Best Ways to Organize a Refrigerator.
Is your refrigerator full of food and misplaced leftovers? Don’t be anxious! “An organized refrigerator is not just a dream; it’s within your reach with a few easy organization techniques,” advises Marie, a seasoned organizing expert.
The refrigerator is one of the hottest spots in any kitchen. Have you ever struggled to find something in your refrigerator because it was cluttered? With a well-organized refrigerator, you can reclaim control of your kitchen and restore serenity. We’ll walk you through easy ways to optimize space, avoid food waste, and make your daily routine a breeze, from clever storage solutions to smart labeling tactics. Prepare to organize a refrigerator and experience the benefits of a stress-free Kitchen.
Let’s get started and learn how to organize a refrigerator like an expert!
1. Clean and Categorize
The first step in having an organized refrigerator is to thoroughly clean it. Remove all products from your refrigerator and use a mild cleaner to clean the shelves, drawers, and surfaces. Take this chance to categorize the things as you replace them. Dairy goods, condiments, fruits, vegetables, and meats should all be grouped together. This will not only help you find stuff faster, but it will also help you identify any expired or rotten food that needs to be removed. To further simplify the organization process, consider using clear storage containers or bins.
Remember how your mother would stash an open package of baking soda in the back of the fridge? She was definitely on the correct track! Baking soda is a simple and efficient solution to keep your fridge smelling fresh for longer periods of time.
2. Check expiry dates
Examine the expiration dates on packaged goods, sauces, and beverages once a week. To avoid consuming spoiled or potentially harmful products, throw away anything that has beyond its expiration date. Also, keep an eye out for perishable commodities such as fruits, vegetables, and dairy products, which may have shorter shelf lives. By checking expiry dates attentively, you can avoid eating old food, lower the risk of foodborne illnesses, and improve the quality and taste of your meals. Make it a habit to include this simple but necessary step in your routine to maintain your refrigerator stocked with fresh and safe products for you and your family.
Credit: Instagram
3. Create a “Eat First” section
Creating a “Eat First” section in your refrigerator is an intelligent way to reduce food waste and ensure perishable foods are consumed on time. Set aside a special spot, such as a shelf or a drawer, for things that have a shorter shelf life or are about to expire. This includes any leftovers, delicate vegetables, or objects that need rapid attention.
Don’t forget to review and refresh the “Eat First” section on a regular basis to remain on top of expiring items and make the most of your food resources.
Ensure your refrigerator is set to the correct temperature (around 37-40°F or 3-4°C) to keep food safe. Use a thermometer to monitor temperature accuracy and adjust settings as needed.
4. Organize and Adjust Your Shelves:
It is important to efficiently organize and rearrange the shelves in your refrigerator in order to maximize space and preserve order. Let’s look at how to increase the functionality of several regions of your refrigerator:
a. Optimize the Top Shelf:
Reserve the top shelf for items you frequently reach for, such as beverages, leftovers, or ready-to-eat meals. This ensures easy access and prevents them from getting lost in the shuffle.
b. Middle Shelf Management:
Utilize the middle shelf for everyday essentials like dairy products, condiments, and commonly used ingredients. Group similar items together and consider using clear containers to keep things organized.
c. Bottom Shelf Strategy:
Dedicate the bottom shelf to raw meat, poultry, and seafood, securely wrapped to avoid cross-contamination. Placing them on the lowest shelf prevents any potential drips from contaminating other items.
d. Refrigerator Door Organization:
The door is ideal for storing condiments, sauces, and other items with longer shelf lives. However, avoid placing highly perishable items here due to temperature fluctuations.
e. Refrigerator Drawers:
Use the designated drawers for fruits and vegetables, adjusting the humidity levels as needed to keep them fresh. Properly sorting and labeling these drawers can help you locate products quickly.
Meats should be stored on the lowest shelf.There are only two locations to keep your meat: in the freezer or on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, where it won't spill on other things. We'll take it a step further: Place a tray beneath the meat on the lowest shelf; this helps to contain any potential leaks and makes cleanup a breeze in the event of a spill.
5. Use Clear Containers and Label Them
Consider using clear containers and labeling them appropriately to keep your refrigerator organized. Transparent, stackable containers allow you to quickly see what’s inside, which saves time and keeps forgotten leftovers from spoiling.
Store similar products together in these containers, such as sliced fruits and vegetables or deli meats. This practice not only encourages organization but also helps to keep each item fresh. Label each container with its contents and the date it was created or kept to improve organization.
Furthermore, using containers of uniform sizes allows for efficient stacking, which maximizes the utilization of space in your refrigerator while preserving a neat and tidy appearance.
Credit: Instagram
6. Keep Your Fridge Clean
Maintaining a clean refrigerator is crucial for food safety and overall functionality. Here are some practical tips to keep your fridge sparkling clean:
- Regularly Wipe Spills: Clean up spills and drips promptly to prevent them from becoming sticky messes or causing unpleasant odors.
- Discard Expired Items: Regularly check for expired or spoiled food and dispose of them promptly. This prevents contamination and keeps your fridge free from unwanted odors.
- Deep Clean Periodically: Plan for a deep cleaning session every few months. Remove all items, wipe down the shelves, drawers, and surfaces with a mild cleaning solution, and thoroughly dry before restocking.
- Organize as You Clean: Take the opportunity to reorganize your refrigerator as you clean. Assess your food items, discard anything unnecessary, and reorganize them in a logical manner.
Relevant: Top 10 outdoor Kitchen cart
FAQ’s
1- How do you arrange things in a small refrigerator?
- Declutter: Remove expired or unnecessary items to free up space.
- Categorize: Group similar items together, such as dairy, beverages, and condiments.
- Prioritize: Place frequently used items within easy reach for convenience.
- Use Door Pockets: Store condiments and sauces in the door pockets, as they are designed for easy access.
- Optimize Shelves: Adjust shelves to accommodate taller items and create extra space.
- Utilize Drawers: Utilize drawers for fruits, vegetables, and deli meats, ensuring they are kept fresh and separate from other items.
- Stack Smartly: Stack containers and utilize stackable storage solutions to maximize vertical space.
- Label and Date: Label containers with contents and dates to easily identify and manage freshness.
2- Where is the coldest in the fridge?
The coldest part of a standard refrigerator is normally the back of the bottom or top shelf. These are the areas closest to the cooling source, which is normally positioned in the refrigerator’s back. It’s crucial to note that the temperature can vary slightly depending on the model and design of the refrigerator. It is recommended to use a refrigerator thermometer to monitor and modify the temperature settings to guarantee appropriate food storage.
3- Should eggs be kept in the fridge?
Joyce Benson
Joyce created her blog, "The Organized Life," with the aim of sharing her knowledge about home organization and storage, decluttering, smart home solutions, and more. All of her advice is based on years of her own experience in organizing her own home and feedback from satisfied readers about her tips. If you want to know more about the author and her journey, please read the About Me page.
