Houseshare for first timers-best way to organise bill paying?

Mrbrianmolko

moving into a house with 3 friends. Whats the best way to organsie bill paying/rent paying?

Everything will be equally shared (except rent, bigget room pays a bit more). But what way do people usually actually pay the bills?

Do you pay it all into a designated persons bank account and he pays all the bills?
DOes eveeryone get a bill in thier name and pay it and add/subtract from rent or something?

Anyone know whats the most straight forward process!?

Also if rent is to be paid the first of every month, should an SO be set up from one persons account and everybody lodges into that?

Also with shopping etc - is everyone buys there own food the best way to go? Or everyone buy seperate and then pay into a fund extra for houseold stuff eg bog roll, washing up liquid/powder etc?

A bit lost and want everything to go as smooth as possible! Any other tips for first time sharers would be appreciated.

Danbo!

not sure how everyone else does it, but I live with 3 friends and we all have a bill each. Esb, Gas, NTL and rent. We all use online banking to transfer money which makes things easier, no need to be dealing with cash, and you know when youve been paid and by who. The first month was messy trying to say who owed who what, because we were adding and subtracting each others bills, so we said from then on, pay exactly what you owe. No need to say I owe you 30 and you owe me 15 so ill give you 15 etc etc, too messy.

NTL is a handy bill to have, relatively inexpensive and same amount each month. Rent is a bitch because coming up to pay day you get 1,000 odd in the account but you cant spend it!!

As for food, we buy our own stuff, and share if necessary, but its easier to buy your own most of the time. I share bread buying with one other, we both use about the same and just take turns, means fresher bread! the food thing id say would vary house to house, depends on what everyones taste is.

We also have a list of items (bog roll, bin tags, black bags, washing up liquid etc..) and after each item is the 4 names, and take it in turns in that order to buy stuff when needed.

If you dont have a white board in the kitchen, get one! It can be handy writing up "XXXXX we need dishwasher tablets" etc when its their turn, or "ESB bill €40 each, due xx/xx/xx".

Bear in mind that if you are with different banks and using online transfers it can take a day or two to reach the recipients account. Again, after a month or two, you will know how long each takes and transfer the money X number of days before the due date

Victor

Everyone must have one bill in their name. That way, if there is any messing, the dud bill will be in their name. don't make one person pay all the bills as that person potentially gets screwed if everyone decides to move out and not pay.

Everyone buys there own food, unless you want to share milk, bread, etc.

Don't have a "kitty" for cleaning as it only encourages spending.