Refrigerators are a prominent part of most homes, so it’s essential to know how to organize one. There are innumerable ways to do this, depending on what you need. You can use the shelves for specific products or even install drawers in some cases.
You can also get specific tools that are made just for organizing your fridge. For example, you can buy a Lock & Lock rectangular container for particular items. These can be used for butter, cheese, and other foods that tend to get messy when left out.
Although everyone’s fridge is different, specific tips can be used for all types. The following article will help you with ideas on how to organize a refrigerator.
Keep Your Fridge in an Ideal Location
According to Statista, the global refrigerator market will grow to almost $22 billion in value by 2025.
It’s best to place your fridge in a location out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources. If you can’t do this, you should get a thermometer for the area to make sure the temperature is at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Foods kept above this temperature will spoil quickly.
Glasses and cups with straws can also help you organize your fridge. They take up less room than cans and bottles, so they can all be placed on the door. If you have such items, it may be best to keep them in the main compartment instead.
Use Drawers
Drawers are one of the easiest ways to organize a fridge. They can hold vegetables, fruits, and even meats if you add a few dividers. You can also purchase a lock and lock rectangular container that can be stacked to store things like butter and cheese temporarily.
Drawers are best for items that will not get crushed quickly by the weight of heavier foods. They can also be built into the fridge or purchased separately. This way, you have more flexibility in how to use them.
Use Baskets
Baskets are flexible, but they should be sturdy enough to hold the load inside. You can place these in different fridge sections or use them for specific items like bread.
Baskets are best used when you need something that can be removed easily without ruining other foods. They may not fit well on shelves, so you will have to put them on the floor instead.
Utilize the Shelves
Shelves are one of the best ways to organize a fridge because they can be used for many different things. They are also easy to keep clean, so you will not have to worry about food particles gathering on them.
Many shelves in fridges are adjustable, but you can still use them for specific foods if this is not the case. Just be sure to store one type of food per shelf so that they don’t get mixed up or broken when opening the door.
Utilize Tiered Racks
Tiered racking is a great way to maximize space in your fridge. These racks are usually adjustable, so you can choose exactly how much space you want for each shelf. You can also purchase tiered organizers explicitly to adjust the amount of space between frames.
Tiered racks are best used in fridges with more vertical space than horizontal options. All the different shelves will take up a lot of room on their own, so you will not have much room to spare.
Use Ziploc Baggies
If you need something easy to store and take out, Ziploc bags are the way to go. You can organize food into different categories like vegetables or even meats for different meals. The bags can then be stacked on top of each other to save space in the fridge.
Ziploc bags can also be used for liquids like milk, juice, and sauces. They come in different sizes, so you can adjust them accordingly to fit your food inside. Plus, they are easy to label with dates, so you know when certain items need to go.
Use Shelf Liners
Shelf liners are great for keeping your foods organized because they are easy to remove and replace. You can even put them on the top or bottom shelves if these areas are not used, especially if you have children who may spill liquids or food particles.
The shelf liners will also protect any surfaces inside your fridge from spills and stains, so you often do not have to clean the shelves. It saves time and energy when cooking.
Utilize a Menu Planner
It can be daunting to list what foods you need for future meals, especially if you keep your groceries in different places like the pantry, freezer, and fridge. A menu planner will keep everything in one place so you can save time every week.
