There’s no denying that living with other people can be challenging, especially when maintaining certain shared spaces like the kitchen. A communal fridge can bring out the best and the worst of us; but if you can agree on the specific way to organize the space, you may find that sharing a refrigerator isn’t so bad.
From roommates to partners and family, sharing spaces requires an open mind, good communication and a little compromise. To help in those efforts, we’ve whipped up some guidance on how to get your fridge in top shape, no matter who you’re sharing it with.
Related: How to Organize Your Fridge for Less Food Waste
Get Organized
The first step towards a harmonious shared fridge experience is organization. There are several ways to arrange a fridge to maximize space, and it’s important to keep in mind that some compromise may be required to land on the perfect system. Get everyone in the house involved to determine which tools you’ll use to keep everything in its place, such as clear bins, glassware, shelving and dividers. All you have to do from there is maintain the process you agree on, and it will be smooth sailing.
Divide the Fridge Space
Many housemates agree to divide the shelves by dedicating a specific spot for everyone. You could also split the fridge space in half, depending on how many people you live with. The same can be true for partners who prefer different diets and like to keep their items separate for easier access. In any case, an arrangement that ensures each person knows where to stock and access their goods will make fridge maintenance as seamless as it should be.
Related: How to Organize Kitchen Cupboards to Optimize Your Storage Space
Lead With Kindness
It can be easy to bust out the label maker and slap your name on every item you’ve purchased. Instead, step back and brainstorm softer ways to identify your items. A few tried-and-true methods include colour coding items with stickers, or using coloured bins or rubber mats to carve out the spot where your items reside. Above all, avoid passive-aggressive attempts to claim ownership of things, and embrace mutual agreements on what works best for the household.
Create a Cleaning Schedule
Cleaning schedules aren’t the most glamorous part of living with others, but they can ensure consistency while limiting clutter and unwanted smells from the fridge. It’s also the perfect excuse to check expiration dates on dairy, sauces and produce starting to turn. All it takes is a little commitment and some elbow grease.
Related: This Is the Best Way to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain
Clear Communication Is Key
From expensive ingredients to your must-have faves, there will always be something in the fridge you’d rather keep to yourself. If there is an item you prefer not to share, you should make that clear with the other(s). Leading with positive communication could mean leaving a note or sending a message to let others know that the new sesame oil you bought from the specialty stores is off limits.
Sharing Is Caring
Delegate a spot in the fridge for communal items. Many folks who share a kitchen agree to share everyday fridge door items like condiments and butter. For items that turn faster than you can eat, a mutual location for everyone to partake can positively impact food waste and generosity in the home. Consider pulling items close to expiry to the front or in a specific spot, in order to encourage everyone to use them quickly.
Related: 10 New Home Appliance Trends You’ll Soon See Everywhere
A Shared Checklist for Grocery Shopping
Whether through an app or notepad, combining forces with a grocery checklist ensures no overlap on the things you agree to share. Not only will this small effort help you avoid spending more money than you have to, but it could also open the door to communicating about sharing food beyond the condiments door. For example, if you add an item to the group list that someone already purchased but can’t use up in time, you could use what’s available instead of running to the store.
When in Doubt — Freeze It
We often forget about how much space we can afford in the freezer. Decide which items belong in the fridge and what can fit in the freezer instead. For example, meat you don’t intend to consume right away can go into the freezer, so can leftovers you don’t think you can finish in time. For freezer items in bulky boxes and containers, remove access packaging to store items more efficiently while making room for other items.
Related: Everything You Need to Set Up an At-Home Coffee Bar
Make Meals Together
Our final recommendation comes straight from the heart: sharing a meal. Not only will you save time, money and fridge space, preparing meals together is also a great way for roommates and couples to connect. Make it fun by putting on a podcast or personalized playlist. For those feeling more adventurous, select a theme for the meals you intend to cook together and build a schedule to share related tasks. We guarantee it will bring the whole house together while filling your soul with good food – and even better company.
