No kitchen would be complete without a well-stocked refrigerator, but even the perfect fridge can quickly become a chaotic mess without regular organization. While staying organized may feel like a monumental undertaking, with a few simple tips, you can keep everything in your fridge fresh, visible, and easy to find. Here are our best tips on organizing your refrigerator like a pro.
Group and Label
The key to a clean and orderly fridge is categorization. Keep like items together in designated spots; for example, dairy on the doors, fruits in one drawer, and vegetables in another. For miscellaneous items, invest in clear containers or bins and label them for easy identification. A tidy fridge doesn’t just look nice; it can also save you time and reduce food waste by preventing items from getting lost in the mess.
First In, First Out
To keep your fridge organized and reduce food waste, remember the FIFO rule: use up any older products before opening new ones. Store recently purchased or cooked items at the back and keep anything with a shorter shelf life front and center to ensure they get eaten first.
Regular Clean Outs
Dedicate a few minutes each week to go through your fridge and check for expired items, throw away spoiled food, and clean up any spills. Once a month, perform a more thorough cleaning by taking everything out and giving your fridge a full top-to-bottom scrub. This will help to keep everything in order and keep any odors at bay.
