5 Tips For An Organized Refrigerator
Just because your refrigerator is running, doesn’t mean it’s in good shape. As the epicenter of the kitchen, it’s easy for the fridge to become messy and cluttered.
We’ve opened the doors of our own refrigerators to find the best ways to maintain an organized space. Whether you are a hostess with the mostest, stocking the fridge for a big family, or just like to have the essentials on hand, try these tips to bring a little bit of calm to the coolest spot in your home.
1. Take advantage of grocery day.
If it’s been a while since your last trip to the store, the fridge is sometimes whittled down to a few wrinkled veggies and condiments. While that certainly makes for a disappointing breakfast, it can be an opportunity to wipe down the shelves of the fridge and finally chisel off the maple syrup spill from a couple weeks ago. Low rations = less removal for that deep clean we all like to put off.
Pro Tip: Take the entire shelf out of the fridge for easy clean up in the sink. Be careful using hot water when the class is still cold, the rapid temperature change isn’t good for glass.
2. Location, location, location.
Location really is everything. Create a predictable space in your refrigerator for your consistent purchases. Knowing where you put the chicken every time you buy it means you’re less likely to forget about it tucked away in the back. It also saves time putting groceries away and prepping for meals.
Pro Tip: Tiered shelves can help create more visible spaces in the back of your refrigerator.
3. Don’t put baby carrots in the corner.
Actually, try not to put anything in a corner – keep each item as visible as possible. This not only cuts down on clutter but food waste as well. We’re more likely to pick a food we can see, so if your refrigerator space doesn’t accommodate room for everything, place foods that will spoil in the front so they are eaten earlier in the week.
Pro Tip: A plastic turntable is an affordable way to add extra storage and visibility.
4. Create an all-access snack space.
To have children is to know the sweet sound of young voices asking for a snack. Create freedom for everyone in the family by establishing a space in the fridge for snacks that will satiate without ruining appetites. We recommend cheese sticks, fruit, pre-cut veggies, and hummus. This system is great for kids, but it’s not exclusive. Make “fair game” snacks predictable so no one eats the block of cheese you need for dinner tomorrow night.
Pro Tip: Toss yogurt tubes in the freezer for a popsicle fix that is low sugar and high-protein (and low-mess: say goodbye to the volcanic yogurt squeeze).
5. So fresh and so clean.
Taking the extra time to clean and store fresh produce can go a long way. It’s a simple act of love to care for yourself and your family by preparing food in advance – hanger is real. A bowl of pre-washed apples or a glass jar of carrots make grab-n-go items that much faster for growling stomachs.
Pro Tip: Check out how professional chef Rachel Barnes prepares and stores fruit to keep produce fresh for longer. LINK
The most important tip:
Have grace for yourself. Sometimes the fridge is a mess and grocery store day turns into order take-out night. And remember, the fridge will keep running even when we need to take a rest.
