So, you've stocked your pantry and reorganized your kitchen cabinets, but what about the one place that you reach into the most? The fridge.
The refrigerator is the one place you'll dig through to find that stick of butter. And it's probably where you'll stand for just a little too long deciding what to eat for dinner. It's also home to the crisper drawer that keeps your veggies fresh. Not to mention, it's the ideal storage for certain condiments and jams. With everything that the refrigerator holds, it's no wonder this kitchen workhorse can sometimes get a little bit... well, messy.
But here's the thing: Organizing your fridge will not only save your sanity, it'll also help you save time and money! For starters, you'll cut down on waste by knowing exactly what you already have on hand, and you won't need to spend time rummaging through the refrigerator when you're looking to make a quick family dinner. If all of this sounds too good to be true, just take a look at the guide below on how to organize your fridge. There are tips and tricks to keep the chilliest place in your kitchen looking spick and span, including a satisfying look into The Pioneer Woman's fridge! Read on to find out more.
How to Organize the Fridge
Take it from Ree Drummond: a tidy fridge is a thing of beauty! That's why when Ree took the time to clean out her fridge and give it a restock, followers couldn't help but notice. "There is something sooooo satisfying about watching this video," one person commented. The Instagram video showed Ree organizing her fridge with meal prep containers filled with easy weeknight dinners and refrigerator staples like homemade pesto and hummus. She also had a place for all her fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, and cans of Dr Pepper.
"Hope you enjoy my new fridge stock! For every wedge of Brie, I've gotta have a brick of Velveeta ❤️," Ree joked. But in all seriousness, organizing your fridge is relatively easy. Here are some tips for how to do it:
Check Expiration Dates
Start by cleaning out your fridge, checking expiration dates, and tossing anything that's old or expired. A clean slate will make it easier to stay organized! Though this might feel like a chore, it will clear enough space to wipe down your shelves and drawers before you begin.
Pro Tip: Keep a box of baking soda in the fridge to help neutralize odors.
Prep Your Groceries
Take a tip from Ree's video and prep your vegetables in advance. You can wash and cut the veggies right when you get home from the supermarket, then place them into zip-top bags. The same goes for some easy dinner meal prep ideas like roasting a whole chicken, making a big batch of soup, or preparing homemade sauces ahead of time. This will save you so much time during the busy week!
Stock Up On Food Containers
If meal prep is on your mind, then you'll definitely need some handy food containers to keep it in! Look for matching containers like The Pioneer Woman Food Storage Container Set or glass containers to keep your fridge looking fresh.
Invest in Clear Bins
Another helpful way to stay organized is using clear storage bins for smaller items. Removing store-bought packing will also make the aesthetic of your fridge look even neater. For instance, you can group items that go together within a bin—cheeses in one, yogurts in another, etc. Then, label the bins to make it even easier.
Try Labelling
Food labels are especially helpful for ensuring your family knows where everything should go. Keep it general (fruits, vegetables, snacks, etc.) to help guide your organization in the right direction. Then, you can get more specific with labelling zip-top bags or food storage containers with pieces of tape and dates so you know how long they last.
Add Fridge Liners
Though not a necessity, fridge liners will help make it easy to wipe down your shelves when they need a cleaning. You can also opt for cute trays like Ree uses to protect the other items in your fridge from spills.
Organize by Shelf
Did you know that most refrigerators have different temperature zones? Since heat rises, the bottom shelves of your fridge tend to be the coldest, the middle shelves have the most consistent temperature, and the top shelves are the warmest. The back of your fridge is also considered a cold spot, while the door is the warmest part of the fridge. According to the USDA, refrigerators should be set to maintain a temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
Pro Tip: Place food items that your family reaches for the most at eye level so they're easy to grab and go!
Consider keeping items like dairy products, drinks, and leftovers on the upper shelves, then use the bottom shelf to store meat and eggs. Your fridge might also come with a crisper drawer which is meant to regulate airflow and humidity making it a good spot for fruits and vegetables. Keep fruits that ripen over time like apples separate from leafy greens to prevent wilting. The door of your fridge is best used for condiments or jars.
