"When Grocery Runs Dry: The Surprising Truth About Roommates' Eating Habits Revealed!"

ADVERTISEMENT“Most roommates designate cupboard space for each person, as well as a shelf or drawer in the refrigerator and freezer. That way everyone knows what’s theirs and there’s no risk of confusion. Some households designate perishables like milk, bread, fruit and vegetables as shared to limit food waste. To keep bills low, you may want to let each other know if you plan to use the oven, so others can use it while it’s hot rather than reheat it several times,” added Hutchinson.

To avoid any disagreements down the line, roommates should figure out their food and kitchen arrangements before they move in, as having the conversation before there’s a problem is always easier, notes Hutchinson. “Set boundaries and expectations together and communicate house rules to any newcomers before they move in. On SpareRoom, you can state if you’d prefer your roommate to share the same dietary preferences as you, such as being vegan or vegetarian. If food preferences and preparation are important to you, it makes sense to try to find roommates who think similarly.”

Murray also said that roommates should be constantly communicating about any household issues by setting time aside to meet once a month or so. “One person may prefer communicating in person while another may be more inclined to communicate over text—it’s important to know this about the other person so that you can try to approach them in a way that they will be more receptive to when there’s an issue. When things get swept under the rug, resentment builds, and the living environment can quickly start to feel hostile.”

If a certain issue keeps repeating and roommates can’t seem to get on, it’s important to sit down and talk about it in person, said Murray. “Trying to come from a place of understanding and giving the other person the benefit of the doubt can be helpful in having a more productive conversation, instead of attacking or responding defensively. Remember that this is both of your living spaces, and finding solutions to conflict is in both of your best interests.”

However, if rules are being constantly disregarded and both parties are uninterested in finding a solution, Murray suggests it might be best to go separate ways at the end of the lease.