Have you ever opened your refrigerator and cringed because it is an unorganized mess? Need some help getting everything sorted out so you can find everything you need easily and you’re not throwing away food that you just forgot about or didn’t see? Below are some tips for organizing your fridge.
Start With a Clean Slate
The key to any good organization is starting with a fresh, clean space, so before you start organizing your fridge, clean it out first. Start by removing everything from it, then wipe it down really well. Go through all of the items you removed and throw anything out that is expired or that you don’t really need.
Line Your Shelves and Drawers
Before you start putting food back in the fridge, consider lining your shelves and drawers first. This will make future cleanup much easier by catching spills, drips, and other messes. When it’s time to clean, simply remove the liner and replace with a clean one.
Know Your Zones and Plan Accordingly
While a refrigerator maintains a pretty steady temperature, there are different “zones” with different variations in temperatures, and you should plan your organization around these zones. The top shelf and door tend to be the warmest zones, and the middle and bottom shelves get progressively cooler. Not only do they fit well in the door, but condiments do better in the warmer zone as well. The top shelf is the ideal place for eggs, spreads, and leftovers, while meats and milks do better on the lowest shelf. Placing items in their proper zones can help food last longer.
Organize by Food Categories
One of the easiest ways to organize your fridge is to sort food into categories. Once you have the categories, designate a certain area in the fridge for each of them. Keep in mind the zones noted above so you are storing items in the best location to prevent food spoilage. One category pros recommend for everyone is an “Eat First” category that is front and center. This will house items that are close to expiration dates, leftovers that need to be eaten soon, and so forth.
Invest in Clear Bins and Label Them
Much like boxes in the pantry, sometimes the actual containers that food comes in are big space hogs. To help save space and keep like items together, invest in some clear bins that are labeled for quick reference. Bins can also be stackable, opening up more space to you. Not only will this make your fridge look better and more organized, but it will also make it easier to see what you have and what you may need to purchase on your next shopping trip. Bins also make cleaning easier because you just have to remove the bins vs. all the individual food items.
Use Drawer Dividers
Large drawers are great, but they can quickly become a catchall for items that are disorganized. Solve the drawer disorganization by investing in some drawer dividers. These will prevent items from becoming a jumbled mess and from rolling or sliding around.
Use Lazy Susans
If you don’t have enough room for your condiments in the door or you don’t want to put them there, try a Lazy Susan. It will keep the condiments corralled together and make it easy to access each item. Lazy Susans also work well for beverages, sauces, and open jars.
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