If your refrigerator is anything like ours, it’s probably crammed full of food, leftovers, and half-eaten snacks.
It can be hard to keep track of what you have and where it all goes, which is why we’ve put together these top 9 refrigerator organization tips.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to keep your fridge clean and organized so you can easily find what you need when you need it.
The Importance of Refrigerator Organization
A well-organized refrigerator is the key to a happy and stress-free kitchen. When everything is in its place, it’s easy to find what you need and put things back where they belong. This can save precious time, especially when you’re trying to get dinner on the table.
An organized fridge also makes it easier to keep track of expiration dates and ensure that food doesn’t go to waste.
Furthermore, an organized refrigerator simply looks nicer than one that’s cluttered and chaotic. A little bit of effort up front can make a big difference in the overall appearance of your kitchen.
So the next time you’re feeling frazzled in the kitchen, take a moment to declutter your fridge – you’ll be glad you did.
Top 9 Tips for Refrigerator Organization
1. Check the manufacturer’s recommendations
Before you start, it’s always a good idea to check your refrigerator’s manual for specific instructions on organizing and cleaning your fridge. This is especially important if you have a newer model with special features, such as a water filter or an ice maker.
2. Start with a clean slate.
Once you’ve consulted your manual, it’s time to give your fridge a good cleaning. Remove everything from the shelves and drawers, and scrub them down with soapy water.
If possible, it’s also a good idea to wash the inside walls and ceiling of your fridge. This will help to remove any built-up dirt and grime, making it easier to see what you have and what needs to be tossed.
3. Group items together.
To help make things easier to find, group items together by type. For example, place all of your fruits and vegetables in one drawer, dairy products in another, and meat in yet another.
If you have small children at home, you may also want to create a separate section for their snacks and drinks.
4. Use clear storage containers.
Another great way to keep your fridge organized is to use clear storage containers for all of your food items.
This way, you’ll be able to see what’s inside at a glance, and won’t have to dig through cluttered cabinets when you’re looking for something specific. You can find clear storage containers at most kitchenware stores, or online.
5. Label everything.
In addition to using clear storage containers, labeling everything can also be helpful. This way, you’ll know exactly what each container holds without having to open it up every time you need something.
You can label containers with permanent markers or adhesive labels that can be purchased at most office supply stores.
6. Keep an inventory list.
If you find that you’re constantly forgetting what you have in your fridge, try keeping an inventory list on the door or on the front of the fridge itself.
This way, you can quickly check to see what needs to be restocked next time you’re at the grocery store. You can also use this list as a meal plan for the week ahead!
7. Organize your shelves by height.
One simple way to keep things tidy is to organize your shelves by height. That way, taller items will be stored in the back, while shorter items can go in the front.
Not only does this make things more visually appealing, but it also helps prevent items from getting lost in the back of the fridge.
8 . Don’t forget about the freezer.
Your freezer can quickly become a cluttered mess if you’re not careful. To help keep things organized, try using stackable bins or even plastic wrap and foil dispensers. That way, you can easily see what’s inside without having to dig through a pile of frozen food.
When it comes time to thaw something out, simply remove the bin (or wrap) and let it thaw in the sink or on the countertop. No more soggy messes! Plus, plastic wrap and aluminum foil are great for wrapping up leftovers before storing them in the freezer, so they’ll stay fresh longer .
9. Set aside some “grab and go” items.
We all know how frustrating it is to rummage through the fridge when we’re trying to find something quick to eat.
To make things easier on yourself (and everyone else in the house), set aside some Grab & Go items that are easy to grab and eat on the go.
This could include things like yogurt, fruit cups, string cheese, granola bars, etc. Whatever foods your family enjoys eating on the go, make sure they’re easily accessible so that no one has an excuse for skipping breakfast or lunch!
By following these simple tips, you can easily keep your refrigerator organized and save yourself some time (and frustration) in the process!
