Picture this: Friends dropping by unannounced to watch pay per view boxing.
Your flatmates’ high school chums camping out on the couch for three weeks until they find their own flats.
Parties with uninvited guests shuttling in and out. Or even an annoying flatmate who wanders in and borrows your clothes.
Despite all of this, there are ways to protect your home and valuables from others.
Yes, for cautious types, it’s an agonizing part of flat sharing that strangers will file in and out of your apartment. When home, it’s easy to guard against this, but how do you keep people out while you’re away.
For starters, I suggest taking a deep breath. Chances are, if you trust your flatmates, you can be sure to trust their friends.
Sure, there’s always a suspicious person in a network of friends, but one can’t really guard against every danger.
However, if you live with a flatmate who doesn’t respect boundaries or have guests staying over frequently, protecting your room can be a good idea.
Adding a Lock to Your Door
Adding a keyed lock to your door is probably the easiest, most effective way to protect your belongings. You can lock up during parties and whenever you leave. To do this, you must buy a new doorknob that comes with a lock and key. Instructions are included on how to change the knob.
Telling Your Flatmates About Your New Lock
If you’re close to your flatmates, they could take offense to suddenly discovering a locked door.
Some may wonder whether you trust them or not. To minimize any hurt or avoid any misconception, take time to explain to them your reasons for the lock.
One major tip towards diplomatic communication is to phrase sentences using the word “I” a lot and not “you.”
When telling them, focus more on your own personal motives and less on them or their friends’ actions.
Give a spare key to one trustworthy person
If you can, I suggest designating one flatmate or a close friend to keep a second key. There may come a time when you’ll need someone to access your room while you’re away.
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