November 5, 2025
Your Guide to Moving to Charlotte, North Carolina
Moving to a new city isn’t just about changing your address — it’s about finding your rhythm again. Whether you’re relocating for work, pursuing...
You thought you had the plan. Maybe you and your roommates were supposed to stick together — upgrade from a cramped apartment to a bigger house, split the bills, and make the next chapter of your lives work as a team. But now the rug’s been pulled out from under you. They’re signing the lease on a house, and you’re not part of it.
That moment can feel crushing. It’s not just about losing a place to live. It’s about losing the security of a plan you were banking on — shared rent, shared furniture, shared responsibility. Suddenly, you’re back at square one, scrambling for a new strategy and wondering what comes next.
If your roommates are getting a house without you, take a breath. You’re not alone in this, and while the transition might feel overwhelming, you do have options. In fact, this shake-up could be the start of something better.
Here’s the step-by-step on what to do next.
When your roommates move on without you, it’s natural to feel left out, frustrated, or even betrayed. You were counting on them — financially and logistically. And now that safety net is gone.
Give yourself permission to be upset, but do your best to keep the peace. At the height of your frustration, journal about it, vent to a trusted friend, or take a night to wallow in comfort food and Netflix.
It’s not wasted time — it’s a reset. The faster you acknowledge the disappointment, the faster you can move forward with clarity.
If you’re still tied to the same lease for a few more months, you’ll need a plan for how to live together in the meantime. Awkward? Definitely. But necessary.
Be upfront about expectations:
It might feel uncomfortable to hash out with your roommates, but the sooner you clarify, the less stressful the transition will be.
Another semi-awkward step, but a must: before your roommates officially move on, get clear about what’s coming with you — and what’s walking out the door with them. It’s easy to forget who actually bought the couch, whose name is on the Wi-Fi bill, or which kitchen gadgets belong to whom until it’s time to split.
Grab a notebook (or a shared doc if everyone’s cooperative) and make two lists:
This process helps you avoid last-minute surprises when the U-Haul pulls up. It also gives you a clearer picture of what you’ll need to replace — whether that’s a dining table, Wi-Fi router, or even everyday essentials like pots and pans.
One of the biggest shocks of losing roommates is financial. When you were banking on three people splitting a $2,400 lease, your share looked manageable. On your own, that number might suddenly look impossible.
Here’s where to start:
It can be sobering to see the numbers, but it’s better to face them head-on than to panic later. And knowing your realistic budget will help you decide whether you need new roommates — or if solo living is on the table.
Now that the old plan is gone, it’s time to sketch out the new one. You really have two main paths.
If your budget won’t stretch on its own, start your roommate search early. Try apps, check housing boards in alumni networks and community groups, and talk to your friends. Even coworker Slack channels sometimes have rental threads.
Be specific about your expectations: your budget, your lifestyle, and your deal-breakers. The more upfront you are, the more likely you’ll avoid future roommate red flags.
If your numbers allow for it, solo living can be an unexpected gift. You get to set the thermostat, decorate your way, and don’t have to compromise on quiet time or cleanliness. What feels scary at first can quickly become liberating.
But there’s a catch: living alone means covering all the costs and logistics yourself, from rent to furniture. Which brings us to the next challenge.
Here’s something few people think about until it’s too late: when your roommates leave, the furniture usually goes with them. That couch you all watched movies on? Probably belongs to someone else. Same with the dining table, the coffee maker, and half the dishes in the kitchen.
If you’re stepping into a new apartment alone, you could be staring at empty rooms — and the cost of filling them can easily run into the thousands. Thrifting or buying secondhand is an option, but it’s time-consuming, inconsistent, and you’re still left hauling heavy furniture yourself.
This is where CORT Furniture Rental becomes your secret weapon. Instead of stressing over what you don’t have, CORT delivers everything you need — bed, sofa, dining set, and even small essentials — right to your door. It’s professionally set up in as little as 48 hours, and you can rent for as long as you need.
So whether you’re testing out solo living or waiting to land the right roommate match, you’ll have a home that feels settled — without the financial burden of buying everything upfront.
Losing your roommates may feel like rejection, but reframing the situation can help you see it differently. This isn’t just about being “left behind.” It’s about being pushed forward into independence.
You now get to choose:
Instead of seeing this as a setback, treat it as a pivot. Your roommates’ new house is their next step, and now you have the freedom to take yours.
Having your roommates move on without you can feel like the end of the plan you were counting on. But it doesn’t have to leave you stranded. This is your chance to build a space that reflects your needs, your style, and your independence.
And you don’t have to figure it out alone. CORT Furniture Rental is here to make the hardest part easy. With fast delivery, professional setup, and flexible rental terms, you can move forward without the stress of buying furniture or committing to pieces that may not fit your future plans.
Your roommates may be moving into their house, but you’re moving into your next chapter. And with CORT, you’ll have everything you need to feel at home from day one.
Get started online or in-person at your local CORT Furniture Rental showroom today.
