Whether you live with a roommate, kids, or spouse, there’s a high chance you have to share a bathroom.
In this case, tension might arise, especially in the morning rush before work or school. While sharing a bathroom can be frustrating, these simple solutions can decrease the tension and make it easier.
Shower Caddy
Several people sharing a bathroom results in numerous bottles of conditioner, shampoo, and body wash. You can try piling these items on the bottom and sides of the shower, however; it crowds space and simply leads to confusion and clumsiness.
A shower caddy allows you and your housemate to access personal products easily and takes clutter out of the bathroom.
Buy one that has two shelves.This way, your items will remain separate and you will have equal storage space. Fortunately, installation is easy and they’re affordable, so it’s important you invest in one.
Vanity Storage
Shared bathrooms typically get messy with occupants leaving their toothbrush or makeup on the counter. Although laziness leads to a dirty countertop, lack of storage is usually the cause. Therefore, having adequate storage is crucial when sharing a bathroom.
Begin with bathroom vanity and disregard pedestal sinks. Although pedestals are beneficial in smaller bathrooms, they’re ineffective when it comes to storage. Ensure you mark every designated area under the vanity.
Set Rules
The first thing you should do when you adopt a new living situation is establish some rules that everybody is glad to follow to avoid awkward conversations. Complaints such as running the tap needlessly or leaving the seat up can make living with someone a nightmare.
Split Cleaning Duties
No one enjoys cleaning another person’s toilet. In fact, people don’t even like the idea of cleaning their toilet. However, if you are sharing a bathroom, you must be willing to do so. Ensure you have sufficient cleaning supplies and take turns cleaning.
If you do not mind cleaning this area, you can assign your housemate a room that he or she does not mind cleaning. For instance, you can clean the bathroom while your roommate takes the kitchen. You can reap similar benefits provided you put in equal work.
Coordinate Schedules
The easiest way of sharing a bathroom is making sure you’re never in the bathroom at the same time. Therefore, it’s best you coordinate schedules with your housemate. If both of you need to use the bathroom in the morning, designate time for each.
Be considerate of your housemate’s time and avoid monopolizing the bathroom. Although it’s not ideal, designated schedules can relieve the troubles of bathroom sharing considerably.
Keep Things Separate
This tip is for the sake of personal space and hygiene; keeping toothbrushes beside each other can result in cross-contamination. Ensure your personal items have their designated areas and respect your roommates’ items too.
While sharing items such as toothpaste and toilet roll seems practical, when it concerns toiletries and products, for instance shampoo, it may be prudent to purchase these items individually, use them yourself, partly because of personal taste, and avoiding petty disagreements.
Final Thoughts
No one enjoys sharing a bathroom, however; there are various ways to make your lives easier irrespective of whether you share with a sibling, spouse, or stranger.
For more information on how to share a bathroom without going crazy, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave suggestions.