If you’re anything like most people, opening your refrigerator to find it disorganized, cluttered, and in complete chaos can be a major headache. Instead of just slamming the fridge door shut and ordering takeout, why not take a few minutes to get it organized? By taking some simple steps, you can get your refrigerator back under control and keep your food fresh.

Start with an empty fridge and wipe down the shelves with a damp cloth

An empty fridge is a perfect opportunity to ensure that it is spick and span. A thorough cleaning of your refrigerator will save you from an onslaught of germs, help keep food fresher longer, and add extra life to your appliance. For the most effective clean, start by first wiping down the shelves with a damp cloth. Then use a mild detergent or diluted bleach solution and give the inside of the fridge a good scrub. Finish up with a warm-water rinse, and you’ll be ready to start the fridge transformation!

Divide your food into categories, such as produce, dairy, condiments, leftovers, etc.

Keeping your food organized into categories is a great way to make your fridge more manageable. For example, if you separate all your produce from dairy items, condiments, and leftovers, you’ll be able to quickly find needed items when it’s time to meal prep. This also helps make sure you’re using the freshest ingredients in each meal while also taking advantage of the food you have available to you. Lastly,  it will also reduce the overall amount of wasted food as you’ll know what you have.

Place items on the shelves according to your needs 

By placing items on the shelves according to your needs, you can make sure that everything is easily accessible when you want it. Opt to store frequently used items within easy reach and reserve upper and lower shelves for less-used items. 

Make use of clear storage containers for easier organization

With clear containers, you can easily see what items you have and how much of each item. Additionally, this type of storage is usually stackable, which means it takes up minimal shelf space. Finally, with plastic clear storage containers being relatively inexpensive compared to other alternatives, they won’t break your budget. 

Keep a weekly shopping list 

Keeping a weekly shopping list is an invaluable way to ensure you have all the ingredients you need in your kitchen when it’s time to whip up a meal. Not only will it save you time and money during shopping trips, but it can also encourage healthier eating if you plan ahead. Making a list before grocery shopping is especially beneficial for busy families who want to make sure their fridge is full of healthy things for quick, delicious dinners all week. List-making takes out the guesswork of putting together meals. 

Get rid of expired foods regularly to prevent clutter and bad smells from taking over

It’s important to get rid of expired food on a regular basis. Take a proactive approach and periodically check expiration dates, and make sure you get rid of leftovers that have been in the fridge just a little too long. Doing so means you won’t need to worry about sorting through expired products and dealing with offensive odors in your home. 

By following a few simple tips, such as grouping similar items together and regularly checking expiration dates, you can keep your refrigerator neat and tidy and ensure your food stays fresh and tasty for longer. So take some time to reorganize your refrigerator today, and enjoy the many benefits of a clutter-free fridge!