Find the Perfect Flatmate with These Tips

Moving to Sydney and need to find a flatmate or housemate? Many other Australians (and newcomers, too) are in the same boat. Whether you’re in town temporarily for a job or just need to share expenses for a while, you need a way to sift through the bad apples to find a flatmate that will be a good match for your needs.

Safety First

Be sure to meet potential flatmates in a public location, such as a restaurant or a coffee shop. Alternatively, you could also take someone with you to see the flat and meet your potential flatmate(s). Don’t forget to check references. Social media posts, too, can give you a good indication of a potential flatmate’s stability. It’s not stalking to check out someone with whom you’ll be sharing space.

Ask Your Removalist for Recommendations

Sydney-area removalists move a lot of households all over town. Many times, their customers will let them know that they’re looking for flatmates. It never hurts to ask. A removalist can also tell you a bit more about the neighbourhood–from a neutral point of view–than will a potential flatmate, who may downplay negative aspects of the community to attract someone to share the costs.

Advertise—and Read Through ‘Flatmate Wanted’ Adverts

Several websites specialise in connecting people with potential flatmates. Flatmates.com.au and au.EasyRoommate.com are two of the bigger ones. Gumtree, the popular site to find just about anything, also has a flatshare section. If you’re the one with the place and are looking for flatmates to make ends meet, make sure you include flattering photos of the flat or home to attract people. List the flat the way a real estate agent would.

Ask Potential Flatmates about Personal Preferences

Some degree of compromise will be necessary to make a flat-sharing arrangement work, but some things may be deal-breakers. If you’re an early riser and a light sleeper, a hard-partying night owl might not be the best match for you.

Make Sure They Have the Financial Resources to Pay Their Share

Here again is where references can be golden. Make sure they have steady work and a hefty enough paycheck to pay their rent. Check to make sure that they’ve paid their previous landlords or flatmates in full before moving on.

Once You’ve Made Your Choice, Call an AFRA Removalist

So you’ve checked out your potential flatmates thoroughly. Their character is sterling; their habits compatible, and you’re ready to move in.

Make sure you check out your removalist just as carefully. For a removalist you can depend on to be honest, trustworthy, and capable, make sure they are AFRA accredited. The AFRA—the Australian Furniture Removers Association—gives its approval only to removalists with a high degree of professionalism.

When you’re ready to move into your new Sydney flat, the expert removalists at Zoom Removals are ready to help. Give us a call on 1300 788 164 or book your move online. We’re here for you.



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