Leigh Kamping-Carder

Starting Monday, we're delving into the necessary evil of New York City shared living with a look at the best ways to pick, kick out and peacefully abide with the grown adult who sleeps in the room next door. 

Roommate living conjures images of messy kitchens and cramped bedrooms—but it doesn’t have to be that way. Take, for example, this four-bedroom in Hamilton Heights listed for $4,500 a month.

Here's the promise of temporary wallpaper: you buy it for less than traditional wall coverings, remove it from its backing like a sticker, affix it to your wall and, presto, your walls are enlivened, easy. And when it’s time to move, all you have to do is peel it off the wall. No muss, no fuss, no landlord’s permission necessary. 

The test strip on a wall (ignore the plaster--this wall needs a paint job)