We tend not to appreciate the things in our lives until it comes time to share them with strangers, aka roommates. Take a fridge, for example. How frustrating it is to come back after grocery shopping just to see that there’s no space because it’s full of other people’s food and leftovers. Or that no one fancies cleaning it, which turns it into one of the most chaotic and hazardous places in your home.

Fearing the same would happen to him, this guy went online to ask fellow netizens if it would be rude for him to deny roommates access to a fridge he was thinking about buying. Since their track record wasn’t the cleanest, he was hesitant to let them use it.

Scroll down to find the full story and a conversation with a certified professional organizer and owner of Sara Jane Organizing, Sara Bereika, who kindly agreed to share a few tips on keeping a shared fridge in order.

Sharing a fridge with roommates isn’t as straightforward as it may seem

Image credits: Lily Ballard/Flickr (not the actual photo)

Fearing that the shared fridge situation isn’t going to work, this guy considers banning his roommates from using it

Image credits: Ave Calvar/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

Image credits: frxye_

To share or not to share a fridge?

Image credits: Oleg Ivanov/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

To share or not to share a fridge—that is the question, which torments the author of this story. Sharing such an appliance for the first time can be indeed tricky, as it requires quite a few considerations that should be discussed beforehand. Like, should roommates share groceries? If not, then how should they divide the space fairly, and when and who should clean it so it doesn’t become a grimy food dumping ground?

Let’s take one question at a time and start with food sharing. Staples like condiments, butter, eggs, oil, and milk might be great candidates for communal use, as buying duplicates takes quite a bit of space if they aren’t consumed rapidly. Buying them together in bulk can also save money for the roommates. 

They might agree to buy some ingredients individually or they may feel uncomfortable sharing anything. Generally, it depends from roommate to roommate, so it’s important to talk about it in advance. If a person is unsure if they can use something, they should always ask. 

In case roommates decide not to share or only partly share the food, they should establish a system to separate the fridge space. It could be equally divided in half, by shelves, drawers, or any other way that makes sense for the residents. The designated area for shared food can be the door since it holds condiments, milk, eggs, etc. perfectly. 

To keep things tidy and organized, it may be a good idea to have a storage system. “Consider obtaining bins or trays for each person’s belongings. Assigning individual bins or trays can help, though it’s important to note that not all items may fit. An alternative would be to assign a shelf to each roommate for additional organization,” says certified professional organizer and owner of Sara Jane Organizing, Sara Bereika.

The fridge space can be further maximized by adjusting shelf height, which people rarely use, notes Bareika. “By adjusting the shelves to the height of your products, you can significantly enhance storage space and organization. This simple action makes a noticeable difference in maximizing your fridge’s capacity,” she says.

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“Fridges tend to be quite deep, often causing items to get lost in the back. To improve organization and reduce food spoilage, consider using bins that extend the fridge’s depth. These bins function like drawers, allowing you to easily pull items forward for better visibility,” Bereika explains.

Lastly, to maximize fridge space, she recommends using modular reusable containers for leftovers. “Stackable containers are easier to see, which helps prevent food waste. Additionally, adjust your shelves to accommodate a full stack of containers, ensuring there is minimal unused space in your fridge.”

At the end of the day, it’s all about doing the right thing—most people have that sense in them

Image credits: Guillaume Issaly/Unsplash (not the actual photo)

In addition to keeping the fridge organized so no one has to play a game of Where’s Waldo every time they open it, it’s equally important to keep it clean. This entails throwing out expired food as soon as possible and wiping any spillages. It clears up space and prevents foul odors from developing. And chances are, there will be people who will want to avoid cleaning the fridge. To solve this problem, roommates can create a cleaning schedule and add ‘weekly fridge cleaning’ to it. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about doing the right thing—most people have that sense in them. If someone makes a mess, they should clean it up, and if they swipe a frozen pizza or a snack they were desperately craving off of a roommate, they should replace it ASAP. In addition, it’s not okay to eat a significantly larger portion of the shared items and it’s plausible if you pick up something that you know you’re running out of. With the combination of common sense, communication, and boundaries, sharing a fridge with others should be a breeze.

“Being organized not only improves your overall well-being but also makes it easier to maintain your space and keep clutter at bay. While you cannot change others’ behaviors, you have control over your own,” Bereika points out. “Being deliberate and tidy establishes clear boundaries, which are especially crucial when living with roommates. A clean space sets a precedent, demonstrating care for your possessions and minimizing clutter. Claiming your space and setting boundaries in those spaces is essential for a harmonious living environment.”

However, if a peaceful fridge situation isn’t achievable, a person always has the option of having their own mini fridge. When shelf negotiations fail, it can be a good alternative to storing snacks and personal groceries separately. It’s also a great choice for anyone who has allergies, dietary restrictions, or religious practices so they can keep their food uncontaminated and stocked just for them. 

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The author provided some additional information in the comments

Some readers sympathized with the author and even suggested getting a mini fridge

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Others thought he was wrong for being a doormat

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