We’ve all been there—opening the fridge to grab something only to be met with an avalanche of mismatched leftovers, half-empty bottles, and mystery foods past their prime. A disorganized fridge isn’t just frustrating; it can lead to wasted food, forgotten ingredients, and even unpleasant smells. Keeping your fridge neat and fresh doesn’t have to be a chore, though! With a few smart tricks, you can transform your fridge into a well-organized, efficient space that helps keep your food fresh longer and makes cooking (and snacking) so much easier. Here’s a list of 12 simple tips to get you started!
1. Store Fruits and Veggies Separately
Fruits and vegetables release different gases that can cause the other to spoil faster. Keep fruits in one crisper drawer and veggies in the other to help both stay fresh longer. It’s a small step, but it can save you from tossing produce that’s gone mushy too soon.
2. Label Shelves and Bins
Adding labels to your fridge shelves and bins makes it easy to know where things go, and encourages everyone in the household to follow the system. Whether it’s “Dairy,” “Leftovers,” or “Snacks,” labels provide a quick reference to keep everything in its place.
3. Place Dairy in the Coldest Spot
Dairy products are among the most sensitive to temperature changes. The best place for milk, cheese, and yogurt is on the middle or lower shelf, towards the back. These areas maintain the coldest, most consistent temperature, which helps dairy stay fresh longer.
4. Use Clear Storage Containers
Clear containers make it easy to see what you have at a glance, which reduces the chance of food being forgotten and going bad. Opt for stackable containers to save space and create a tidy, organized look.
5. Keep Leftovers on an “Eat First” Shelf
Dedicate a specific shelf or area for leftovers and items that need to be used soon. By keeping these items front and center, you’ll remember to use them up before they spoil. It’s a simple way to avoid food waste and make the most of every meal.
6. Line Shelves with Washable Mats
Fridge spills are inevitable, but a simple washable mat can make cleanup much easier. Place a mat on each shelf, and when there’s a spill, just pull it out for a quick rinse. Mats also add a bit of cushioning, which is great for protecting glass jars and bottles.
7. Group Similar Items Together
Storing similar items together, like condiments or breakfast items, makes finding what you need much quicker. Use small bins to separate these groups, keeping everything neatly organized and reducing the time spent hunting for things in the back.
8. Set a Fridge Cleaning Schedule
A little maintenance goes a long way, so set a regular time—like every Sunday or every other week—to check for expired items and wipe down shelves. Keeping a cleaning routine means you’re less likely to find unpleasant surprises and keeps your fridge smelling fresh.
9. Avoid Storing Milk in the Door
While the door seems like a convenient spot, it’s actually the warmest part of the fridge due to frequent opening and closing. Store milk and other perishable items on an inner shelf instead, and use the door for items like condiments, which can handle a bit more temperature variation.
10. Use a Lazy Susan for Jars and Condiments
Placing a turntable or lazy Susan in your fridge can make it much easier to access jars and condiments. Just give it a spin to reach everything quickly, without needing to shuffle around items or dig through the back.
11. Organize by Expiration Date
Arrange items by their expiration date, with older ones in front so they get used up first. This helps prevent food waste and makes it easier to keep track of what needs to be eaten sooner rather than later.
12. Keep the Fridge Only 70-80% Full
A fridge that’s too packed can block air circulation, which is necessary to maintain consistent cooling. Aim to keep your fridge about 70-80% full so air can flow freely and keep everything at the right temperature. This also makes it easier to spot things you need!
Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
