How to Organize a Fridge

Organizing your fridge may seem like a daunting task, but it’s a necessary evil. Leaving expired food in there can ruin the food that’s still good, and can even be dangerous at times. And, of course, a cleared-out fridge has more space for fresh food! Don’t worry, though, these tips make organizing your fridge quick and easy!

Designate a shelf on the fridge for leftovers. That way, you'll know when something needs to be eaten soon, and you can quickly reach for it while on the go. This way, you'll no longer end up finding last month's leftovers in the back of the fridge. If you live with other people, it's a good idea to label your leftovers with their expiration date. That way, no one accidentally eats something they shouldn't.

Professional organizer Debra Baida warns that grocery store produce bags actually lead to faster spoilage. Baida says, "I wash fresh produce, dry it, and stash it in clear, moisture-proof bins in the middle of the fridge- it's easy to store, easy to see, and easy to eat. Plus, studies prove that stashing healthier foods in clear view encourages you to eat them."

Group similar condiments together, so that you can clearly see what's available for any given meal. For example, salad dressings should all go together, and sauces for meat should be in a separate section. This will also make hosting events easier, as everything will be together and ready to grab. Grocery shopping will be simple too, since you'll be able to see clearly what you need.

Separate foods by category, and keep items within each category together. This way, it'll be easier to see what's available if you want a particular type of meal (for example, meat or dairy). Grocery shopping will be easier as well as you'll clearly see what each category is missing. The owner of Ever So Organized, Amanda Clark, suggests, "On the upper shelf, place ready-to-eat meals for easy access. And since heat rises, keep foods that spoil easily like eggs, meat, and milk, on the lowest shelf."