Hi, sorry — this is my first post ever so I’m just typing randomly and sorry if it’s confusing. I’m 25, I run a small online shop selling jewelry and knickknacks, based in Nonthaburi. Lately I’ve been renting shared packing space in a small warehouse with a page that people from different neighborhoods use, because my apartment’s full and orders have gone up, so it’s more convenient.

I rent half a table with two other people who also use the space. They’re from other provinces and came to rent and work together. At first it was okay, we chatted normally and sometimes even helped stick labels for each other. But for the past two months there have been small annoying problems that stress me out sooo much — like they use my boxes and tape without asking, leave stuff all over my table, leave labeled envelopes sitting out when they leave, the special box sizes I keep to speed up packing (like save 10–15 minutes per order) keep disappearing, and they have loud conversations at 10:15pm. If I’m still packing it’s really hard.

It’s so irritating. Really.

It’s not that I’m possessive about my tools or anything, but those special box sizes and the mixed-color tape I always use actually make packing so much faster because I pack multiple orders at once. If things go missing or boxes get squashed we have to spend hours fixing it. Some days I use a small black gel pen that’s attached to the table — if it’s gone I have to find a replacement. It eats into my work time.

I’ve tried being friendly and told them multiple times to ask before using my stuff or to put things back where they belong, but sometimes they apologize and then forget. I really don’t want the atmosphere to be tense, they’re nice people, but it’s starting to affect my work — like orders being sent late because I have to hunt for tape or buy replacements because stuff got damaged. I get that everyone’s tired, but it feels like a lack of small respect.

Or am I being picky? Should I set clear written rules about what’s communal and what’s personal and require things be returned to their spot? Or should I find a time when everyone’s free, like Sunday around 3pm, to sit down calmly and say if you want to use something ask first, and if something is lost you compensate, stuff like that. That would be the mature way to solve it, but I’m worried if I make it explicit the vibe will get ruined. What if they feel accused and get angry or retaliate.

I’m so confused. So so confused. hahaha

It’s a small emotional drain but it’s building up. I want other people’s perspectives — what would you do if you were in this situation? Is there a simple rule setup that doesn’t look like accusing anyone too much? Should I be direct now or bring things up one by one? I’ll update later. Thanks in advance for any advice. P.S. If you suggest I move, I get it, but my budget really can’t right now T_T