Cleanliness issues (i. e. one roommate is super clean and the other is messier) Lifestyle differences (i. e. one roommate likes having friends over and the other likes keeping a quiet apartment) Personality differences (i. e. both roommates find it difficult to get along with each other) Wanting to live with a partner Financial costs (i. e. no longer being able to afford the rent) Relocating to a new city
Try writing out what you’d like to say to determine the right words. Call up a trusted friend or family member to figure out what you want to say and practice your delivery.
Avoid letting your roommate know you’re moving with a text. Your roommate will likely take the news much better if you let them know through a mature and direct conversation.
Make sure to give your landlord notice that you plan on moving. Read over your copy of the lease agreement to double-check how much notice they require, then provide your notice in written form (a letter or an e-mail will usually work). You might consider giving your roommate more advance notice if you live in a competitive housing market or a bigger city (60-90 days’ notice will be plenty of time).
“I’ve really enjoyed living together, but I’ve decided that I’d like to move to a new place when the lease is up. This apartment is a little out of my price range, and I need to find a less expensive living arrangement. " “As much as I’ve loved living with you, I think I need a quieter environment. I’ve decided to move to a new place this summer. I hope you understand. " “You’ve been an incredible roommate, but my partner and I have decided to move in together. I’ll be moving in 3 months when the lease is up. "
Offer words of support like, “I totally understand that this may be a surprise” or “I get why you would be upset. I might be moving, but I’m still here for you. " Use I-statements to avoid making your roommate defensive. Instead of saying “I’m leaving because you never help clean the apartment,” you might say, “I’d like to move because I do better in a cleaner environment. “[5] X Research source If they’re really upset, consider giving them some alone time to cool off. You might excuse yourself by saying something like, “I’m going to be out for the afternoon, but I’m happy to talk about this again tomorrow. "
Making a social media post to announce the open room Asking your friends and family if they know anyone looking for a room Helping your roommate post an ad on Craigslist. org or Roommates. com
“I’m going to miss you so much. After I move, we should make plans to get lunch once a week. " “I don’t want this to affect our friendship. You’ve gotta visit and explore my new neighborhood with me!” “I know I’ll be out of state, but I still want to catch up all the time. We’ll have to schedule regular video calls. "
It’s okay to ask if your roommate would like to keep anything of yours. Just make sure to take everything they don’t want.
If the two of you bought a coffee table together, for example, consider leaving it and buying one for your new place. A kind gesture like this can act as an olive branch to help you and your roommate stay friends.
Throw away any remaining garbage in your room, vacuum the floors, and dust to make it sparkling clean for the new roommate. Vacuum, dust, and tidy up your living room, kitchen, and bathroom before you go to give your old roommate some extra help.
