Storage Tips for Roommates
Having a roommate can be fun and help you save money, but sharing a space isn’t always easy. Whether you’re used to living alone or sharing a home, you and your roommate can keep your home comfortable with good communication and smart self storage tips from The Storage Manager.
1. Divide Shared Living Spaces Equally
Sharing storage space with a roommate can be tricky, but making sure each person has their own area helps keep things fair.
First, make sure both you and your roommate have the same amount of storage space in your apartment. Divide areas equally instead of letting one person take over the kitchen cabinets or fridge. Give each person their own shelves for books, drawers for clothes, or bins for hobby items.
If you have enough space, try using organizers or small dividers to split up shared areas. They can help keep things neat and make sure you and your roommate don’t mix up your stuff. They’re especially important if you’re sharing a closet or cabinet in the hallway and even the fridge—you wouldn’t want that meal you’ve been waiting for all day to be unexpectedly gone!
2. Label Personal Items
Avoiding confusion over which item belongs to who is easy when you use labels. This is especially helpful in the kitchen and bathroom, where you and your roommate may have similar things. Stick adhesive labels on food containers, toiletries, and cleaning supplies so there’s no mix-up. You can also use color-coded storage bins to make it clear who owns what.
3. Set Clear Boundaries for Common Areas
One big difference between living with a roommate versus living alone is that you need clear rules for co-living spaces. Without them, common areas can get messy or feel unfair.
If you’re sharing a space, decide early on who will clean on certain days and how often. Set a house cleaning schedule for tasks like washing dishes and taking out the trash. If one person likes a cleaner space than the other or prefers one chore over another, try and find a reasonable compromise.
Organize Items in Designated Spaces
Keep your things neat by storing them in baskets, bins, or trays instead of leaving them on counters or the floor for someone to trip over. This is one of the easiest ways to keep shared living spaces clean. For example, using caddies for separate toiletries in the bathroom will make sure that everyone has their own spot for their things and no mix-ups happen.
Establish a Donation or Discard System
Over time, clutter can build up with things neither of you need—create a donation or discard system to keep shared spaces organized. Every few months, go through shared storage areas like kitchen cabinets, the fridge, and closets to declutter and remove expired, unused, or unwanted items.
4. Use Space-Saving Storage Solutions
Vertical storage is a great way to keep things neat when you need space-saving solutions. You can use wall-mounted shelves to store your favorite knick-knacks or kitchen supplies while keeping counters clear. Over-the-door organizers can also help hold shoes or accessories to avoid cluttered floors.
Dual-Purpose Furniture
When you share an apartment, every bit of space is important. Dual-purpose furniture helps you have a clean space while also teaching you how to use it wisely. Storage ottomans are perfect because they hold blankets, books, or other items while working as additional seats.
If you want more space in the bedroom, lofted beds for both you and your roommate can give you guys more space for a desk, dresser, or seating area. And when you need living room furniture for a small space, try foldable tables or sofas with storage inside.
Stackable Bins and Under-Bed Storage
Stackable bins and under-bed storage are great ways to keep your home neat when sharing a room. Clear ones can help you store clothes, additional cleaning supplies, or your own personal items in closets, making them easy to find when needed.
Under-bed organizers are perfect if you and your roommate have small bedrooms, allowing you both more space to store shoes and linens without occupying too much square footage.
5. Prioritize Communication
At the heart of all tips for living with roommates is communication. Being open and proactive about storage needs will help prevent tension and keep your space functional.
Have Regular Check-Ins
It’s a good idea to check in with your roommate often to make sure you’re both happy with how things are going. Over time, storage needs, cleaning routines, and shared responsibilities might change, so talking about them helps keep things fair. If something isn’t working, like where things are stored or how often chores occur, discuss it and find a solution.
Compromise When Needed
When living with a roommate, you won’t always agree on everything, but compromise helps keep things fair. If one person has more stuff, work together to find a solution that gives both of you enough space. Discuss who is neater or if both of you want the same storage spot. Try to find a way to share.
6. Use Self Storage To Declutter
While organizing bins and roommate communication are great starting points, sometimes you simply have more belongings than places to keep them in your shared apartment or small house. If you’re running out of space at home, self storage can help keep your apartment clutter-free. Self storage is a great option for tucking away:
- Seasonal items
- Bulky furniture
- Hobby equipment
- Sentimental belongings
- Holiday decorations
- Documents
Stay Organized and Clutter-Free With The Storage Manager
Keeping your apartment organized while living with a roommate is easier with the right self storage tips and tricks. Self storage units can help you and your roommate keep your home clutter-free. You can store unused furniture, seasonal clothes, or things you don’t use daily. If you’re ready to maximize your shared living space, The Storage Manager is here to help with a wide range of affordable storage units.
Contact us online today to find the perfect storage solution for your home!