We often think about organizing as just shelves, drawers, and cabinets, but there’s a hidden-in-plain-sight area of your kitchen that needs attention too. Yep - the fridge!

Your refrigerator is one of the highest traffic areas in your home which is why it’s important to keep it organized!

A lot can play into what the inside of your refrigerator looks like…

• how many live in your home
• if you eat out a lot or cook all the time
• whether you shop for a day or two at a time or at stores like Costco or Sam's where you stock up for the month

No matter your family’s size or lifestyle, organizing your fridge will save you time, money, sanity, and energy!

Here are our top 10 tips and organizing solutions that can help you keep your fridge clean, hygienic, and organized all year long!

1. Start by taking everything out of the fridge and cleaning it thoroughly. Use a mild detergent and warm water to clean the shelves, drawers, and the interior of the fridge.

2. Sort the items into categories, such as dairy, fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. This will help you identify the items that are taking up too much space and those that need to be used up soon. Check the expiration dates of the items and discard the ones that are past their prime. 

3. Use clear plastic containers or bins to group similar items. This simple organizing solution will make it easier to find what you need and also prevent spills and leaks.

4. Use labels or markers to mark the date when you bought or opened the items. This will help you keep track of the shelf life of each item and avoid consuming expired food. 

5. Stock your fridge from back to front. Place the items that are about to expire at the front of the fridge, so that you can use them up before they go bad. 

6. Take advantage of the door shelves. Use the fridge door to store items that are less perishable, such as condiments, sauces, and beverages. 

7.Store your food in the correct location in the fridge to help your food last longer! Did you know your refrigerator gets colder at the bottom and warmer at the top and on the door? 

For this reason, certain items should go in certain places in your fridge.

• Top shelf or door: juices, condiments, or eggs
• Next shelf or two: milk/dairy and cheeses
• Bottom shelf: raw meat and poultry on the bottom shelf of the fridge, so that any drips or spills do not contaminate other items.
• Drawers: fruits and vegetables—but store them separately! Some fruits give off high amounts of ethylene gas (responsible for their ripening) that can cause your vegetables to spoil quickly. Fruits should go in one crisper drawer and vegetables in the other. 

8. Put a small dry erase board on your refrigerator door and write the date for any leftovers you put in the fridge. This way you can quickly see what needs to be eaten first, and you'll know if anything should be tossed.

9. Create a weekly meal plan so you don’t overbuy or items go to waste because they weren’t used. A meal plan will cut down on your grocery bill, save space in your fridge, and help you make dinner more efficiently throughout the year (and especially during those busy holiday meals!)

10. Implement a weekly reset. Every week before you grocery shop, make note of what you have, toss anything out that has expired, and wipe up any spills or drips. This will help you keep things organized as you go rather than waiting until it’s out of control. 

*Bonus tip for the holidays: A great way to stay organized during the holiday season is to plan your meals ahead of time. Create a menu and a shopping list, and start buying non-perishable items early. This will help you avoid the last-minute rush and ensure that you have everything you need to prepare a delicious meal. You should also consider what dishes can be made ahead of time and frozen, and what can be prepared the day before. 

Keeping the refrigerator (aka the most used “room” in the house) maintained and ready for whatever life brings doesn’t have to be a challenge. By following these tips and our favorite organizing solutions, you can keep your fridge clean, hygienic, and organized all year long!