How to Manage Refrigerators in Coliving Properties

Managing a coliving space efficiently, especially when it comes to shared areas like the kitchen, can be quite challenging. At Livingsmith Coliving, we've developed a systematic approach to refrigerator management, ensuring smooth operations and tenant satisfaction. If you are managing a shared living space, read on to discover our proven strategies for maintaining order and harmony in communal kitchens.

The Basics of Refrigerator Management

When you're housing multiple tenants — whether it's eight, six, or even ten people — efficiently managing the shared kitchen, particularly the refrigerators, is crucial. At Livingsmith, we use a 40-point household system that includes a well-defined refrigerator management technique, which we proudly call the "Fridge Culture."

The Livingsmith Fridge Culture

Individual Shelves

Each house member is allocated a dedicated shelf in the refrigerator. This shelf is their private area where they can store any food without the need for labels. This shelf represents an extension of their personal space, much like their private bedroom.

Choosing the Right Refrigerator

We recommend using refrigerators with four shelves. This is because a three-shelf refrigerator will not provide the necessary storage capacity. For houses with more than four members, we bring in an additional refrigerator. However, placing this extra fridge next to the first one is not ideal, as it might mimic a substandard student housing look.

Placement of the Additional Refrigerator

To keep the kitchen looking clean and organized, the second refrigerator is often placed around the corner, typically accessible through a door leading into the garage. It's essential to ensure that the additional refrigerator is in a convenient location, close to the kitchen.

Shared Spaces Within the Fridge

While each house member gets their shelf, the drawers, doors, and freezers are communal spaces. Here's how it works:

Labeling System

Personal Items: Each house member is assigned a color (e.g., Grant has green). They use sticky dots or rubber bands of their color to mark any items they store in the communal spaces like the fridge door. This helps other house members identify that the item (e.g., a bottle of ketchup) belongs to someone and should not be taken.

Communal Items: Items intended for communal use are marked with the house color (e.g., blue). This color-coding indicates that anyone can use the item.

Managing Expiring Food

If an item is nearing its expiration date, house members can easily identify its owner by the color code and inform them. This practice ensures the fridge remains clean and organized.

Conclusion

Refrigerator management in a coliving space doesn't have to be stressful. By following Livingsmith's gold standard, you can ensure that your communal kitchens are efficient, clean, and harmonious. The key is clear organization and an easy-to-follow labeling system that respects both personal space and communal sharing.

At Livingsmith, we have found that our Fridge Culture system not only prevents conflicts but also fosters a sense of community among house members. Implement these strategies in your coliving space to achieve similar success and create a more pleasant living environment for everyone involved.

Embrace these tested methods and bring the gold standard of coliving property management to your shared living spaces today.