Your government will tell you which side of the road you need to drive on, and your employer will set the dress code for your 9 to 5, but when you’re at home, you make the rules.Recently, we thought it would be interesting to see how differently we organize our living spaces and found a few online threads where people shared the non-negotiable do’s and don’ts in their households.From cultivating treats to enforcing a strict chore schedule, the things that folks emphasize can be surprisingly varied—just like the residents themselves.This post may includeaffiliate links.
Your government will tell you which side of the road you need to drive on, and your employer will set the dress code for your 9 to 5, but when you’re at home, you make the rules.
Recently, we thought it would be interesting to see how differently we organize our living spaces and found a few online threads where people shared the non-negotiable do’s and don’ts in their households.
From cultivating treats to enforcing a strict chore schedule, the things that folks emphasize can be surprisingly varied—just like the residents themselves.
This post may includeaffiliate links.
You are excused from all obligations and chores if a cat is sitting on you.
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10 house rules? Jesus.. who has time for that? If people can’t behave like civil human beings they aren’t allowed in, but I don’t employ rules. Life is too short for that nonsense.That being said, I live alone and I do what I want, when I want, and how I want.
My cats are VERY friendly and VERY social. If they freak out and hide, get the f**k out.
- Get the f**k out if you have a problem with my dog. I’m not gonna lock him in the bedroom, not for you, NOT FOR ANYBODY since it’s his house too. (my dog is very gentle and calm and well behaved, but he is a people dog, and he loves to make new friends)2) Repeat that 9 more times.
- No toxic people are allowed to visit.Times 10.
- Don’t use my crafting shears for opening packages or cutting tags……. I guess that’s pretty much it lol
No spontaneous guests.No wearing shoes inside.No Neonzis or fscists in general allowed in my home.No disrespecting people living here.No harming of our pets.No destruction of our property.No eating without a plate, making a mess on the floor and throwing around pieces of food.Most can be summed up as: Behave like a decent human being.
If we like you, you can help yourself to wherever you need; cuppa, we’ll you know where the kitchen is, hungry? Fridge is full.If we don’t like you, you’ll get offered tea, coffee or water. And we would bring it to you, you ain’t roaming loose in my house.
The kitchen counter is for glasses not a*ses. In other words, don’t sit on the counter!
- Don’t set fireworks off indoors.2. No mullets.3. Don’t try and tidy up after I’ve cooked for you, my boyfriend will do it.4. Bring dogs.5. No ants allowed.6. Don’t grumble that my downstairs loo looks like a shoe cupboard. It is a shoe cupboard.7. Admire my ghosts.8. Tell me if you’re cold. I’ll get you a blanket. Heating is expensive.9. If you’re expecting a cuppa, bring your own milk. I probably won’t have any.10. Don’t overstay your welcome.
-shoes at door-toilet seat default position is down-TP roll- over-make the bed if you sleep in it-pet the poodle- be kind-make yourself at home- guests get the comfy chair- expect to be fed- bring wine whenever possible
1 - dogs go wherever they want2 - of dogs want a walk, we walkThat’s it
We don’t have like a list or anything, but some rules that jump to mind are:* No jumping on the sofa.* Swordfights and bouncy balls outside or in the hallway.* No sword attacks on unarmed people (shields count).* Have rooms clean on Saturday mornings (poorly enforced).* Don’t sit on the dinnertable (also poorly enforced).* Only look for eggs if all chickens are outside the coop.And regular stuff like eat with your mouth closed, try to use utensils, brush your teeth and put on clean underwear in the morning.
Don’t touch the thermostat.
I have mostly rules for kids:- argue only in native language,- no feet above the table (not only ON the table, above the table, as they get creative)- don’t wipe your face in my shirt, even if you want a cuddle- eating soup with chopsticks is only allowed shirtless- on long drives whining is allowed 30mins before arrival, not sooner- don’t lick people or the cat, even if they smell goodAnd so on.
I only have one rule - No knives in bed. The joys of loving a farmer…
(1) take care of your own needs first, the best gift you can give each other is being aware of your own needs, fulfilling them if possible, communicating when you need help.(2) then look around to see if anyone else needs help and offer it.(3) Be kind. families help each other(4) No slime. No putty. No orbeez. Nothing that looks like slime or putty or may be smushed to become slime (looking at YOU orbeez)(5) shoes on the shoe bench, coats on the coat hook. Neither should pass the front hallway.(6) be open minded(7) unlimited hugs!! Unless you don’t want hugs hugs, then no hugs will be forced upon you(8) the cat is mean. Don’t touch the cat. I know the cat is rubbing against you, she’s still mean, don’t pet her.(9) the first band aid from petting the cat is free(10) subsequent bandaids will cost; price tbd
- No politics2. No religion3. Leave me alone4. If you need something see rule #3
I have never written these down but I’ll give it a shot1. No bigots, racists, homophobes allowed.2. Be nice to my pets they are my children.3. Don’t go through my stuff without asking.4. If you make a mess clean it up.5. No smoking near or in my home.6. No unannounced drop ins or uninvited visitors without notice.7. Unless specified, 11 pm is as late as I want a visitor.8. If you clog my toilet there is a plunger, don’t leave it clogged.9. Don’t eat all my snacks.10. If you damage my property and do not make up for it. I will sue.
i’m not an adult, but my rule for myself personally is to start new days FRESH. when it comes to school, i sometimes get down on myself for bad grades because i take school really seriously. my rule for myself is to value my mental health as much as i value my schoolwork. i’ve experienced what being in a bad mental state is during a school year, and it absolutely sucks, so my rule is that mental health comes above everything, you always need to make sure your okay! and if you don’t get a grade your happy with, start fresh tomorrow! everyday is a new day!
They’re not really rules, because I think if I had to enforce them regularly I’d be out. They’re behaviours I expect in my home, which is my safe space to relax and live.I’d say the main rule is common sense and being considerate. Easy things like making sure the toilet is flushed and clean, don’t invite randoms over, give warning for overnight guests, don’t track mud through the house, clean up spills or mess, no smoking in the house, no shouting or unnecessarily raised voices, no bigotry, no bellends, no dogs (we have rabbits).
This is a chaos free zone. We will have mutual respect and treat each other as humans. Not exactly 10, but this is it at its core for everything. I am the head of a multigenerational household and this is how we approach everything. Bills, chores, shared space, entertaining g friends -everything. Our home is a safe haven and needs to stay that way. We discuss before folks come over, do big changes or even before we do large family dinners.
- No yelling2. No violence3. Kindness always4. No judgement5. No hard d***s6. Chill7. Do what makes you happy8. Laugh as much as possible9. Bonus points for cooking10. Ditto for bringing ice cream
No shoes in the house and no rummaging through my cabinets. I think that’s it as far as rules go.
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No seat tinkles.
Mostly it’s a requirement for coming here: Your truck or car must have high clearance as it’s rural, back country roads and you will get stuck which means a possible expensive towing/damage your car.
1 No shoes2 You have to sit down when you pee3 No going to my bedroom without me allowing it4 No smoking inside5 When you smoke outside, close the windows and doors beforehand6 No rearranging of my things (decoration, personal belongings lying around)7 If you’re hungry, tell me. I can cook smth up for you or find a snack, whatever you want. I will share. Don’t just go through my fridge or cupboard8 If I allow you in my bedroom, you’re not allowed to sit on the bed (with your clothes from outside)9 Music can’t be too loud bc my neighbours take it personal and will start a warfare that will last for weeks, so please keep it low. Please also watch how you walk, the same thing applies here. Generally, be as quit as possible, because i can’t take the mental torture my neighbour pulls as a revenge.10 This is a safe space for you and me. We won’t judge each other for harmless things, we won’t belittle each other. This is a place of love.
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- No food in bedrooms2. No phones at the dinner table3. Family eats dinner together4. Clean up after yourself (I’m not your slave)5. Close the screen door when you go outside I don’t want mozzies and flies inside you weren’t raised in a barnThat’s all the rules we really have for everyone
I realise I have a few, mostly it is don’t be a t****r, but if you need a list1. don’t be toxic2. Don’t insult my home, decor or way of doing stuff.3. Don’t touch my LPs4. Please do sit down, relax.5. Tea or coffee, you can choose, but I won’t give you milk because my bf drinks from the carton.6. If you need something, ask- don’t snoop. Several of the cupboards are old and broken. Yes I am saving to get them fixed. No I do not want to renovate my gorgeous kitchen - we point 2.7. Yes I know some of my things are old, but they work. I have no intention of throwing something perfectly fine away.8. Do not criticise me in my own home.9. My home is a safe space, please feel free to cry10. Do not ask me what that thing in the fridge is. I do not know, it is my boyfriends latest fermenting project and I will have to eat it
- Be respectful2. Be safe3. Be helpful4. VoteOnly 4 rules, but those first three encompass a lot; everything from saying polite words to having the address memorized to cleaning up after ourselves.And really, that last one could be rolled up into #2 since we’re all queer or #3 because we’re all working toward a better world, but it’s better to make it explicit.
- No potato chips or cookies (I’m a binge eater and I can’t control myself around these)2) No yelling. If we disagree, we talk it out. If we feel that we are getting too upset, we walk away until we calm down. We understand it’s you and me vs the problem.3)Hugs before bed every night
1.No disrespect of any kind 2.Wash your hands and pick up after yourself and make your bed 3.If you want to bring over a guest ask before you do so 4.DO NOT LEAVE ANY DIRTY DISHES IN THE SINK THROUGHLY SCRAP AND PLACE IN THE DISHWASHER AND FOR THE LOVE OF GOD DO NOT INCLUDE PAPER PLATES. 5.Always use a coaster 6.Place your dirty clothes in the hamper or the laundry chute 7.Be kind 8.No loud music after 10 p m that’s why they invented wireles ear buds. 9.You must remember to turn the alarm system back on when you leave and come back 10. Eat drink and be merry
Don’t think we have ten but we have a few..Don’t yell at others across the house (outside of extenuating circumstances) No surprise guests invited over Clean up after yourself & help when big messes are made (example: cooking meals) Be conscientious of how your actions affect everyone else within our home (your volume when speaking/playing games/electronics)
If my dogs don’t like you, then I don’t either so please leaveIf you s**t in the toilet, you better spray the he’ll out of the bathroom with lysolIf I say I’m ready for bed or I’m tired, that’s your cue to leaveIf you fart on my sofa, that is automatic banishment, GTFO
1 No shoed feet on the couches. De-shoe yourself. 2 Take your shoes off before stepping on the carpet 3 Clean up after yourself. 4 DO NOT cross boundaries, etc. reading journals, snooping through stuff, etc. 5 Ask before you grab something. If you want some food/snacks, please ask. 6 Ask before you throw my dog some food. 7 Roxie (my dog) is allowed on the couch. DO NOT kick her off because you’re uncomfortable. There is a set chair she’s not allowed on, and you can sit there. 8 I go to bed at 8:30 PM each night. That means YOU GOT TO GO WHEN I SAY SO. 9 If I invite YOU over, and you bring a guest unannounced, then neither of you will be coming in:) 10 Call/text/DM/ whatever before you come over. No unannounced visits!
1 Rinse after using the dish2 No day clothes on the bed.3 Keep the toilet seat and cover closed unless in use.4 Don’t touch the thermostat5 Allow me to feed you6 Don’t steal my stuff7 Don’t acknowledge my mess8 Don’t over stay your welcome.9 Be ready for board/video games10 Come ready to get tipsy
I’m pregnant so they change constantly and they are usually about smells lol
- Shoes off at the door2. Be respectful of my things / ask before touching3. Food must be on a plate or in a bowl to catch crumbs4. Don’t go in my bedroom unless you’ve been invited5. Overnight guests are welcome to shower but don’t hog all the hot water / use my expensive personal skin care items.6. No smoking7. If you cook only for yourself, clean up after yourself.8. No guests dropping in uninvited9. Don’t let long hair go down the drain please god.10. Just be a good person
I don’t have my home yet, but these would be my rules:Take shoes off.Don’t make a mess. If you do, clean up after yourself.Don’t leave the toilet seat up.No dogs, (or with that any other pets) unless absolutely necessary. (An emotional support pet does not count as a necessity when coming over)Mistreat my cat and you’re banned from entering the house again forever.Feel free to help yourself from the fridge or cupboard, but if you’re eating the last piece of something, INFORM US.Don’t open the windows or leave the door open if the cat is not on a leash.If you need anything, food or something to drink but you’re afraid to grab something yourseld, ask me. I’ll be happy to serve you with something.This one is for children: no you can’t play on my laptop. I’m using it for work.(This one is mostly because I heard quite of horror stories of entitled parents and kids) Yes I have a few plushies. No, your child can’t take them because they like them. All have memories attached to them and the only person I’m willing gift them to will be my own child.
No shoes on inside.No eating outside of the kitchen if you’re a minor.No jumping on my furniture.If you’re sick or feeling unwell please do not visit.The rest is up to common sense and respect for being in someone else’s home.
I have a new rule I just made. No one is allowed to stay more than one night. This year my step daughter stayed for about 2 months and then right after she left my brother stayed for two months. It’s been a crappy, stressful year. My house is very small.
I have the following house rules for my family:Help each otherAlways tell the truthShareDo your bestBe thankfulDream big andHug often.They work very well for my house. I am always trying to make my house a better version of family today than yesterday. With that said, what are your house rules you can proudly share with me???And it really works for my happy family.
I don’t like rules. I like principles better.Kindness. Helpfulness. Trustworthiness. Truthfulness. Thoughtfulness. That’s a few.Principles are universal. They can be applied to any situation.Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference between rules and principles. A principle isn’t “Be kind.” That’s a rule.Principles are like litmus tests for actions. They’re for adults to test their own actions against. And for adults to then help kids turn over their own choices. Was it kind? What would have been a kinder choice? How can that be done more kindly? How can that be done safely or more respectful of others?Sometimes the answer is it can’t be made safe or respectful. Riding without a seatbelt can’t be made safe. Hitting can’t be kind, safe or respectful. So focus on what ways the problem can be solved. When the focus is on what can be done to meet the need, there’s no need to cling to what can’t be done to meet the need.
Two of my kids are sitting in here with me and I asked them the question. The responses I got were, “You aren’t strict.” and “The rules you have are reasonable.” and “We have to go to bed at a set time, but that’s a good thing.” So, I’d say no. My kids don’t seem to think so.
No shoes on in the house. Shut the door in the winter I’m not heating Canada. Shut the fridge door too. Don’t clean paint brushes in the kitchen sink. No smoking indoors of anything. Stay out of my room.
Most are already covered but one I don’t see yet is: If the sink isn’t clean, then the kitchen isn’t clean.
1.) No unannounced visits or unwanted visitors. Only adults may open the door unless planned otherwise. 2.) All visitors must remove shoes at the door. 3.) Think before you speak and act. 4.) Remember that respect is given freely, disrespect is earned. 5.) You can eat what’s served or figure it out on your own. 6.) Actions have consequences wether good or bad is on you. 7.) Clean up after yourself & your pets and/or kids. 8.) Be kind to our animals or get John Wicked. 9.) Other people’s thoughts & feelings matter as much as your own. 10.) Our home is a fortress from the outside world & an investment for future generations. It should be treated with as much respect & regard as a person.
I have a few.1. No sx in my bed unless I am involved.2. No sx in my shower. The guest shower is fine.3. No s*x anywhere but the two places mentioned.4. Eat whatever you want.5. Please don’t get sloppy drunk while here.6. Let me know if you want to visit the pool area as I need to escort you.7. This is not a place for negative energy.8. No screaming or anything that brings in unhappiness.9. Be nice to everyone around you.10. Leave within 36 hours.
One: No ouija boardsTwo: No throwing anything at anyone insideThree to five: Have to do with table mannersSix to ten: Have to do with keeping the cat alive and safe
My home, respect it and the people in it that includes my pugs. Don’t overstep my boundariesOther than that, my home is always open
No outside shoes inside. No outside clothes on the bed (if it comes to that lol)
Food stays downstairs (no dirty dishes and crumbs up in the bedroom)
Be nice to the furkids. They live here, you don’t.Sam(see profile pic) doesn’t go out the front door without someone age 17+ period. No exceptions or excuses.Clean up after yourself. I’m not your maid.Text, don’t call unless it’s an emergency.Squirt guns are not pointed at Grandma(me)ever. Squirts guns pointed at me are immediately confiscated, even if it’s Grandpa holding them.Do not point toy guns, swords or weapons at pets. They will be confiscated.
I do not bring people into my house
No dogs, no douches, no smoking, no mess, no whining about it being cold, always lock the front/back door when coming inside, no means no and you’re banned means get out.
Be nice.Take off your shoes inside.No decor with creepy eyes (taxidermy, creepy dolls, cat clocks with the blinky eyes…)And that pretty much sums it up in our house.
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