Your roommate survival kit includes a whiteboard, a Costco membership, and a sleek and effective trash can.
Welcome to Roommates Week, an exploration of the highs and lows of cohabitation.
You’ve signed the lease, curated your Pinterest boards, and picked out the perfect couch…but now you have to figure out how to make things work with your roommates. Thankfully, we’re here to help. Consider this your roommate survival guide, complete with everything you need to live happily ever after with others. Our recs include noise-canceling earplugs, a hair-catching bathtub drain, and a remote work-saving Wi-Fi extender. We’re here to help you keep the peace—even when your roommate insists on making smoothies at six in the morning.
A board for easy roomie communication
ThreeByThree Seattle Monthly Glass Magnetic Dry Erase Board
[TAG1]Plan your life in advance and in style with our Monthly Magnetic Glass Dry Erase Board. Taking on a sleeker look than a traditional dry erase board, this glass board cleanly gives you the canvas to fill in dates, and an entire notes section on the right.
Avoid wondering whose week it is to clean the bathroom with this magnetic dry-erase board. Stick it on your fridge and keep track of chores, grocery lists, and important dates.
An odor-absorbing garbage can
Simplehuman Rectangular Step Can
[TAG2]The stainless steel liner rim grips the liner and keeps it hidden. An innovative liner pocket stores and dispenses liners from inside the can for a faster liner change. And with no inner bucket, there's more space for trash. Strong wide steel pedal is designed to last, and our patented lid shox technology ensures a smooth, silent close every time. The can's stainless steel surface is protected by an invisible fingerprint-proof coating that is also infused with Agion®, an EPA-registered antimicrobial that inhibits the growth of bacteria, fungi, mold, and mildew (brushed model only). Our Code M custom fit liner fits this can perfectly — no bunching or slipping for a cleaner trash experience. Liner refill packs store easily in this can's liner pocket.
As the weather gets warmer, so will the trash in your garbage can. Instead of being hit with the strong stench of last week’s dinner every time you walk through the door, opt for simplehuman’s trash cans, which are built to keep odors trapped inside the can.
A blender that doubles as decor
Beast ® Blender in Carbon Black
[TAG3]This sleek black blender makes it super easy to prepare fruit- and veggie-packed smoothies as well as smooth as silk purées and soups. Simply load up the Tritan container with ingredients, twist on the leak-proof blade assembly and invert onto the base. Choose from manual pulsing or pre-programmed one-minute blending options. The ribbed design creates internal turbulence for smooth blends, while the intuitive blender adjusts blade speed and torque as well as monitors internal temperature to avoid overheating. Once blending is done, snap on the storage lid for future consumption or the drinking lid with carry cap for on-the-go refreshment.
This blender’s stylish design will make you want to display it proudly in your kitchen. It also gets the blending job done, without taking up all of your counter space.
A physical way to define your space
West Elm Ida Woven Screen
[TAG4]A modern take on a traditional design, our Ida Screen's relaxed natural caning provides textural contrast to its lacquered finish. A gently rounded silhouette made from kiln-dried wood adds privacy wherever you need it.
Whether you’re looking to share a bedroom, or break up a common area, dividers are an easy way to create separation. This one from West Elm has a stunningly modern design, is available in black and white shades, and folds up when not in use.
An alarm clock that mimics the sun
Hatch Restore Sound Machine
[TAG5]Hatch Restore combines a smart light, sound machine, sunrise alarm, meditations, and an alarm clock all into one easy-to-use bedside device. It works together with the free Hatch Sleep app to help you personalize a science-backed sleep routine to help you fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up gently. On top of a rich sound library and 22 light colors, only Hatch Restore makes it easy for you to personalize a bedtime and wake-up routine. It comes with default routine settings based on sleep science, or you can customize them to your liking. A Restore routine is your personal way to fall asleep, stay asleep, and wake up refreshed. In the Hatch Sleep app, you can customize a routine that consists of Read, Wind Down, Sleep and Wake Up steps. Within each step you can personalize light and sound settings to your liking. When you’re ready for bed, just tap the device to start your routine. A sunrise alarm gently wakes you up with light instead of sound. The Restore sunrise alarm mimics a natural dawn, moving from red to orange to white over 30 minutes before your chosen alarm sounds. This gradual exposure to light prompts your brain to release cortisol, the hormone that cues your body to wake naturally and more pleasant. Your routine is fully customizable from your Hatch Sleep app, so you can experiment with different settings for duration, sounds, and light colors. Everybody sleeps better with Hatch.
If you’re a heavy sleeper, you may want to opt for this sunrise alarm that uses gentle sun-like light to wake you up instead of loud blaring sounds (your roommate will also appreciate it). The Hatch Restore also offers meditations, and sleep sounds to help you sleep better.
A tool to help make cleaning your bathtub easier
Scrubtastic Electric Spin Scrubber Brush
[TAG6]Use the power of motion to get a deep clean with less effort. Scrubtastic multi-purpose powered cleaning tool uses over 300 RPM to scrub away tough stains or dirt with ease in the bathroom, shower, on tile, grout and any other tough and hard to reach surfaces.
Instead of scrubbing your bathroom clean while on your hands and knees, pick up this scrubber that can be used to keep your bathtub, floors, and counters sparkling clean.
A hair-catching drain protector
OXO Good Grips Silicone Shower & Tub Drain Protector
[TAG7]Tall, domed design fits both flat and pop-up drains Effectively catches hair while allowing water to drain Weighted stainless steel accent holds Drain Protector in place Silicone edges lie flush on the tub surface so nothing slips underneath Resists rust for long-term use
There are few things in this life worse than pulling unidentified hair out of your bathtub’s drain. This drain protector has a steel weight that’ll keep it in place and stop hair in its tracks.
Fragrance built for a smart home
Pura Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser Set
[TAG8]This Smart Home Fragrance Diffuser powered by Pura fills your home with bestselling fragrances Bamboo and Grapefruit. The app-based device connects to your phone, allowing you to set your scent schedule, swap between scents, and adjust intensity from anywhere. Swap between fragrances with two included vials for 220+ hours of scent.
Home fragrance is more important than ever when living with multiple people. NEST’s diffuser set can be plugged into bedrooms, bathrooms, and kitchens. The diffuser can also be controlled from your phone, ensuring that you’ll always return to a fresh-smelling home.
The key to saving your furniture
Crate and Barrel Cole Coasters
[TAG9]Weathered grey earthenware rounds protect furniture and countertops with rustic modern charm. Our exclusive set of four coasters comes wrapped in twine for easy gifting.
Save yourself the arguments over ruined wood furniture and counters, and pick up coasters as soon as you move in. This set from Crate & Barrel combines stylish earthenware with a functional design.
A wooden home for your keys
Yamazaki Magnet Key Hooks
[TAG10]Time to upgrade from the catch-all bowl in your entryway! Five hooks for hanging keys, keychains, fobs, or masks across the bottom of this entryway organizer. Tuck mail, sunglasses, sunscreen, or anything else you don't want to forget as you leave home into the upper compartment.
Never get locked out or misplace your keys again with this handy key hook and its magnetic backing that helps it to stick to the back of doors or the side of your fridge.
A saving grace for your Wi-Fi connection
Netgear Dual Band Wi-Fi Range Extender
[TAG11]NETGEAR AC1200 Mesh WiFi Range Extender boosts your existing WiFi by increasing your range and speed. It compatible with any standard WiFi router to deliver AC1200 dual band WiFi with up to 1200 Mbps. Includes Mesh features Smart Roaming and one WiFi name. Easily connect all your smart home devices to one network, no new WiFi names and passwords needed. Move from room-to-room while streaming video on your mobile device without any interruptions. A Gigabit Ethernet port provides WiFi connectivity to a wired device like Blu-ray players, game consoles, smart TVs or streaming players over your existing WiFi network. Just plug it into any outlet and experience the difference.
If you and your roommate(s) work from home, pick this Wi-Fi extender up now and thank us later. It’ll help strengthen your Wi-Fi and erase your worries about that one dead spot in your home.
An outlet made for all of your electronic essentials
Philips 6-Outlet Extender Surge Protector
[TAG12]Turn two grounded outlets into six and power all your home or office electronics with this wall tap. The space-saving design of the surge protector wall tap is ideal for any room in your home, regardless of size or setup.
Never run out of outlets again, with an outlet extender that’ll quadruple your charging space. It’s the perfect addition to a crowded common area.
A premium hand soap
Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash
[TAG13]A gentle formulation containing oils of Orange, Rosemary and Lavender to effectively cleanse the hands without drying them out.
Sure, this soap is a splurge but its rave reviews prove it’s absolutely worth it. Break it out when you’re hosting guests, parents, or just want to feel fancy.
A water filtering pitcher
LifeStraw Home Dispenser
[TAG14]The only water filter dispenser that removes bacteria and parasites, in addition to microplastics. Reduces lead, mercury, and chemicals including PFAS ("forever chemicals"), chlorine, herbicides, pesticides, dirt, sand, and cloudiness. Retains essential minerals like magnesium and potassium that are good for your health. The membrane microfilter lasts 264 gallons (1 year). The activated carbon + ion exchange filter lasts 40 gallons (2 months).
Pyrex Colored Lid Set, Set of 18
[TAG15]These versatile glass dishes have color-coded airtight lids for easy organizing in pantry, fridge or freezer. Durable, pure Pyrex® glass stands up to the microwave and dishwasher use after use, and because it’s stain- and odor-resistant, it stays clean and preserves your food’s fresh flavors.
This 18-piece Pyrex set comes with nine containers, and can hold your and your roommates’ meal prep, leftovers, and more. They’re also hardy enough to be thrown in the dishwasher, freezer, and microwave.
A set of earplugs to keep things quiet
Loop Earplugs
[TAG16]With up to 27 dB of noise reduction, there’s nothing that can stop your flow. And thanks to Loop Quiet’s soft-touch silicone design, you can manage your volume morning ‘til night in comfort and style.
Let’s face it, living with roommates means you’ll need to get comfortable with noise. But when you’re unsuccessfully trying to sleep or focus, things can get uncomfortable. Luckily, Loops’ Quiet Earplugs are designed to be worn to sleep and stay in your ears all night long.
A flexible seating arrangement
Marin Stackable Pouf with Casters
[TAG17]Enliven your home decor with the Marin Stackable Pouf with Casters from Opalhouse™ designed with Jungalow™. Draped in soft fabric upholstery in a velvet finish, this decorative square pouf is generously filled to offer you a cozy spot to perch. This upholstered pouf features a three-tier design with a loop and a tie cord attached to each piece that can be untied to create three comfy footrests or low-floor poufs. Plus, the casters at the bottom make it easy to move from one spot to another. Featuring contrasting solid hues, it's sure to elevate your boho-inspired decor, while adding functionality to your space.
If your seating is limited and you’re planning on hosting, pick up this stackable floor pillow set that offers three additional seats and can be moved around from bedroom to living room and back again.
A butt-saving membership
The secret to keeping your home constantly stocked? Ordering your essentials in bulk. Sign up for a membership at a bulk retailer like Costco and you’ll never have to make an emergency toilet paper run again.
On-demand household services
Whether you’re looking for a handyman, an expert IKEA furniture assembler, or a cleaner to help keep your apartment nice and tidy, consider a TaskRabbit. Its directory offers hundreds of local service providers.
A cozy alternative to clothes
Parachute Classic Bathrobe
[TAG18]With two slouchy front pockets, a snug waist tie and cozy shawl collar, this is the ultimate relaxation wear.
Sometimes you won’t always want to wear clothes while chilling at home. So pick up this cozy Turkish robe from Parachute to avoid scarring your roommates for life.
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Related Reading:
Tinder for Roommates Is Just as Awful as It Sounds
Everything You Need to Know to Make Moving Less Miserable