgrading to a smart lock for extra peace of mind. Clear communication about access helps prevent unwanted surprises and keeps everyone safe.
A harmonious roommate situation comes down to mutual respect, good communication, and shared expectations. When you choose wisely and set clear boundaries, your shared living space can become a comfortable, enjoyable, and even lifelong friendship.

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Essential Move-In Checklist: How to Protect Yourself and Your New Home

Moving into a new home or apartment is exciting—but before you unpack a single box, it’s important to protect yourself, your finances, and your security deposit. A thorough move-in inspection with your landlord sets the tone for your rental experience and ensures you’re not held responsible for damages you didn’t cause.

Schedule a Move-In Inspection With Your Landlord
Before you get settled, walk through the property with your landlord or property manager. Use your rental agreement as a guide to understand what’s included and what you’re responsible for—such as utilities, internet, lawn care, pest control, and appliance repairs. This is also the time to clarify who to contact in case something breaks. A move-in inspection isn’t just a formality—it’s your best defense against disputes over repairs and deposits. By documenting the property’s condition, testing every system, and clarifying responsibilities, you’ll start your rental experience on the right foot and enjoy a safer, stress-free home.

Document Everything—In Detail
Take clear, date-stamped photos and videos of every room, corner, and surface. Pay special attention to floors, walls, windows, fixtures, and appliances. If anything is damaged, scratched, or not working properly, write it down and share the list with your landlord immediately. Having this documentation can be a lifesaver when it’s time to move out.

Check All Plumbing and Appliances
Run each sink and flush every toilet to ensure proper water flow and drainage. Test major appliances—including the dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, stove, oven, and microwave—to make sure they’re in good working order. Your home should not have running water leaks, dripping faucets, or low water pressure.

Test Heating and Cooling Systems
Turn on the air conditioner and heater to confirm they’re functioning as expected. Heating and cooling systems are critical for comfort and energy efficiency, and discovering a problem early will save you time and frustration later.

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SMART & STYLISH: How to Customize Furniture for Your Small College Home

Decorating your college home—whether it’s a dorm, apartment, or shared house—doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. With the right furniture choices and a little creativity, you can maximize every square inch while making the space uniquely yours. The goal is to blend style, function, and personality so your home feels comfortable, inviting, and organized. With a bit of creativity, a focus on multipurpose furniture, and clever storage solutions, your small college home can be as stylish as it is functional. Whether you’re hunting for budget finds or investing in statement pieces, the key is designing a space that reflects your personality while making everyday life easier.

Start With Space-Saving, Multipurpose Furniture
When working with limited space, every piece of furniture should work harder for you. Look for beds with built-in storage drawers, futons that double as guest beds, or coffee tables with hidden compartments. A storage ottoman can hold blankets, games, or books while also serving as extra seating. Multipurpose pieces help you reduce clutter and make the most of your floor space.

Shop Smart for Budget-Friendly Finds
You don’t have to break the bank to create a stylish home. Thrift stores, second-hand shops, and bargain retailers often have quality furniture at a fraction of the cost. Invest in one or two key pieces—like a comfortable sofa—since your living room will likely be the social hub for friends and study sessions.

Get Creative With Storage Solutions
Small spaces demand smart organization. Add shelving units, cabinets, or cute fabric storage bins to keep items tidy. In the kitchen, display vintage glassware, colorful mugs, or unique cooking utensils on wall hooks or open shelves to add charm while saving cabinet space. Hanging pots and pans free up valuable cupboard room and give your space a cozy, homey feel.

Use Design Tricks to Make the Space Feel Bigger
Mirrors are a renter’s best friend; they reflect light and make rooms look larger. Pops of color in throw pillows, statement rugs, or wall art can brighten the space without overwhelming it. String lights, potted plants, and framed photos add warmth and personality, making your home feel both functional and stylish.

Don’t Forget the Closet
Maximize your closet with stackable bins, hanging organizers, and slimline hangers. Even in small bedrooms, vertical space can be a game-changer for keeping clothes, shoes, and accessories in order.

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BUDGETING BASICS for a Smooth Move Into a Rental Home

Moving into a rental home is exciting—but without a clear budget, it’s easy for costs to spiral out of control. Whether you’re renting solo or sharing the space with a roommate, setting financial boundaries from the start will save you stress and money in the long run. A solid budget is the foundation for a stress-free rental experience. By planning your expenses, sharing costs fairly, and keeping communication open, you can enjoy your new home without financial surprises.

Create a Realistic Budget—and Stick to It
Before you sign your lease, outline all potential expenses, including rent, utilities, groceries, household items, internet, and any maintenance fees. If you have a roommate, decide how costs will be divided—will you split everything equally, or will certain bills be based on individual usage?

Share Household Expenses Strategically
Shared expenses like groceries, cleaning supplies, and basic household items can add up quickly. Consider setting up a joint fund or payment app to make splitting costs easy and transparent. This not only keeps spending fair but also avoids awkward “who owes what” conversations.

Communicate Openly With Your Roommate and Landlord
Clear communication is just as important as the numbers. Regular check-ins with your roommate help ensure everyone is on the same page financially, while open communication with your landlord can prevent misunderstandings about rent due dates, late fees, and maintenance responsibilities

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STEP-BY-STEP

Step 1: Set Your Budget—and Stick to It

Before you even sign the lease, create a realistic budget for your new home. Include:

Monthly rent
Utilities (electricity, gas, water, internet, trash pickup)
Groceries and household supplies
Transportation costs
Any additional fees (parking, HOA, pet rent)

If you have a roommate, decide how you’ll split costs—equally, or by usage. Shared expenses like groceries and cleaning supplies can be split through a joint payment app or shared fund to avoid confusion.

Clear communication with both your roommate and landlord will make the financial side of moving much easier and prevent unpleasant surprises.

Step 2: Schedule a Thorough Move-In Inspection

A proper inspection protects your deposit and ensures repairs get handled quickly.

Walk through the property with your landlord or property manager.
Review your lease to understand what’s included (lawn care, pest control, appliance maintenance).
Test every appliance: dishwasher, washing machine, dryer, stove, oven, microwave.
Check plumbing: run every sink, flush each toilet, inspect for leaks.
Confirm heating and cooling systems work properly.
Take clear, date-stamped photos and videos of the entire property—inside and out.

Documenting everything now will save you headaches when you move out.

Step 3: Choose the Right Roommate (and Set Expectations)

The right roommate can make your living experience significantly better. Not only will you split rent and expenses, but you’ll also share household responsibilities.

Discuss how to divide chores.
Set rules for guests and parties.
Keep a shared list for communal items to avoid duplicates.
Know exactly who has keys to your home.

Roommate harmony comes down to mutual respect, shared expectations, and open communication.

Step 4: Customize Your Space for Comfort & Function

Your rental should feel like home—without overcrowding it. Start with multipurpose furniture and smart storage solutions:

Beds with built-in drawers
Storage ottomans
Shelving units and fabric bins
Hanging kitchen racks for pots, mugs, and utensils

Shop second-hand or at discount stores for budget-friendly finds, and invest in one or two quality pieces—like a sofa—for the most-used areas.

Add personal touches with rugs, wall art, string lights, and plants. Use mirrors to create the illusion of more space, and maximize closet storage with organizers and stackable bins.

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The Ultimate Move-In Checklist

Before Moving In:

Sign lease and keep a copy for your records
Set up utilities and internet service
Review lease terms for maintenance responsibilities
Schedule a walk-through with your landlord
Take date-stamped photos and videos of the property
Document and report existing damage in writing

Home Systems & Safety:

Test all appliances (stove, oven, fridge, dishwasher, washer, dryer, microwave)
Check all sinks, toilets, and showers for leaks and proper drainage
Test heating and cooling systems
Verify locks on all doors and windows
Know who has keys to your home
Locate the breaker box and water shut-off valve

Budget & Bills:

Create a monthly budget
Decide on expense-sharing with your roommate
Set up bill payment reminders or autopay

Roommate & Lifestyle Agreements:

Divide chores fairly
Set guidelines for guests and parties
Keep a shared list for household items

Decorating & Storage:

Invest in multipurpose furniture
Add shelving, cabinets, and bins for organization
Use mirrors and light colors to open up space
Incorporate personal touches (art, plants, rugs, lighting)

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Ready to Make Your Move to that Rental Home?

Moving into a rental home isn’t just about unpacking boxes—it’s about setting yourself up for comfort, security, and financial stability. By following this guide, you’ll start your rental experience with clarity, organization, and style.

Let A Better Tripp Moving & Storage take you there with white-glove care and rental home expertise. Whether you're heading for city life, country quiet, or ocean breeze. We’ll handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on living your best life.

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Let’s get you moving—request your free quote today!
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Moving into a Rent House with College Friends