Best Ideas to Organize a Refrigerator

The Ultimate 10-Step Guide to a Tidy and Efficient Refrigerator

I know firsthand how frustrating a cluttered fridge can be. Not only does it look messy, it also leads to wasted food, higher grocery bills, and it can even lead to a risk of foodborne illnesses.

When our fridges are chaotic, meal prep becomes a stressful chore instead of a smooth, enjoyable process. But don’t worry—I’ve been there and found some practical, game-changing tips to organize a refrigerator optimally and transform it into a model of order and efficiency. Pinky promise!

Let’s explore these helpful strategies for decluttering and maintaining an organised fridge, making your daily life a little easier and your kitchen much more efficient.

1. Start with a Clean Slate

This initial step is crucial in how to organize a refrigerator efficiently. Don’t skip it.

Empty Everything Out

Begin by completely emptying your fridge. This allows you to see exactly what you have, discard expired items, and clean the interior thoroughly.

Clean Thoroughly

Wipe down all shelves, drawers, and surfaces with a mixture of warm water and mild dish soap. For tougher stains, a baking soda paste can work wonders. Make sure to dry everything completely before placing items back.

2. Sort and Discard

Check Expiration Dates

Examine all food items and check their expiration dates. Discard anything that has expired or looks questionable. Be honest with yourself about items you never use; if it’s been in there for months and you haven’t touched it, it’s time to let it go.

Group Similar Items Together

Sort items into categories such as dairy, condiments, fruits, vegetables, meats, and leftovers. This will help you see what you have and prevent duplicate purchases.

3. Use Clear Containers and Labels

This is a fundamental strategy in how to organize a refrigerator. This approach not only helps in keeping things orderly but also significantly improves accessibility and efficiency.

Invest in Clear Bins

Clear bins or containers allow you to see what’s inside without opening them. They’re perfect for grouping similar items together, such as cheeses, deli meats, or snack packs. Explore these products for some inspiration:

• Airtight Food Storage Container Set with Date Display Labels
• Refrigerator Organizer Bins with Lids
• Cheese storage with removable cutting board
• Stackable Freezer Storage Containers

Label Everything

Use labels to identify the contents of bins, jars, and bottles. This is particularly helpful for leftovers or items stored in opaque containers. Include the date when the item was stored to keep track of freshness. Check these handy removable food sticker labels.

4. Organise by Shelf and Zone

Wonder what is the correct storage order in a refrigerator? Here is the correct way to store food in a refrigerator following the top-to-bottom order so you organize a refrigerator the best way:

Top Shelf: Ready-to-Eat Items

Store ready-to-eat items like leftovers, prepped meals, and beverages on the top shelf. These items are typically safe to store at the top, where the temperature might fluctuate slightly.

Middle Shelves: Dairy and Deli

Place dairy products like milk, yoghurt, cheese, and butter on the middle shelves where the temperature is more consistent. Deli meats and eggs can also be stored here.

Bottom Shelf: Raw Meat and Fish

Keep raw meat, fish, and poultry on the bottom shelf to prevent their juices from contaminating other foods. Use a tray to catch any drips.

Drawers: Fruits and Vegetables

Utilise the crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables. Adjust the humidity settings accordingly – low humidity for fruits and high humidity for vegetables.

Door: Condiments and Beverages

The door is the warmest part of the fridge, ideal for condiments, sauces, and beverages. Avoid storing dairy products here, as they require a more stable temperature.

5. Use the FIFO Method

First In, First Out

Adopt the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to ensure older items are used before newer ones. When you buy new groceries, place them behind the older items. This helps reduce waste and ensures you use up items before they expire. This approach is a key part of how to organize a refrigerator effectively.

6. Keep an Inventory

An inventory of the items in your fridge helps you maintain an accurate record of what you have. This ensures that nothing goes to waste and that you don’t end up buying unnecessary items and wasting money. This practice is particularly beneficial when planning your weekly meals.

For more tips on making meal planning and prepping easier and more efficient, be sure to check out my article 10 Brilliant Ideas to Simplify Meal Planning and Prepping.

7. Maintain Regularly

Weekly Check-Ins

Set aside time each week to check your fridge quickly. Discard expired items, wipe down spills, and rearrange items as needed. This routine maintenance will prevent clutter from building up. This is a great task to combine with planning your weekly meals, allowing you to check what items you already have and identify what you need to buy.

Monthly Deep Clean

Once a month, perform a more thorough cleaning and organisation. This includes removing all items, cleaning the shelves and drawers, and checking for any forgotten or expired items.

8. Smart Storage Solutions

By using clever storage tools and techniques, you can maximize space, improve accessibility, and keep your fridge tidy and efficient. Here are some practical solutions to help you achieve an organized refrigerator:

Lazy Susans for better fridge organisation

Use Lazy Susans to store small items like condiments and sauces. They make it easy to access items at the back of the shelf without moving everything in front. Check this Lazy Susan 360 Degree Rotating Organizer.

Make Fridge Cleaning Smoother with Shelf Liners

Place shelf liners on fridge shelves to make cleaning easier. They catch spills and crumbs and can be easily removed and washed, such as this non-slip food-grade non-adhesive drawer mat liner.

maximize fridge space with Stackable Containers

Invest in stackable containers to maximise vertical space. They are great for storing leftovers, cutting fruits and vegetables, and preparing meals. Discover these products for some great ideas:

• 5 Hermetic Glass Storage Box with Lids
• 24 Piece Glass Storage Containers with Lids
• 6 Pcs Stainless Steel Airtight
• Refrigerator Organizer 3 Grid Separator

9. Mind the Temperature

Optimal Fridge Temperature

Keep your fridge at the optimal temperature of 37-40°F (3-4°C). This helps preserve the freshness of your food and prevents bacterial growth.

Don’t Overstuff your refrigerator

Avoid overstuffing your fridge, as it can block air vents and impede proper air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and potential spoilage.

10. Encourage Family Participation

Teach and Involve

Encourage family members to participate in maintaining fridge organisation. Teach them where items belong and the importance of keeping the fridge clean and organised.

A well-organized fridge can make your daily meal prep more efficient, reduce food waste, and keep your groceries fresher for longer. By following these tips on how to organize a refrigerator and incorporating them into your routine, you can enjoy a tidy and functional fridge.

Remember, consistency is key, so make a habit of regular maintenance to keep your fridge in top shape. Happy organizing!

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