You might be surprised how many people are looking for others to live with, not just as housemates but as long-term friends who back each other up. The examples and resources below can show you how. ICmatch can help you figure out who to join up with for metro shared housing.

1. Define a common interest as a first step. For example, do you want an IC of all singles without children so that you can entertain with late parties and alcohol? Are you seeking a group in similar and complementary professions? Do you want diversity of age or a specific age range? Do you want to hire for cooking and housekeeping or share those chores?
2. Find new recruits thru personal and professional networks. Inviting those interested to create a profile with ICmatch.org can help you identify whether potential members that have a common purpose, lifestyle, or values. Unlike shared housing host companies, ICmatch focuses on finding compatible people first, then together finding housing. This has advantages over joining a group that you may or may not be compatible with.
3. Decide who will manage bills and other responsibilities that maintain the residence long term. Prominently display house rules, including how group decisions are made, timing of regular meetings, and how chores are assigned. Keep a record of decisions made and who agreed to implement a decision.
4. Set the initial culture and governance style carefully, because this will set the tone even as people inevitably leave and new members arrive.
5. Although you can move to a different rental if you find a more ideal location, this will be increasingly complex as members are added. Take the time to start with the most ideal location for your core group. Make sure you know the local regulations about renter numbers and whether or not you are allowed to sublet.
6. If you discover thru ICmatch a shared interest in activities that require (a) expensive equipment for recreational activities or (b) space and expensive tools for work. Create a contract for sharing these and a schedule for when they are available to each member.
7. Groups with a high trust level can substantially lower costs by sharing a family cell phone plan, internet service, buddy pass for gym memberships. You can save on service subscriptions of many types such as professional databases, music, or movies.