{"id":4984,"date":"2021-02-15T22:50:36","date_gmt":"2021-02-16T06:50:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/?p=4984"},"modified":"2021-02-15T23:09:27","modified_gmt":"2021-02-16T07:09:27","slug":"fridge-organization-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.storagecafe.com\/blog\/fridge-organization-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"9 Ways To Whip Your Fridge Back Into Shape"},"content":{"rendered":"

A well-organized fridge is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, but most people agree keeping it that way seems disheartening at best. You\u2019re not sure where that chunk of Gruy\u00e8re lies, right? You might have to push the broccoli and the carrots and, let\u2019s face it, the package of Velveeta before you can reach your desired food item. The quest for fridge tidiness isn\u2019t lost whether it\u2019s a smart appliance<\/a> or not if you follow a few simple rules that will make you want to open your fridge and easily see its contents.<\/p>\n

Here are some ways to help you get your fridge back on track:<\/p>\n

<\/span>1. Empty and clean the fridge first<\/span><\/h2>\n

Start by taking everything out so you get a good idea of the contents of your fridge and also so you can give it a thorough cleaning. Hardened spills, stains and dirt can hide beneath that milk carton still sitting at the back of the fridge. If you think your food might go bad while it\u2019s sitting outside the fridge, you can clean it in sections. Alternatively, you can place the contents of the food in a cooler while you clean the fridge. Make sure to also disinfect and sanitize all the surfaces of your fridge, including the door compartments and the shelves. You can take the drawers out and clean them with warm water and dish soap.<\/p>\n

<\/span>2. Organize your fridge by category<\/span><\/h2>\n

It will be a lot easier for you to find your favorite foods if you map out your fridge and use dedicated areas for a specific food. It might be something as simple as putting vegetables in the crisp drawer and placing packaged food on the upper shelf. Consider migrating some meats, vegetables or even fruits to the freezer section if you have enough space to store more.<\/p>\n

\"inside<\/p>\n

<\/span>3. Adjust your shelves<\/span><\/h2>\n

The drawers and shelves in many appliances are adjustable, so why not create the best setup for you? Think about the produce and products you buy and have that reference in mind when you adjust your shelves. After all, you probably have favorite brands\u2014that come in the same packaging\u2014you will easily find their spot inside your fridge once you determine which is the best way to place them.<\/p>\n

<\/span>4. Use a fridge liner<\/span><\/h2>\n

A water-resistant shelf liner is a must-have for your fridge in your battle with the occasional spill. They help make cleanup a breeze, whether it\u2019s a spill, that dreaded sticky drip or simply fruits or vegetables that have gone bad.<\/p>\n

<\/span>5. Pick durable containers<\/span><\/h2>\n

Good containers and sturdy bags will increase the shelf life of, well, your fridge. Use mason jars for all kinds of foods, even if they\u2019re not traditionally stored in this type of container. Cooked foods are best stored in glass containers with lids that snap\u2014they\u2019re great for keeping the contents fresh and they come with plenty of surface area. For fruits and vegetables, consider looking into reusable bags, as they\u2019ll keep them fresher longer than if you simply place them in the fridge with no cover.<\/p>\n

\"glass<\/p>\n

<\/span>6. Label or make a list to keep track of food<\/span><\/h2>\n

You might not have to label everything that goes into the fridge, but it might be helpful to do so for takeout and cooked foods. Think of this tip as optional if you decide you implement a list on the outside of the fridge that keeps track of everything that goes in. Whether you label or you decide to stick to a list, it will be so much easier to determine which leftovers are still edible when you have a way of tracking what should be eaten next. Make sure to place favorites such as snacks in the front\u2014the entire family will appreciate it.<\/p>\n

<\/span>7. Be strategic about how you arrange food<\/span><\/h2>\n

You might be tempted to leave the way you arrange food in the fridge to chance, but don\u2019t go that route. It\u2019s more practical if you group foods that go together. Keep peanut butter and jelly, eggs and milk, and cheese and deli meats and all the fixings together. It\u2019s more convenient to make a sandwich if you have the ingredients you need in the same section. You save time and potential spills when you follow this strategy. In addition, you might also want to put the oldest foods in the front to prevent them from spoiling or being forgotten about at the back of the fridge.<\/p>\n

<\/span>8. Fridge setup? Take a cue from the professionals<\/span><\/h2>\n

Looking up to restaurant kitchens might give you an idea on how to best place your food items inside the fridge, as they are masters of keeping food safety in mind and thus, reducing food waste. Their guiding principle is the temperature at which foods need to be cooked<\/a>. Items that require no cooking are placed at the top, while ingredients that require high-temperature cooking take the lower side of the fridge.<\/p>\n

\"fridge<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a look at the inside of a well-organized fridge by tiers:<\/p>\n