13 Hacks To Help Keep Your Refrigerator Organized For Good

A messy refrigerator is a frustrating reality for many households. At times, it can feel like no matter how many shelves, drawers, and bins a fridge has, the contents inside will inevitably become a disorganized mess. While keeping this appliance and its contents clean and tidy can feel like an impossible goal, there are plenty of hacks and habits you can try that will help keep your fridge and its contents organized for good.

To help keep your refrigerator organized for good, invest in products like stackable clear containers, a lazy susan, a can dispenser, and shelf dividers that maximize space and help optimize organization. Remove the contents from your fridge, organize, and dispose of expired contents regularly. Always group products by category, so they are easy to find. Don’t refrigerate products unnecessarily, and remove bulky packaging from items to create more space.

Whether you share your fridge with an entire household or live a busy lifestyle, the thought of keeping your fridge clean and organized might be overwhelming. While consistent organization is a challenge, there are several effective ways to make organizing this kitchen appliance a breeze. Keep reading to learn all the top hacks to keep your refrigerator organized for good.

13 Easy Ways To Help Keep Your Fridge Organized For Good

1. Use Shelf Dividers

One of the easiest ways to keep any area organized is to divide one large space into smaller ones. Shelf dividers are a fantastic way to create additional organizational opportunities within your existing fridge.

Some new fridge models come with optional shelf dividers. If your fridge doesn’t have dividers, consider building DIY dividers using lightweight plastic. Dividers allow you to group products by more specific categories. 

For example, if you have a shelf for fruits and vegetables, by adding a divider, you can designate one side for fruit and the other for vegetables. Giving products a consistent home in the fridge is a great way to create better habits.

2. Keep Products Labeled

If your fridge is often home to questionable old leftovers, then it’s time to start labeling your containers. Take the extra step to label your meal prep, leftovers, and other products that aren’t in original packaging. This is a great way to keep your fridge tidy.

Ensure you add the date when you label your food, as this serves as a friendly reminder to use food before it expires. Labeled food is easy to categorize, and it’s more likely to be eaten before it goes bad.

3. Use Stackable Tupperware

One reason refrigerators become cluttered has to do with a lack of space. To help reduce clutter and maximize vertical space in your fridge, consider using locking and stackable Tupperware. Stackable Tupperware is ideal for those who package weekly meal prep for work. These containers are also ideal for chopped veggies, washed fruit, and other products you want to access easily.

Using stackable containers not only maximizes space, but it also makes your fridge safer from spills. 

4. Clean Your Refrigerator Regularly

Even a perfectly organized fridge should be emptied and cleaned often. Regularly removing items from your fridge and wiping the inside helps keep your fridge sanitized and looking like new.

Removing the contents from your fridge also helps you stay on top of discarding expired items and reminds you of products you should use quickly.

5. Group Items In Categories

One great way to organize just about anything, from tools to clothing, and even food, is to group it by category. Most fridges already have shelves specifically for vegetables, condiments, and dairy. This is helpful, but consider taking this further.

Depending on what you normally purchase, you can group your food however it makes sense. Remember to keep leftovers at eye level so you can use them quickly. Keep raw meat grouped on the bottom shelf, as this prevents cross-contamination.

6. Adjust Shelves To Allow Various Height Options

Products come in different shapes and sizes. To ensure there is space for various products, from gallons of milk to whole watermelons, ensure you use your adjustable shelves. 

Instead of putting products (especially liquids) on their side, keep them upright and adjust the shelves instead. This reduces the risk of spills and makes everything easy to access.

7. Avoid Refrigerating Items Unnecessarily 

The fewer items you have in your fridge, the easier it is to keep clean. Therefore, if there’s anything in your fridge that doesn’t need to be there, take it out and put it in its proper location.

For example, some fruits and vegetables should not be stored in the fridge. Bread, coffee, and most hot sauces also shouldn’t be stored in the fridge.

8. Freeze Perishables You Won’t Use Within The Week

Another way to free up some space in your fridge and keep things tidy is to utilize your freezer. As a rule, you should only keep perishables in your fridge that you know you will eat before they turn bad. 

If you buy in bulk or cook large meals to last a week or longer, then freeze food that you don’t plan to eat within the next few days. This will free up space in the fridge and also reduce the risk of food waste, since food lasts much longer in the freezer than it does in the fridge. Remember to label food before you freeze it.

9. Incorporate A Lazy Susan For Condiments And Small Sauces

Over time, your refrigerator can start looking like a condiment museum. Many condiments last for months before they expire. While this means they are unlikely to expire, it also means you can quickly forget about condiments you purchased weeks or months before.

Consider adding a small rotating lazy Susan to your fridge, and place your condiments on it. This makes them visible and easy to reach. It also makes you less likely to forget a sauce or small bottle hiding in the back.

10. Always Use Clear, Airtight Storage Containers

When storing products outside their original packaging, remember to always use clear and airtight containers. Clear containers make it easy to see the contents to remind you of what’s inside. 

Airtight containers are less likely to fall than mismatched containers. Even if they do fall, the air-tight lock should keep everything sealed tight. They also lock in freshness and prevent smells from leaving or entering.

11. Remove Products From Bulky Packaging

Some product packaging is a bit out of control. If you buy refrigerated foods that come packaged in a box within a box, then you should remove as much of this packaging as possible.

You want all the food in your fridge to be stored in packaging that is seamless and streamlined. This keeps things organized and makes it easy to see the entire contents of your fridge.

12. Add Additional Bins And Baskets Within Existing Shelving

Most refrigerators have several bins and shelves, but you may find yourself wanting additional bins. Try adding sturdy plastic bins or simple plastic baskets inside your existing crisper and vegetable drawer. 

This increases your ability to group and categorize items. It also makes it easier for you to find permanent fridge locations for products you buy all the time. 

13. Consider A Beverage Organizer

If you drink a lot of canned beverages, then consider a beverage organizer. There are a variety of canned beverage organizers designed for refrigerators. The purpose of these devices is to load upwards of 12 cans in a small space in the fridge.

Best of all, these organizers usually use gravity to ensure there is always a cold can in the front. This makes it easy to reach a cold drink whenever you want one, without having to reach deep into the fridge. It also creates a specific location for your drinks, which helps with your fridge’s overall organization.

Summing Up Hacks To Help Keep Your Fridge Organized 

If you’re sick of opening up your fridge and seeing a jumbled mess, then you need to start taking lasting steps to help keep this kitchen appliance clean and organized. Some great hacks to make it easier to keep your fridge organized for good include adding dividers, bins, and baskets within your additional shelves. 

You can also use a lazy Susan for small sauces and condiments, and invest in stackable Tupperware containers. Group foods by category within your fridge to ensure things are easy to find. Remember to regularly clean your fridge to keep things sanitary and ensure spoiled products are discarded promptly.

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