New Roommate Orientation Checklist

A proper orientation sets the tone for a great roommate relationship. Taking 30 minutes to walk through everything on move-in day prevents weeks of awkward questions and misunderstandings later.

House tour means showing them how everything works including the thermostat, washing machine, dishwasher, recycling bins, circuit breaker, and water shutoff. Point out which items are shared and which are personal property.

House rules review means going through the roommate agreement together, explaining quiet hours, guest policies, cleaning expectations, and how bills are split. Answer questions and make sure they genuinely agree to everything.

Systems setup includes adding them to the household group chat, shared calendar, expense tracker, and chore rotation. Show them how each system works and where to find information when they need it.

Local essentials include sharing the WiFi password, emergency contacts, nearest grocery store, garbage collection schedule, landlord contact info, and any building-specific rules.

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