As a digital nomad, you already know that shared spaces can be both inspiring and challenging. From lively coworking hubs to community-focused colivings, these spaces offer a unique blend of work, travel, and connection. But let’s face it—living and working alongside others means navigating different routines, cultures, and personalities.
How do you make the most of shared spaces while keeping the vibe positive and productive? That’s where digital nomad etiquette comes in. It’s less about rules and more about a mindset: balancing personal space with a welcoming community spirit, keeping things respectful, and finding ways to enhance everyone’s experience.
Here’s a guide to help you create harmony in any coliving or coworking space so you can make connections, get work done, and feel right at home.
Why Etiquette Matters in Colivings & Coworking Spaces
We’re not talking about which fork to use or sticking to your grandma’s rules for being a great hostess when the hubby's boss comes for dinner. When it comes to digital nomad life, “etiquette” is less about formal manners and more about the unspoken agreements that keep shared spaces enjoyable for everyone.
Think about it: in coliving and coworking setups, you’re sharing a space with people from all walks of life—different cultures, backgrounds, age groups, work hours, and personality types. You might be an early bird sharing a kitchen with a night owl, or a quiet introvert next to someone who recharges by socializing.
You’re likely dealing with people on vastly different schedules, too—one person could be finishing up a morning call while another’s deep into a late-night brainstorming session. With everyone’s unique rhythm, a bit of shared-space etiquette becomes essential to avoid clashes and keep things running smoothly.
In these spaces, etiquette is about striking a balance between respecting personal space and being open to connection. It’s about knowing when to share that great travel tip—and when to give someone their focus time. When everyone takes a thoughtful approach, coliving and coworking spaces go from mere accommodations to vibrant communities that support both productivity and connection.
Cardinal Sins of Coworking & Coliving
There are a few habits that can turn even the most beautiful shared space into a stressful environment – and you may not be aware you're doing it! Trust me, I'm not perfect here, either, and sometimes have to remind myself to be more thoughtful and considerate. It's well worth the effort, though, as the space becomes more harmonious and enjoyable for all.
Check out these “Cardinal Sins” to avoid if you want to keep things positive and productive.
Hogging Shared Spaces
One of the quickest ways to sour the vibe is by taking up too much space for too long. In a coworking area, this might look like sprawling out on a table meant for several people or camping out in a meeting room without booking it. In coliving, it could mean leaving personal items all over a shared lounge or kitchen. Shared spaces are meant to be, well, shared—so try to use only what you need and make room for others to feel comfortable, too.
Ignoring Quiet Hours
Whether it’s a coliving or coworking setup, noise is a big deal. Most places have designated quiet hours, which are there for a reason: to help everyone recharge and focus. Watching videos at full volume, talking loudly on calls, or playing music in common areas can seriously disrupt someone else’s rest or concentration. Grab headphones, head to a quieter area, or find a way to keep it low-key during quiet hours.
Treating the Place Like a Hotel
In coliving spaces, treating the setup like a hotel (e.g., not cleaning up after yourself, expecting others to tidy up common areas, or not contributing to the community) can be a major faux pas. Coliving is all about shared responsibility. Clean up your dishes, throw away trash, and pitch in with any community routines, like taking turns tidying up the kitchen. It’s all part of being a respectful guest and good neighbor and unless you're paying someone to walk around and clean up after you, it ain't happening.
Overstaying at Popular Spots
Certain areas in coworking spaces—like phone booths, comfy lounge chairs, or tables by the windows—are in high demand. When you find yourself in one of these coveted spots, keep an eye on the time. If others are waiting, try not to monopolize it for hours on end. The same goes for shared amenities like washers, dryers, or kitchen appliances in coliving spaces. Giving others a chance to use these popular areas shows consideration for everyone’s comfort.
Forcing Conversations
It’s natural to want to connect with people, but not everyone is open to small talk or spontaneous conversation—especially when they’re deep in work mode. In a coworking setup, a quick “hello” or nod is great, but be mindful of signals like headphones or focused body language, which often indicate that someone wants to work without interruptions. In coliving spaces, socializing tends to happen more naturally, so let connections develop organically rather than pushing for interaction. Sharing some quiet time in a shared space versus filling the void with chatter can actually be a great experience for all involved.
Treating Shared Resources as Your Own
Whether it’s bandwidth, shared printers, coffee, or communal supplies, taking more than your fair share can create frustration. In coworking spaces, hogging resources like Wi-Fi or communal printers affects others’ productivity. In coliving spaces, it could be finishing off the last of the coffee or monopolizing the kitchen during peak hours. Being mindful of shared resources helps keep the community balanced and prevents any “that’s not fair” moments.
Now, let's focus on the positives... consider these tips ways to get bonus points by making your coliving home or coworking space even better.
How to Be a Great Roommate: Coliving Tips for a Happy Home
1. Share Essentials Fairly Sharing basics like spices, condiments, or cleaning supplies can make daily life smoother, but it’s important to keep it balanced. Track contributions and split costs fairly, so everyone feels they’re contributing without confusion. This small step prevents misunderstandings and helps keep shared essentials stocked. We’ve all been the one who ‘forgot’ to replace the ketchup or the coffee once or twice, but with an app like Splitwise, you won’t have to keep tabs on who owes whom for the last round of olive oil.
2. Organize Small Community Activities A sense of connection is what makes coliving spaces feel like home. Consider setting up a low-key group dinner, a movie night, or a weekend hike. These activities don’t need to be elaborate but provide a natural way to connect and create shared memories. Sometimes it’s the low-key events—a spontaneous dinner or ‘movie night’ (yes, rom-coms included)—that bring everyone together and help make great memories without the pressure.
3. Communicate Boundaries Respectfully Not everyone in a coliving space is up for constant socializing, and that’s perfectly okay. If you need a quiet evening or solo time, be open about it. A quick, friendly message like “I’m having a quiet night to recharge” lets others know your needs without awkwardness. Work on fostering a space where everyone feels comfortable expressing their needs. If anyone is pushing these boundaries, have a gentle talk and reinforce how important it is for everyone in the house to be able to express theirs and have them respected.
4. Leave the Space Better Than You Found It When it’s time to move on, leave communal areas clean and organized. Tidy up your space, remove personal items, and make sure shared supplies are in order. This small but meaningful gesture leaves a positive impression on your fellow colivers and sets the tone for future residents.
Recommended reading – Exploring the Allure of Coliving Spaces for Digital Nomads
5. Set Expectations Around Guests
Guests can be a sensitive topic, as house dynamics shift when new people come in, even temporarily. Establishing guest expectations up front is key—nothing says ‘awkward’ quite like finding out last minute that your roomie’s buddy from college is crashing on the couch for two weeks. Set clear expectations with your housemates about guest visits, whether it’s overnight stays, parties, or even friends dropping by for a meal. Some coliving spaces establish guidelines about how often guests are welcome and where, so check to see if those exist. If not, it's a good idea to come to a mutual agreement on these guidelines before it becomes an issue.
6. Be Mindful About Emotional Oversharing
Living in close quarters with others can sometimes create a false sense of intimacy, especially in a coliving environment where you’re sharing not only spaces but often experiences, meals, and routines. It’s natural to feel connected, but be mindful about oversharing personal struggles or expecting too much emotional support from roommates who may not be prepared to handle it. Remember, everyone is dealing with their own stresses—anything from missed flights and work pressures to family matters or even deeper personal challenges. While it’s great to share and build friendships, try to gauge how much support your roommates are ready to give and save the heavier conversations for close friends or a counselor. A bit of self-awareness can go a long way in keeping the atmosphere positive and comfortable for everyone.
How to Be a Great Coworker: Keeping the Peace in Shared Workspaces
1. Respect the Space’s Community Guidelines Most coworking spaces have a set of community guidelines—whether it’s rules about quiet hours, phone booth reservations, or policies on guests. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines and follow them to keep things running smoothly. Community guidelines are designed to support everyone’s productivity and ensure that the space feels safe and supportive for all.
2. Practice Good Desk Etiquette Shared desks or “hot desks” are often in high demand in coworking spaces. When using a shared desk, keep your belongings tidy and don’t spread out too much. Avoid “camping” in popular spots for too long if the space is crowded, and always clean up when you leave. If you’re working at a dedicated desk, make sure it’s set up in a way that doesn’t spill over into communal space. And for the love of everything holy, don't eat smelly foods at your desk! There's nothing worse than someone else's funky, steaming leftovers wafting over your workspace.
Recommended reading: The Top 25 Essential Digital Nomad Apps
3. Respect Personal Space and Signals Everyone’s work style is different. Some people thrive on interaction, while others need focused, quiet time. Approach conversations with sensitivity, and if you’re looking to network, consider reaching out during breaks rather than interrupting someone’s workflow. If you see headphones or the classic ‘deep concentration face,’ take it as the international sign for ‘don’t disturb,’ or if you’re feeling brave, leave a funny sticky note for when they take a break. See if the coworking space has a Whatsapp group or other networking platform you can use to gently nudge a fellow coworker with a text as opposed to a real-world interruption when you want to get their attention.
4. Keep Common Areas Tidy Whether it’s the kitchen, lounge, washrooms, or coffee bar, shared spaces are more enjoyable when everyone pitches in. Clean up after yourself, whether it’s rinsing your coffee mug or putting away supplies you’ve used. Leaving a space as you found it, or even a little better, shows appreciation for the workspace and keeps things comfortable for everyone.
5. Give Feedback Thoughtfully
If you notice an issue in the coworking space, such as a recurring noise problem or lack of supplies, bring it up to the space manager rather than venting to other coworkers. Thoughtful feedback can help improve the space, and coworking managers are often open to suggestions. Keep it positive experience for everyone and avoid creating tension.
Making Shared Spaces Work for You (All of You)
Coliving and coworking spaces give digital nomads the perfect mix of freedom, convenience, and community. No more scrambling for Wi-Fi or setting up makeshift offices on an uncomfortable hostel couch; coliving and coworking keep you productive and comfortable while you explore new places.
The key to making the most of these spaces? Thoughtful, respectful connections with those around you. When we all take a moment to consider each other’s needs—whether that’s giving someone quiet time, sharing resources fairly, or keeping things tidy—we help create an environment that’s both functional and friendly. Remember, too, that in close quarters, minor issues inevitably arise. Address small concerns calmly and directly with the person involved rather than letting things fester. A respectful, open conversation usually goes a long way toward solving things amicably.
Being a little more thoughtful in your interactions can make these shared spaces more than just places to crash or plug in a laptop. They become memorable parts of the journey, filled with opportunities to learn from new people and build community.
And as you make new connections and enjoy your time together, remember that the end of this particular trip doesn't have to be the end of the road for your new nomad relationships. Connect on the Nomadago app to keep in touch, trade travel plans, and find your next opportunity to hang.
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