Refrigerator Organization for Everyday People

Let's face it, most of us are not living aesthetically pleasing Instagram and Pinterest worthy lives. Life is messy and we don't have the time or the money to spend on a ton of clear plastic bins to unpack prepackaged food. Though the display is beautiful, it isn't realistic or practical, neither is it easy to maintain. Furthermore, where is the room for the left overs, because with the price of food, who is wasting any for a pretty fridge? As gorgeous as these Pinterest and Instagram refrigerators look, I want to get to the lives of everyday people. The ones with families who go in and out of their fridges, with condiments on the door and a kid who occasionally has to go in there. So in a attempt to get back to reality, here are a few tips on how to organize a fridge for everyday living.

1. Start Fresh: Clean and Declutter

Before you dive into organizing, give your fridge a thorough clean. Remove all items and check expiration dates. Dispose of anything that's expired or spoiled; that includes the condiments that haven't been used in six months just sitting on the door. Get rid of them. Wipe down the shelves and drawers with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Really get into these compartments and ensure that any dried up liquids are thoroughly cleaned. This creates a clean slate for your organizing efforts.

2. Categorize and Prioritize

Think about how you use your fridge and categorize your items accordingly. Common categories include:

• Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt.

• Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh produce, herbs.

• Meats and Seafood: Raw proteins, deli meats.

• Condiments and Sauces: Ketchup, mustard, salad dressings.

• Leftovers: Cooked meals, takeout containers.

• Drinks: Juices, sodas, water.

An extremely important point is to decide which categories you use most often and should be the most accessible. If you have little ones who are able to get things out of the refrigerator on their own, be sure to keep that in mind when organizing. Their safety when getting things out of the fridge is super important.

3. Utilize Zones

Organize your fridge by creating specific zones for each category. Since fridges are not all the same, you would need to decide based on available space on each shelf what goes where. This isn't set in stone, but simply a recommendation based on the temperature of each zone. I think top and middle shelves are flexible.

• Top Shelves: Ideal for ready to eat foods such as cooked meats, prepared salads and packaged foods. These areas tend to have the most consistent temperature.

• Middle Shelves: Store dairy products here. These shelves are usually the most stable in terms of temperature.

• Bottom Shelves: Best for storing meats and seafood, as these are the coldest spots in the fridge.

• Crisper Drawers: Use one drawer for fruits and the other for vegetables. These drawers are designed to maintain different humidity levels to keep produce fresh.

• Fridge Door: This is the warmest part of the fridge, so keep condiments, sauces, juices, and other items that are less sensitive to temperature fluctuations here.

4. Implement Storage Solutions

I recommend investing in a few clear, stackable bins and organizers to help keep items contained and visible. Consider:

• Adjustable Shelves: Maximize space by adjusting shelf heights to fit your needs.

• Baskets: Ideal for fruits, vegetables, or small items like cheese packets.

I don't recommend labeling of these containers because I believe in flexible use. Since they're clear, the family can see what goes where. For items that need an expiration date reminder, I recommend using a sharpie to remind everyone.

5. Practice the FIFO Method

FIFO stands for "First In, First Out." Place older items in front and newer items in back. Much like your supermarket, you want to ensure that you use up older items before they spoil, reducing food waste and saving money.

6. Regular Maintenance

Set a reminder to check your fridge weekly. Rotate items, check expiration dates, and clean up any spills. This routine maintenance helps keep your fridge organized and your food fresh.

7. Make Use of Fridge-Freezer Space

If you have a separate freezer, use it wisely. Label freezer bags with the date and contents, and use bins to organize similar items together. This makes it easier to find what you need and keeps your freezer running efficiently.

A well-organized fridge isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about efficiency, saving time, and making your daily life easier. By following these tips, you can create a fridge that works for you, making meal prep smoother and reducing food waste. Happy organizing!

Photo of refrigerator from Frigidaire