How to split responsibilities with flatmates drama-free

Household chores aren’t quite as exciting as the rest of uni life. No one wants to be the one always taking the bins out while everyone else pretends not to notice.

Lately there’s been a bit of an issue with students leaving the bins for the cleaning team to deal with, which isn't their responsibility during the weekend (cleaners only take them out Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays). This leads to bin bags piling up, which then attracts pests and then suddenly the problem is out of hand.

Keeping your flat clean is a shared responsibility, and if everyone does their bit, it stops things from turning into a passive-aggressive nightmare.

Here’s why you should share responsibilities, and more importantly, how to do it without unnecessary drama.

Why bother?

Leaving chores for "someone else" might seem like no big deal, but it can quickly lead to:

❌ Mess piling up (overflowing bins = bad smells and possible flat inspections).

❌ Resentment brewing ("Why am I always the one doing this?!").

❌ A flatmate cold war (silent treatment instead of sorting the problem).

It’s not about being perfect, it’s about respecting each other’s space and making sure no one ends up doing all the work.

How to share chores without arguments

📅 Set up a simple rota

• It doesn’t need to be a formal spreadsheet (unless that’s your vibe), but a basic weekly rota for bins, hoovering, and wiping down shared spaces makes it clear who’s responsible for what.
• Apps like Flatshare, Splitwise, or even a quick WhatsApp message can help track who’s done what.

💬 Talk about it early

• Awkward as it might be, a quick chat at the start of term can stop bigger problems later. Something as simple as: 🗣️ "Hey, should we take turns with the bins each week?"
• If you’re already deep in a bin-neglect crisis, don’t come in hot, just say: 🗣️ "I’ve noticed the bins keep getting left - shall we set up a quick rota?"

♻ Rubbish removal/cleaning reminders

• No one wants to be the "naggy" flatmate, but a simple message like: 📢 "Bins need taking out, who’s up next?" prevents arguments before they start.

🙌 Do your bit without keeping score

• Sometimes people forget or have a bad week... and that’s okay. If you have to do an extra task once in a while, it’s not the end of the world.
• But if you’re always the one sorting things out, it’s fair to bring it up: 🗣️ "I don’t mind doing it now, but could someone else grab it next time?"

It’s about respect, not rules

No one wants to live in a messy, tension-filled flat. Sharing the load isn’t just about keeping things clean, it’s about making sure everyone feels valued and respected (including our great cleaning team!).

So next time you see the bins overflowing, don’t assume someone else will do it - step up, remind the group, and keep the vibes good. You’ll thank yourselves later.