Choosing The Master Bedroom: A Fair Allocation Guide

Choosing who gets the master bedroom can be a tricky situation, especially when moving in with a new roommate. There are many methods to help decide who gets the master bedroom, and it's important to consider the needs and preferences of all involved. Some common approaches include flipping a coin, playing a game, or holding an auction, while other factors to consider are the amount of space each roommate needs, who works from home, and whether one roommate has more belongings than the other.

Paying more

If you and your roommate are debating who gets the master bedroom, one fair way to settle the dispute is by allowing the person who pays more to take the room. This is a practical and equitable solution, especially if there is a considerable difference in the rent contribution. The person paying more will likely feel more comfortable and satisfied with the arrangement, knowing they have the extra space they are paying for.

This approach can be a straightforward way to decide, but it is essential to consider a few factors first. Ensure that the rent contribution is proportional to the room size and amenities. If one person is paying only slightly more, it may not be worth the extra cost for them, and it should be discussed if the larger room warrants the price difference.

Additionally, it is crucial to be mindful of everyone's financial situation. If one roommate can afford to pay more without strain, while the other is on a tighter budget, the latter may feel pressured to forgo the master bedroom. It is essential to have an open conversation about finances and ensure that everyone is comfortable with the arrangement.

To implement this solution fairly, it is recommended to calculate the exact contribution difference. For example, if one roommate is paying 60% of the total rent while the other pays 40%, use this ratio to determine room distribution. The person paying the higher percentage should have the first choice of the bedroom. This ensures that the decision is impartial and based on the financial contribution.

Ultimately, allowing the person who pays more to take the master bedroom can be a reasonable and unbiased way to settle the debate. However, remember that this may not be the only factor at play. It is always beneficial to consider everyone's preferences, relationships, and overall living situation to ensure a harmonious household.

Amenities trade-off

When it comes to deciding who gets the master bedroom, one method is to use an amenities trade-off. This is particularly useful if you don't want to pay more for a larger room or have one roommate paying more than the other.

In this scenario, the roommate with the larger room might have to forgo other amenities to make up for it. For example, if there is only one parking spot, it could go to the roommate with the smaller room. Or, the person with the larger room might have to do more chores, like unloading the dishwasher.

Another option is to bid on the master bedroom, with the starting price being an equal share of the rent. Each roommate can then bid higher for the room, with the highest bidder winning. This ensures that everyone is happy with the split, as the winner gets the room, and the other roommates pay less rent.

If you don't want to bid, you can simply assign a higher rent to the master bedroom. This can be done by calculating the cost per square foot of the room. For example, if the room is 10% bigger, the rent would be 10% higher.

Finally, if you don't want to pay different rents, you could consider alternating rooms every six months or so. This ensures that each roommate gets to experience the perks of the master bedroom and no one feels left out.

Random lottery

If you're moving in with a roommate, you'll need to decide who gets the master bedroom. This can be a tricky decision, especially if you're moving in with multiple people. One way to make this decision is through a random lottery.

The first step in conducting a random lottery is to number each room and put those numbers into a hat or a bowl. You can simply assign numbers to the rooms based on their size, with the master bedroom labelled as number one, for example. Alternatively, you could get more specific and base the numbers on the square footage of each room.

The next step is to write down the names of all the roommates on separate pieces of paper and put them into another hat or bowl. It's important to ensure that all roommates are in agreement with this method before proceeding.

Then, you can ask a neutral third party, such as a friend or neighbour who doesn't live with you, to pick a name and a corresponding number from the respective hats or bowls. The person whose name is drawn out alongside the number one will get the master bedroom. This process can be repeated for the remaining rooms if needed.

It's crucial that all roommates agree to accept the outcome of the lottery as final before starting the process. This will help to prevent any potential disagreements or hard feelings after the fact.

Using a random lottery is a fair and stress-free way to decide who gets the master bedroom, especially when everyone wants the same room. It takes the burden of decision-making off individual roommates and leaves it up to chance, ensuring an unbiased outcome.

Rock, paper, scissors

Understand the Basics

First, ensure you and your roommate know the basic rules of the game. The game involves two players who simultaneously choose one of three hand gestures: rock (a closed fist), paper (a flat hand), or scissors (a fist with the index and middle fingers extended, forming a V). The outcome of the game is determined by the following rules: rock beats scissors, scissors beat paper, and paper beats rock.

Practice with a Partner

Improve your skills by playing against others. Observe their strategies and ask for feedback. Recognize patterns, such as players tending to use the same gesture repeatedly or switching between two gestures. Understanding your roommate's tendencies can help you predict their next move and increase your chances of winning.

Change Your Strategy

While recognizing patterns is essential, don't rely on them solely. Adapt to your roommate's moves and change your strategy accordingly. For example, if your roommate consistently uses rock, you can use scissors to beat them. Throwing a random gesture instead of repeating the same move can also help throw off their predictions.

Stay Calm and Confident

Lastly, remember to stay calm and confident. Avoid getting too excited or anxious about winning or losing the game. Take deep breaths to relax and focus.

Using these rock, paper, scissors strategies can help you increase your chances of winning and securing the master bedroom. However, remember that there are also other factors to consider when deciding who gets the master bedroom, such as financial situations, the amount of furniture, and the inclusion of parking spaces or garages.

Alternating rooms

If you and your roommate are happy to split the rent evenly, alternating rooms is a great way to ensure fairness when deciding who gets the master bedroom. This method can help to avoid any potential resentment that may arise from one roommate always having the smaller room.

When alternating rooms, it's a good idea to set a schedule for when you'll switch rooms. For example, you could plan to swap bedrooms every six months. This way, each roommate has the opportunity to experience the benefits of the larger room and the peace and privacy that come with it.

To make the transition smooth and stress-free, you might want to set some ground rules with your roommate. For instance, you could agree to help each other move your belongings and return the room to its original state before the next roommate moves in. This can include simple tasks such as filling in any nail holes, giving the room a fresh coat of paint, or deep cleaning the space.

Additionally, if one roommate has the master bedroom for a certain period, you can decide that they will be responsible for any guests during that time. This ensures that the roommate with the smaller room doesn't feel burdened by hosting guests in a more cramped space.

By alternating rooms, you and your roommate can enjoy the perks of the master bedroom equally and maintain a harmonious living environment.

Frequently asked questions