Coliving for remote workers: a beginner's guide

Coliving is a way of renting a room in a shared home that is set up for people who work and travel, usually with workspaces, shared areas and a community around you. It suits remote workers who want a ready made base and some company in a new place, and it is less suited to anyone who needs complete privacy. This guide explains how it works and what to check before you book.

What is coliving?

You rent a private or shared bedroom and use common spaces such as the kitchen, lounge and work areas. Many providers organise events, such as dinners or activities, and some run a members community. Stays are typically flexible, from a few nights to several months, and furniture, utilities and often cleaning are included.

Coliving compared with other options

Who coliving suits

• Remote employees who travel for weeks or months
• Freelancers and founders who want company while they work
• People moving to a new city for a season
• Anyone who finds working alone while travelling isolating

Who it may not suit

• People who need quiet, strict privacy or a family sized space
• Light sleepers who are sensitive to shared home noise
• Anyone who wants hotel style service

Policies on children differ. For example, Outsite's help centre says children are not accepted in private rooms, and it points to specific apartments as its family friendly option, so check the property before you plan around a family stay.

What to check before you book

1. Internet and workspace. Look for stated speeds, a proper desk and chair, and guest reviews that mention working there.
2. Room type. Is the bedroom private? Is the bathroom shared?
3. Stay length. Check the minimum and maximum nights.
4. Total price. Include cleaning, service fees and taxes.
5. Cancellation terms. These can vary by property and timing, so read them on the booking page.
6. Location. Look at distance from shops, transport and the places you will work from.
7. Recent reviews. Look for guests who stayed for similar reasons to yours.
8. House rules. Quiet hours, guests and shared space etiquette.

Types of coliving provider

• Company run networks that operate their own properties with a consistent standard
• Curated marketplaces that list independent stays chosen by the provider
• Independent houses run by a single host or small team
• Group trips that bundle accommodation with a themed or timed programme

Outsite is an example of a company that offers more than one of these, including its own Signature locations and a Curated selection of independent stays, and it lists stays from 3 nights to 3 months. Read our Outsite review and membership guide for the details.

Tips for a good stay

• Agree your working hours and quiet times with housemates early.
• Join one or two group activities in the first days so that you meet people.
• Keep a routine so that you stay productive while you travel.
• Share the kitchen and common spaces fairly.
• Have a backup for important calls, such as a mobile data plan.

Saving money on a first stay

Some providers offer discounts for new customers who sign up through a referral link. For example, our Outsite referral code gives $50 off a first stay. Read the terms and follow our guide on how to use a referral code so that the discount is applied.

The bottom line

Coliving works best when you value community, flexibility and a ready made setup more than privacy. Check the practical details, read the cancellation rules and book a shorter first stay if you are unsure.