How to Find the Perfect Roommate During Peak Moving Season: Summer 2025 Guide

Summer is the busiest time of year for moving and by extension, for finding a roommate. Between college students transitioning into the workforce, young professionals relocating for new opportunities, and renters coming to the end of their leases, the rental market becomes a flurry of activity between June and August. Starting from Memorial Day, the United States hits peak moving season for the year.

This guide will help you navigate the summer roommate search. Whether you are a professional moving to a new city or simply relocating nearby, here are some top tips when using Roomies or another platform to find a roommate.

Why Summer Is Peak Season for Roommate Searches?

Summer is consistently the most active time for moving across the United States. Why is this?

• Student Academic Cycle: Students graduating or moving out of dorms often seek shared housing options in cities where they plan to work or study further. Interns are responsible for the movements of millions of students per year.

• Job transitions: Many companies onboard new hires during the summer, especially interns or entry-level employees who often prefer shared housing to reduce living costs.

• Rental turnover: A large number of leases naturally expire during summer months, leading to widespread availability of new rentals.

• Favorable weather conditions: Mild weather and longer daylight hours make moving logistically easier and safer compared to winter months.Lugging a box over a icy stoop isn't feasible for a lot of renters, and movers often charge more for unfavorable conditions, such as a snow storm. The initial costs can be lower, but often come with a weather clause.

How to Find the Right Roommate Without Missing the Mark

Let's face it, finding a roommate can be stressful, and it can be tempting to rush the process. However, taking the time to find a roommate whose lifestyle aligns with yours will prevent conflict and likely, costly disruptions later on. We have all seen Judge Judy, make sure to not create your own episode! Here’s how to remove the emotion and improve your search method:

1. Create a Clear and Detailed Profile

Your profile is your first opportunity to communicate who you are and what you're looking for in a roommate. Here's what we recommend:

• A short personal bio that highlights your daily routine, work schedule, and lifestyle preferences.

• Details about your cleanliness level, social habits, and noise tolerance.

• Expectations for shared space (cleaning duties, guest policy, quiet hours, etc.).

• A clear budget range and ideal move-in date. Don't forget to factor in deposits, first and last months, and moving costs.

• Get personal! Have a hobby you love? Avid collector of something niche? Share your quirks! You never know who it might resonate with.

2. Filter your Way to the Best Match

Before contacting potential roommates, take time to define your dealbreakers. Consider the following areas:

• Smoking

• Pet ownership

• Allergies (food allergies especially can be very important!)

• LGBTQIA+ lifestyle

• Budget

• Preferred areas

3. Prioritize Communication and Transparency

Once you’ve found a promising match, prioritize open communication from the start. We recommend a roommate agreement and always putting your negotiations in writing to future proof your success with a shared housing situation.

4. Respond Promptly and Use the Search Tools at Your Disposal

During peak season, listings can disappear quickly. This being said, if you don't hear back straight away, try off platform communications such as phone or text, and if a listing doesn't pan out, keeping reaching out to others. We recommend keeping communications up with a few options, maintaining your chances of success during peak season.

What to Watch Out For: Red Flags for Renters

• Vague or inconsistent responses about job, income, or rental history.

• Unwillingness to meet or speak outside of text-based platforms.Video calls are also generally not recommended.

• Pressure to send money or commit without viewing the property. In fact, we recommend never sending money without viewing a dwelling.

• Lack of references or inability to provide basic identification

If something feels off, trust your instincts. A hasty move-in with the wrong person can be far more disruptive than waiting a little longer to find a better fit.

Some House Hunting Tools to Use

Roomies.com offers tools specifically designed to streamline your search, especially during high-traffic months. Use these features to your advantage:

• Verification options: Engage with profiles that offer background, ID or credit checks for added safety

• Email Matches:Let us do the work for you, once a profile is set up, we will email you with new matches in your area.

• Promoted Listings: Push your profile to the top of search results, ensuring all eyes are on you.

Final Takeaways

Summer may be the busiest time to search, but that also means it’s filled with opportunities to connect with someone who complements your lifestyle. Take the time to clarify what you need, communicate clearly, and use the right tools to streamline your search. Use this list and prep for your next summer time move!