{"id":6266,"date":"2016-04-20T10:54:32","date_gmt":"2016-04-20T10:54:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flatmate.com\/blog\/?p=6266"},"modified":"2021-06-29T22:17:35","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T22:17:35","slug":"why-a-flatmate-could-benefit-your-household","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/flatmate.com\/blog\/why-a-flatmate-could-benefit-your-household\/","title":{"rendered":"How could a flatmate benefit your household?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Whether you\u2019re old, young, married or living in a royal palace; there are plenty of reasons to have a flatmate in today\u2019s world. <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Some of you may shiver at the thought of sharing your home with a flatmate. They\u2019re strangers, after all. Who knows what unusual, annoying habits they might bring with them. This is your home we\u2019re talking about, your sanctity. And house sharing is something you do when you\u2019ve just left the parents\u2019 pad and you still store what little cash you own in a piggy bank, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The truth is, the world is changing and a flatmate can be a blessing to all sorts of households no matter the size, shape or number and demographic of people within them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A flatmate can be:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"elderly<\/figure>

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Not all elderly people are lucky enough to have family living close by and so the agile hand of a younger flatmate could be the ideal solution.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Support for an elderly person or couple.<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many elderly people choose to live alone to maintain their independence, but the disadvantage to that is there\u2019s often no one around to help with difficult household chores or when an accident occurs. Not all elderly people are lucky enough to have family living close by and so the agile hand of a younger flatmate could be the ideal solution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A house sitter for the frequent traveller.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you travel frequently and for long periods for work or leisure, it\u2019s not always ideal leaving your property empty and vulnerably to burglary. And after a long, exhausting flight, it could be a comfort to return to a warm home, full fridge and someone to greet you and ask about your trip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A reliable flatmate will collect your mail, let you know about any dramas or issues and look after your home while you\u2019re away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An in-house pet minder. <\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Owning pets is a joy, but also a responsibility. Walking the dog day in day out can become tiresome for even the most avid trekker \u2013 especially if you have a busy schedule. And every time you take a holiday or nip away for that last minute weekend, it could be handy leaving your furry friends at home with the flatmate and avoid having to make those frantic, pleading calls to offload them to a friend or relative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also:\u00a08 PETS THAT YOU WISH WERE YOUR FLATMATE<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Comfort for a single mum.<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, being a single mum is wonderful. Other times it\u2019s tough. A flatmate could be a shoulder to cry on, someone to witness the (at times) criminal<\/em> behavior of your children. When a flatmate becomes your friend they become your reinforcement, your sense of comfort and security. Someone to unleash upon the swear word you\u2019ve been holding in all day. And maybe, just maybe someone to babysit your scrabbling troop while you flee to the nearest wine bar and down half a dozen peach mimosas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sprinkle of culture in the family home.<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

As parents we\u2019re often looking for ways to educate and expose our children to different things. A flatmate who comes from a different country or background can bring insight into another culture or social position. Include them in your activities and invite them to family meals and you\u2019ll get to hear their story and learn about a different way of life. Perhaps they\u2019ll offer to cook one night and introduce you all to new and diverse foods, or teach you about different customs and traditions. Bringing a migrant into the home on a temporary basis can be a rich, enlightening experience for the entire family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A financial relief. <\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Renting your spare room out could alleviate some of the pressure of those hefty bills and rent or mortgage repayments. Perhaps a flatmate is your ticket to a few extra luxuries; suddenly, your subscription to Stan and Spotify seem justifiable. That PS4 you\u2019ve been dreaming of is a reality. You can even afford to take your mother out to the movies\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

See also:\u00a0SHARE HOUSE OR FLAT SHARE IN YOUR 30S AND 40S<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

The financial set up can vary; some people agree to split the bills with their flatmate, others charge a room fee, which includes these types of expenses. However you choose to manage it, there\u2019s no denying the extra cash would be a handy draw card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cRenting your spare room out to a flatmate could alleviate some of the pressure of those hefty\u2026<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In summary.<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n

The flatmate scene is no longer limited to uni students, musicians and creepy, middle-aged men. Cities are becoming crowded. Real estate, more expensive. It makes sense for us to share and make use of our unused spaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s natural to feel uncomfortable about sharing your home with a stranger when you\u2019re used to your own privacy and space. But when you consider the practical, emotion and financial benefits, a flatmate could be the perfect solution for your household.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over to you \u2013 how do you feel about sharing your home? What traits would you look for in a flatmate?<\/strong>             <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe population is growing. As a result, the world is feeling smaller. It makes sense for us to\u2026<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cThe world is changing. Flatmates can be a blessing to all sorts of households, no matter the\u2026<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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\u201cCould a flatmate be the ticket to that Netflix subscription or PS4 you\u2019ve been long dreaming\u2026<\/a><\/div>\n

Click To Tweet<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n