Roommate Takes Up All the Storage Space

The Problem: You open the hallway closet and it's full of your roommate's shoes. The kitchen cupboards are overflowing with their snacks. The bathroom shelf has more of their skincare products than a department store. Where's your stuff supposed to go?

Space hoarding in shared homes is usually gradual — a few items here and there until suddenly, there's no room left. The person doing it often doesn't realise how much space they're actually using.

The Solution: Start by doing a full household inventory. Go through every shared storage space together and assign zones. Label shelves or sections with names. When space is divided visually, it's much harder to accidentally encroach.

Set a 'one in, one out' rule for shared storage. If someone wants to add something new to a shared cupboard, something old has to go. This prevents gradual expansion.

For personal items that don't fit in bedrooms, consider renting a small storage unit or using under-bed storage boxes. The cost can be split if multiple people need extra space.

Schedule a quarterly declutter session. Go through shared spaces together and donate, bin, or reorganise anything that's accumulated. Seasonal transitions (spring and autumn) are natural triggers.

Use HomeCo to document your storage agreement and set reminders for quarterly reviews. When everyone knows the rules and can see them, the system polices itself.

Try HomeCo for Free

Download HomeCo today — the free app that makes living with roommates actually work. Track shared expenses, manage chores, set house rules, and keep everyone on the same page. Available on iOS and Android.