Sleeping at someone else’s home while you are figuring out your own housing situation can be difficult, and may lead you to feel as though you are a burden. The first thing to remember is that most people genuinely want to help you, so just try to make it as easy for them as you can.

Secondly, you are not the only person who has gone through this, there is nothing shameful about needing support for a while and there are ways to make it work without putting stress on your host. Here are some things you can do to make life easier for your host family:

Follow the house rules

When you are ‘couch surfing’, it’s important to remember that you are a guest. This means that you need to be respectful of the people who are hosting you and follow their house rules. If you don’t know what they are,  be sure to ask so that you can avoid accidentally breaking them.

Make your bed and clean up after yourself

This is basic manners and it is important to do both so that your host does not have to clean up after you. It will also make it easier for them to tell if you have been staying in the room or not.

Shower daily and maintain good hygiene

This is also very important for the same reasons. You don’t want to be the person who smells bad and makes everyone uncomfortable. If you don’t have access to a shower, be sure to use deodorant.

Help out with household chores

This is a great way to show that you are responsible and appreciate being able to stay at the house. This is especially true if your hosts have work and you do not.

If you can help with the dishes, laundry, or vacuuming, it will lighten the workload for your hosts and make them more at ease with having you around. Doing this might prove to be extremely beneficial if you experience any delays while arranging a new job or a home of your own.

Only bring home people who have been approved by your hosts in advance

It is important that you ask as a courtesy. You don’t want to bring home someone who your hosts don’t like or who might make them uncomfortable.

Don’t occupy shared spaces for too long.

If you are using shared spaces like the Bathroom, Kitchen or TV: be respectful of others who might want to use them and do your best not to hog them.

Show gratitude to your hosts

This is the most important thing you can do. Be grateful for the opportunity to stay at someone’s house and show your appreciation in whatever way you can. Whether it’s through words, actions, or both, make sure your hosts know that you are thankful for their hospitality.