Finding Harmony In A Shared Kitchen

Making a shared kitchen feel like your own can be challenging. Whether you’re sharing with family members or roommates, here are some tips that will bring some harmony to your shared space.

1. Claim your space: Make sure you have a designated area for the things that are all yours, like specific foods or vitamins. It can be as simple as claiming a shelf or cupboard. You can even label your things with your name or initials so that other people know they belong to you.

Just as importantly, ensure that every member of your household has their own area as well, whether it’s the kids’ snack area or shelf space for your roommate’s five protein powders.

2. Keep it clean: One of the biggest complaints about shared kitchens is that they’re often messy. To make the space feel more inviting for everyone, make a habit of washing your dishes immediately after use, wiping down surfaces, and sweeping the floor. It’s a good idea to have a shared cleaning schedule for bigger tasks, like mopping or scrubbing the stove.

3. Bring your own equipment: Sharing with roommates? Don’t just assume you can borrow their pots, utensils, or knives! If you have your own, you should definitely bring them with you unless your roommate has already told you it’s okay to share. Plus, with your own things there, you won’t have to rely on communal equipment that may not be in the best condition.

4. Personalize the space: Add a few personal touches to the kitchen to make it feel more like your own. This could be anything from a sweet set of coasters to a small plant on the windowsill. Of course, art is always welcome—you can even create a gallery wall made up of pieces chosen by each member of your household (kids included!).

5. Communicate, communicate, communicate: If you’re sharing the kitchen with other people, it’s important to communicate your needs and preferences. Talk to your housemates about things like cooking schedules, shared ingredients, and cleaning responsibilities. If you’re living with family, it’s never too early to get kids involved in small tasks and ask them for their opinions.

By working together, you can make shared kitchen feel like a welcoming and comfortable space for everyone!