Keeping storage spaces organized is already challenging if you live solo, so what's more if you have a roommate to share that limited storage space with?
Luckily, there are rules you can follow for an easier storage-sharing with another person. Here are 6 storage sharing etiquette every person with a roommate should know according to Apartment Therapy:
Decide on - and lay out - ground rules before sharing begins
Set ground rules firsthand. Does it irk you when people use your toothpaste (and they don't even squeeze it properly) or dip into your shredded cheese? It is important to let your roommate know about these and other pet peeves you have before you agree to share space either on the toilet, fridge, or cupboards. Some people are more casual with using shared items with others so you need to lay out both of your preferences.
Use labels
You and your roommate don't really need this since both of you would know which ones of the food in the fridge are yours. This is more for people visiting your place that might end up rummaging the fridge for instance; you wouldn't want your brother devouring the slices of pizza your roommate's expecting to have for dinner, right? You can use a sharpie to label opened bags of peanuts or take-out containers of your Chinese take-out.
Use proper containers
Throwing in open cans of vegetables or half-open to-go containers of your left over food can contribute not only to a bad smelling fridge but also to easy spoiling. Respecting the sanctity of the small storage place takes diligence in making sure that you only put properly stored items in the space.
Don't leave bottles open
You walk in the bathroom and accidentally knocks off a bottle of body wash spilling half of its contents on the floor just because your roommate didn't bother to securely close the bottle's flip-top. This is a habit that both you and your partner should avoid whether in the shower, bathroom, or in the fridge. You can both save time and effort cleaning up after spilling things on the floor by making sure that you securely tuck away containers.
Ask permission before re-organizing
Your roommate would sure appreciate coming home to a more organized and clean space; but if they can't find the can of beans in the cupboard where they left them, then that appreciation could easily turn into frustration. Before you do any major re-organization, give your roommate a head's up especially if you plan to include things they use on a regular basis. Most people have routines and a preferred way of doing things so you could really be messing with the way storage functions for someone if you don't let them know that you have been hit by an organizing or cleaning bug.
Keep your part clean and regularly decluttered
Don't be that roommate who throws in things in the fridge without a plan of touching them only until they begin to smell, or who leaves late night clutter on the countertop or the floor that your roommate could trip on in the morning. Keep your area as decluttered as you can and your roommate will surely return the favor and both of you can enjoy a free-flowing and organized space.
