You and your new roommates are texting about move-in, everyone’s excited, and then it happens: two of you show up with a toaster. And a coffee maker. And a trash can. Meanwhile nobody brought a shower curtain.
The fix isn’t a longer group chat — it’s one simple rule, plus a way to actually keep track. Here’s how to divide it up.
The one rule that sorts almost everything
Shared space → split it. Personal space → buy your own.
If an item lives in a common area and everyone uses it, you only need one, so claim it as a group. If it’s something that lives in your room or touches your body, it’s yours. That single distinction handles 90% of the list.
Split these (you only need one)
These are the classic duplicate offenders. Decide who brings each before anyone buys:
- Kitchen: microwave, toaster, coffee maker, can opener, basic pots and pans, a knife set
- Living area: trash can, TV, area rug, a small vacuum or broom
- Cleaning supplies: all-purpose spray, dish soap, paper towels, a plunger
- Shared bathroom (if applicable): shower curtain, bath mat, toilet paper
The goal is one of each — not four of two of them and zero of the rest.
Buy your own (personal, no sharing)
Nobody’s splitting these. Bring your own:
- Bedding: sheets (Twin XL for most dorms), comforter, pillows, mattress topper
- Personal care: towels, toiletries, a shower caddy if you share a bath
- Your desk zone: desk lamp, chargers, headphones, anything for how you work
- Storage for your stuff: under-bed bins, closet organizers
The gray areas — just talk about them
A few things genuinely depend on your group. Don’t assume — coordinate:
- Mini-fridge: usually one per room, but check if your school provides one.
- Printer: one between roommates is plenty; campus printing may make it unnecessary.
- Surge protectors / extension cords: everyone needs power, but you can plan outlets together.
How to coordinate without the 200-message group chat
This is exactly the chaos Divvy was built to end. Instead of a buried thread, everyone joins one shared space, claims the items they’ll bring, and sees what’s still open at a glance. Can’t agree on which rug? Drop two options and vote. No duplicates, no gaps, no “wait, who’s bringing the toaster?”
👉 Start a free space at joindivvy.app and fix the double-toaster problem before it happens.
Divvy may earn a commission from purchases made through our links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Divvy Guides 
Leave a comment