Fridge Organization

Last week we got you ready to go with Spring cleaning tips and tricks. Now,  let's get into the details a bit and talk about your Fridge.
​Organizing your fridge not only keeps things tidy but also helps reduce food waste and makes meal prep easier. Here's how to do it step by step:
1. Prepare for Organization

• Empty the Fridge: Take everything out, including shelves and drawers, for a thorough cleaning.
• Clean Surfaces: Wipe down all shelves, walls, and drawers with warm, soapy water or a vinegar solution.

2. Categorize Items

• Group Similar Items: Sort food into categories, such as dairy, condiments, beverages, fruits, vegetables, and leftovers.
• Check Expiration Dates: Discard expired or spoiled items.

3. Optimize Storage by Zones
Different areas of the fridge have varying temperatures, so organize food accordingly:

• Top Shelves (Consistent Temperature): Store ready-to-eat items like leftovers, beverages, or deli meats.
• Middle Shelves: Keep dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
• Bottom Shelves (Coldest): Store raw meat, fish, and poultry in a sealed container to prevent leaks.
• Crisper Drawers: Use one drawer for fruits and another for vegetables to maintain proper humidity levels.
• Door Shelves (Warmest): Store condiments, juices, and water. Avoid keeping perishable items like milk or eggs here.

4. Use Storage Solutions

• Clear Bins: Group similar items together in labeled clear bins for easy access.
• Lazy Susan: Use a spinning tray for condiments to reach everything without digging.
• Egg Tray: If your fridge doesn’t have an egg compartment, use a dedicated egg holder.
• Drawer Liners: Add liners to crisper drawers to absorb moisture and keep them clean.

5. Label and Date

• Use labels or markers to mark expiration dates on leftovers and perishable items.
• Store leftovers in clear containers to make them visible and easy to identify.

6. Maintain Order

• FIFO (First In, First Out): Place older items in front so they’re used before newer ones.
• Weekly Check: Dedicate a time to check the fridge, discard expired items, and reorganize if needed.

7. Bonus Tips

• Don’t Overcrowd: Allow space for air circulation to keep food evenly cooled.
• Avoid Storing Hot Foods: Let food cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge.
• Keep Similar Shapes Together: Use stackable containers for a uniform and tidy look.​

Example Layout

• Top Shelf: Beverages, leftovers, meal prep containers.
• Middle Shelf: Dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt).
• Bottom Shelf: Raw meat (in a tray to catch drips).
• Crisper Drawers: Fruits in one drawer, vegetables in the other.
• Door Shelves: Condiments, sauces, butter, and juices.

With these tips, your fridge will stay organized and efficient!