Guide · Roommates and shared living
Sharing a Kitchen
A friendly, practical guide to food, dishes, fridge space and cleanup, so the heart of the home stays a happy place for everyone.
Where to start
- Just moved in together?
Start with setting up a shared kitchen.
- Kitchen causing friction?
Take a breath. See when the kitchen causes friction.
- Want everyday habits?
Tick through kitchen habits that help.
The short version
A shared kitchen stays happy when everyone cleans as they go, asks before borrowing and respects each other’s space.
Agree on a fridge shelf and cupboard for each person, decide which basics are shared, and split those costs fairly.
Label leftovers with a name and date, keep the fridge at about 40°F (4°C) or below, and clear out old food once a week.
If the kitchen starts causing friction, talk at a calm moment, use “I” words, and agree on one small, specific change together.
House rules and leases differ from place to place, so a quick look at your local rules is always a good idea. We would love to help.
Four simple rules
- 1Clean as you go
Wash, dry and put away your own dishes the same day, and wipe the counter and stove after you cook.
- 2Ask before you borrow
Food, spices and cookware belong to someone. A quick message first keeps trust strong.
- 3Give everyone their space
Agree on a shelf in the fridge and a cupboard for each person, plus a spot for shared items.
- 4Keep the fridge fresh
Label leftovers with a name and date, and clear out anything old once a week.
Setting up a shared kitchen
From the guide, for before everyone settles in. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
All set. Your kitchen is ready for everyone.
Kitchen habits that help
From the guide’s everyday habits. Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this device. These are examples; your home may need others.
Lovely. The heart of the home stays a happy place.
When the kitchen causes friction
- Take a breath. Most kitchen frustrations come from different habits, not bad intentions.
- Pick a calm moment to talk, not right after you find the sink full.
- Share how it feels using “I” words, like “I feel stressed when the sink is full.”
- Listen to how the kitchen works for them, too. Their schedule may be very different from yours.
- Agree together on one small, specific change, and write it down where everyone can see it.
- Check in after a week or two. If it still isn’t working, try a new plan together, kindly.
If something of yours keeps disappearing, start with curiosity, not blame.
Guides that go well with this one
How much do you remember?
4 quick questions from this guide, with a one line why for each. Totally optional, no sign in, and your answers are never saved.
Go deeper with The Perfect Move-In Checklist Workbook
Simple, step by step checklists you can write in for moving in: the move in walk, moving day, your first week, utilities, keys and more.
Keep the full guide handy
The PDF has everything: everyday habits, what to do when something goes wrong, common myths, helpful resources and plenty of real-world tips. Print it, save it or share it with anyone who could use it.
Download the PDFTake it with you
- Roommates and Neighbors Checklist PackThe Roommates and Neighbors checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
More guides
This guide shares general information to help you, and is not legal or medical advice. Bunklow does not inspect properties or decide deposits.