Conquer icebox clutter with our 5 EASY fridge hacks! Get a grip on groceries & enjoy a stress-free fridge.
We've all been there. You open the fridge and a visual cacophony of packaging clashes before your eyes. Even though you bought mustard yesterday, it is nowhere to be seen. It's like there is an icebox gremlin that hides whatever it is you are looking for. But don't worry - we got this. With a few simple strategies, you can transform your fridge from a chaotic abyss of lost and wasted products into an efficient supply depot.
Think of your fridge like it's a tiny apartment. Dedicate specific areas for different food groups. The top shelf, with its easy accessibility and sight lines, is prime real estate for leftovers, ready-to-eat snacks, and drinks. Lower shelves can house raw meats and fish, keeping them safely contained and drips at bay. The crisper drawers are, of course, for your precious fruits and veggies. Beware the crisper, though - it's really tempting to throw something in there when there seems to be no room. Don't do it. If you do, a month later, you'll discover a jar of pickles in there you'd been trying to find for weeks.
Invest in a set of clear, stackable containers in various sizes to organize and separate items. Leftovers, fruits, cheeses - everything gets its own designated holder. Plus, clear containers mean less food waste - no more forgetting about that container of berries hiding in the shadows. If you want to be frugal and save some plastic from the ocean, save those round plastic containers that take-out comes in. What we love about these is that no matter how big the container is, the lids fit all sizes.
Let's face it, sometimes memory fails us, especially when it comes to fridge leftovers. A quick label with the date and contents on a carton can save you from a questionable lunch roulette situation. You don't need to buy a labeler. Some white packing tape and a Sharpie work great. That said, if you use cute stickers with baby animals on them, you get extra points in our book.
The fridge door is a great spot for lightweight items you use often, like condiments, sauces, and juices. Use clear bins or shelves specifically designed for door storage to maximize space and prevent jar-valanches. The door is also the perfect place for medication or supplements that need refrigeration. Seriously, if you are using something (like Insulin) for your health that needs to be kept cold, you shouldn't have to hunt for it.
When adding new groceries, pull older items to the front. This is SO important, yet we often forget to do it. It helps prevent forgotten food from languishing in the back and ensures you use everything before it expires. It also keeps you from rebuying things you may have plenty of. I can't tell you how many times there have been multiple cream cheese occurrences in our fridge because I didn't pull the back inventory into view before shopping.
Bonus Tip: Regularly audit your fridge! Dedicate 10 minutes a week to toss expired items and rejigger items for better access to your favorite snacks. Give these tips a try and you'll be a Tetris fridge-master in no time!