These 9 At-Home Habits Are Roommate Red Flags – Here’s How to Break Them

2. Not making your bed

There are two kinds of people in this world: those who diligently make their bed each morning and those who don’t. If you fall into the first camp, skip to the next tip, but for those who are guilty of letting their twisted sheets and blankets go untouched for days, it’s time to make a change. But how?

For starters, consider ditching the top sheet if you’re not attached to it – it’s one less step in the bed-making process. Also, you might want to switch to an oversized duvet cover for a look that feels relaxed but can be achieved simply by giving the whole thing a shake and smooth across the mattress.

Lastly, if you’ve been putting off getting new bedding, kicking this bad habit might be as simple as a refresh – it’s a whole lot easier to make your bed when you love the way it looks!

4. Leaving your shoes out

There are few things more aggravating than tripping on your shoes, which is why breaking the habit of leaving your sneakers, slides, and stilettos scattered across the house is one worth breaking.

The best way to do this is by incorporating clever storage beyond the bedroom. If you have a knack for neglecting your sneakers by the front door, why not invest in a pretty woven basket that you can toss them in?

Or perhaps your slippers are perpetually in the living room – why not give them a home there and place them on the bottom level of a shelving system? The more intentional you are the more likely you’ll remember to keep them tucked out of sight.

6. Working at the sofa

We get it – the sofa is a lovely place to answer emails from. It’s safe! It’s cosy! It’s peak WFH vibes! But in reality, it’s not great for your body. In fact, it’s terrible for your posture as your back is effectively slumping all day long, which can result in long-term alignment issues.

While we won’t banish you from the occasional couch indulgence, this is a habit you should break. Help yourself resist the urge by curating an equally cosy office space in your home, complete with a well-styled desk and an ergonomic chair.

Whatever you can do to make your at-home office feel more enticing – candles, fancy headphones, or a cute coffee mug – do it.

8. Poorly stacking the dishwasher

Have you ever opened up the dishwasher and containers or bowls are filled with water because they haven't been placed correctly? Or you've heard a clunk because a utensil has taken off under the spray arms? – the worst! The art of stacking a dishwasher is real.

If you're someone who throws things in, presses start and hopes for the best, there's a good chance your dishes either aren't getting washed as well as they could or you're wasting space for other plateware and utensils to fit in.

Knowing how to stack the dishwasher correctly will save you time and also stop you from being greeted each morning with vessels of water you need to empty and dry off.

The bottom level should be reserved for heavier and oversized items, the middle for glassware and mugs, and the very top for utensils. It's also important to "Think about water flow," explains CHOICE dishwasher expert Ashley Iredale. "You want to ensure water can reach all dirty surfaces easily."