The Ultimate Shared Housing Guide for Remote Workers: How to Live, Work, and Thrive in a Shared Space

As remote work becomes more popular, so does the idea of shared housing. For many remote workers and digital nomads, it’s the perfect way to save money, meet new people, and find community while still getting work done. But living in shared housing isn’t always a breeze—there are a few things you need to know to make it work smoothly. Having been through several shared living arrangements myself, I’ve gathered some insights and tips to help you navigate the world of shared housing as a remote worker.

Whether you’re considering co-living spaces, house shares, or even joining forces with a group of fellow remote workers, this guide will help you make the most of shared housing. Let’s dive in!

1. Choosing the Right Type of Shared Housing

Not all shared housing is created equal. The type of shared space you choose will depend on your work habits, lifestyle preferences, and budget. Let’s take a look at some popular options:

• Co-living Spaces: Co-living spaces are specifically designed for remote workers, digital nomads, and freelancers. These places usually offer a balance of private and shared areas, including shared kitchens, living rooms, and workspaces. What makes co-living spaces unique is the built-in community. You’ll often find organized events, activities, and networking opportunities—ideal if you want to meet like-minded people while maintaining your productivity. During my time in a co-living space in Bali, I was surrounded by entrepreneurs and remote workers, which led to fantastic collaborations and friendships.
• House Shares: Sharing a house with other remote workers or locals is a more informal option compared to co-living spaces. It’s typically more affordable, and the atmosphere is often more relaxed. House shares may not come with organized events or coworking spaces, but they offer a more “homey” vibe. If you prefer a quieter, less structured environment but still enjoy some company, a house share could be perfect for you. I’ve had great experiences house-sharing with fellow nomads in Spain, where we bonded over evening dinners but kept the days work-focused.
• Hostels with Remote Work Facilities: Some hostels are catering more to remote workers by offering private rooms and coworking spaces. If you’re a solo traveler looking for budget-friendly accommodation with a social aspect, this might be a great choice. However, noise levels can be higher, and privacy may be limited, so it’s important to choose hostels that cater specifically to digital nomads or have designated quiet zones.
• Apartment Sharing: This is similar to a house share, but often with a smaller number of people and more privacy. Apartment shares can be a great option if you want to live centrally in a city, where apartment rent may be high, but you can split costs with a couple of roommates. I found apartment sharing particularly useful in cities like Berlin and Bangkok, where having a shared apartment allowed me to enjoy city life without blowing my budget.

2. Setting Boundaries for Work-Life Balance

One of the most important aspects of shared housing for remote workers is maintaining your productivity and sanity while living with others. Shared spaces can be lively and fun, but they can also lead to distractions. Here’s how to create a work-life balance that works for you:

• Designate a Work Zone: Whether it’s a co-living space, a shared house, or even a hostel, it’s crucial to have a dedicated workspace. Some co-living spaces provide coworking areas, but if you’re in a house share, you’ll need to find a quiet corner for yourself. Setting up a clear work area helps separate “work mode” from “relax mode,” and it also signals to your housemates when you’re busy and need to focus. I always recommend bringing noise-canceling headphones, just in case the shared space gets too lively.
• Set Clear Boundaries with Housemates: In shared housing, especially house shares and apartment shares, communication is key. Set expectations with your housemates about work hours, noise levels, and shared space usage. If you need silence during work calls or specific hours when you need peace, it’s best to establish that from the get-go. I’ve found that being upfront about my needs has always led to smoother co-living experiences.
• Embrace Flexible Working Hours: One advantage of remote work is flexibility. If your shared space gets noisy during the day, consider adjusting your work schedule. Early mornings or late evenings can offer quieter, more focused work time. I’ve adapted my work schedule many times based on the shared space I’m in. For example, when I stayed in a lively house share in Mexico, I shifted my working hours to early mornings before everyone else was up.

3. Maximizing the Social Benefits of Shared Housing

One of the best things about shared housing is the social element—meeting new people, sharing meals, and exploring new places together. However, it’s important to strike a balance between socializing and staying productive. Here are some tips to enjoy the social perks without compromising your work:

• Join or Organize Group Activities: In co-living spaces, you’ll often find organized group activities like dinners, yoga classes, or weekend trips. These are fantastic opportunities to build connections and unwind after a day of work. If you’re in a house share or apartment share without such activities, take the initiative! Organize a group dinner, movie night, or weekend outing. I’ve hosted many spontaneous dinners in shared spaces, and they’ve always led to fun conversations and stronger bonds with housemates.
• Find Accountability Partners: One of the best aspects of living with other remote workers is that you can help each other stay on track. I’ve often found an accountability partner in shared housing—someone to check in with about work goals, motivate each other, or even co-work in silence. This can be particularly helpful if you’re struggling to stay focused in a shared environment.
• Respect Personal Space: While shared housing offers social opportunities, it’s also important to respect everyone’s need for downtime and personal space. Not every housemate will want to socialize all the time, and that’s perfectly okay. Understanding when to give people space is just as important as enjoying group activities. During my stays in shared houses, I’ve learned that balance is key to a harmonious living arrangement.

Final Thoughts: Making Shared Housing Work for You

Shared housing can be a rewarding and enriching experience for remote workers. It offers community, affordability, and opportunities to meet incredible people from all over the world. But it does come with its challenges, especially when it comes to balancing work, socializing, and personal space.

By choosing the right type of shared housing, setting boundaries, and embracing the social benefits while maintaining your focus, you can make shared living not just a viable option, but an enjoyable and productive one.

Remember, shared housing is what you make of it. With the right mindset and a little planning, it can enhance your remote work lifestyle and help you thrive both professionally and personally. Happy housing, and may your next shared home be a perfect blend of work, play, and community!