Fridge Organization Ideas To Keep The Food Fresh
When you’re organizing your home, the fridge is one of those spots that’s often neglected. Most of us have forgotten to throw away leftovers at least once in this lifetime, so you’re probably no stranger to what it means to have food scattered in the fridge that you tend to forget about.
If you’re looking for organization fridge ideas, we might have some good ones prepared for you, so keep on reading!
Top 3 Picks
Best Overall: YekouMax Fridge Drawer Organizer
“This is what I was looking for! Looks like it came with the fridge.” (Customer review)
Best Price: Jinamart Large Stackable Storage Organizer Bins
If you’re looking for a couple of good fridge organizers but you don’t have that much money to spend, this Jinamart two-pack comes at a convenient price.
Most Versatile: StorageBud Fridge Organizer
With 14 different pieces that will help you organize your fridge more efficiently, this is one pack that’s bound to keep a variety of different items in their rightful place inside the fridge.
Benefits of Organizing Your Fridge
As unbelievable as it may sound, having an organized fridge brings a lot of unexpected benefits to the table. Sure, you might think that storing bananas next to broccoli or placing meat on the top shelf isn’t a big deal but, in the grand scheme of things, every decision you make when you place an item inside the fridge matters more than you think. An organized fridge will:
Determine you to eat healthier
Be honest: how many times have you opened the fridge only to stare at the clutter of foods for half a minute and then closed the door to order a pizza? That’s because items that are randomly placed inside the fridge can feel overwhelming and your brain is not willing to put in the effort of thinking what it is that you need to grab in order to prepare a good meal or have a healthy snack. When everything is in place, you’re likelier to make better food choices and not just order from the new Chinese place across the street.
Help you save time
Imagine that you’re trying to rush out the door in the morning to avoid being late for work, but also feel the need to grab a bite to eat before heading out. When you notice foods scattered all around the fridge, you’re more likely to waste time thinking about what you’d like to eat, especially if there’s something in particular you’d like to have. An organized fridge also helps save previous cooking time (remember that one time you needed to add more butter to the recipe fast but just couldn’t find it?).
Help you save money
There are actually multiple ways in which an organized fridge can help you save some money. First of all, not organizing the food often leads to you forgetting some of it in the back of the shelf, only to have it expire and eventually throwing it away. Second, having too much food could lead to airflow blockage and causes the fridge to be less energy efficient. Third, when you’re not in the mood to turn the fridge upside down to find something you want to eat, you’re more likely to pick up the phone and order in, leaving perfectly good food to go to waste.
Organization & Mental Health
In case you’ve ever wondered whether or not being organized and being in a good place mentally are related, we’re going to answer that question for you: they are. Well, it’s actually not US answering the question, but rather specialists that have studied this issue and found the relationship between staying organized and keeping your mental health on track.
Psychology Today talks about the importance of staying organized when you share a household with a partner because it could otherwise damage the relationship. One of the best parts of living with someone is the fact that sharing chores and responsibilities makes it easy for both parties, especially in a functional relationship where the two partners act as a team.
Second, think of the current global context and be honest: how many times have you felt that you’re losing control and you’ve craved the life you used to have before the pandemic? It’s perfectly normal to feel that way because, up to a certain level, things really are out of your control, but if there is one thing that you can actually have control over is how organized your home is. This is actually free therapy, as decluttering can help you regain some sense of power.
When everything is organized and clean, it gives you a sense of “new”, of a fresh start that feels somewhat exciting. Even something as trivial as moving a piece of furniture around the room can help you get that sense of satisfaction, which uplifts your mood and makes you feel more peaceful.
Organization & Productivity
It’s important to know that your brain works better when you’re organized. We see examples of this even in the animal world. For instance, Northern Pacific rattlesnakes were often observed sweeping side debris and vegetation to avoid distractions on their hunting ground, thus becoming more efficient when hunting their prey. Clutter tends to decrease our ability to focus.
Oftentimes, there is a thin line between collecting things and getting overrun by them, so you need to make sure that you don’t fall in the pitfall of thinking that you’re a collector when you’re actually becoming a hoarder.
Needless to say, when everything is organized, you find the things you need faster, and not wasting time is an essential part of becoming more productive. When you’re more productive, a lot of things will turn out better from a professional and personal point of view: you meet your deadlines, have more time to spend with loved ones/enjoy things on your own, make more money, and experience a creativity boost.
Tips that Nobody Tells You
Believe it or not, there is actually a right and a wrong way for fridge organization and the following list brings together a series of tips that no one tells you about keeping your fridge cleaner and your food fresher:
- It’s not a good idea to overfill your fridge. When you buy too much food, the chances of ending up throwing it away are pretty high, especially when you have those items that make it all the way to the back of the shelves and are pretty much forgotten there. Also, a crowded fridge can lead to blocked air vents and reduced energy efficiency.
- Don’t cut fruits and veggies before storing them. It’s true that this leads to encouraging healthy snacks because all you have to do is open the fridge and grab a fresh slice of apple, but pre-cut foods deteriorate faster, which results in more waste than necessary.
- Don’t store fruits and veggies in the same drawer. There is a reason why fridges have a separate drawer for fruits and another one for vegetables. Veggie drawers are usually designed to hold produce that needs higher humidity levels, while fruits are better suited for the low humidity drawer. Strawberries are the exception to that rule because they enjoy a higher level of humidity compared to other fruits. Besides, did you know that the ethylene in fruits may cause veggies to spoil faster.
- Avoid storing milk in the fridge door. The top shelf and the inside of the fridge door are warmer spots and since milk requires lower temperatures to last longer, you want to store it in the middle shelf.
- Store meats on the lowest shelf. Meat is usually stored in the freezer but if, for whatever reason, you want to store it into the fridge, make sure you place it on the bottom shelf so no juices will drip on the food below it.
Best Fridge Organization Ideas
Refrigerator Organizer Bins Pop Soda Can Dispenser
In your weekly trip to the supermarket, you probably like to stack up on some soda cans for the family to enjoy. Can organizer bins can go a long way in helping you save fridge space and keeping the cans all in one place. This Sereno solution delivers four such organizers, measuring 13.5″ x 5.5″ x 3.75″. They provide enough space for storing a maximum of nine 12 oz soda or beer cans. They are made from BPA plastic and are 100 percent food safe.
Jinamart Large Stackable Storage Organizer Bins for Refrigerator
Another convenient storage solution for your refrigerator consists of this set of two clear organizers that come with side handles to make it easier for you to grab and pull them out of the fridge or put them inside when they’re filled with fresh produce. As expected, these are also made with BPA-free plastic and measure 12.4 x 6.3 x 3.55 inches each. You can also purchase them in packs of four or six containers.
StorageBud Fridge Organizer
If you’re wondering how to organize fridge space in a more efficient fashion, maybe it’s time to invest in this set of 14 pieces that consist of several containers needed to keep everything neat and tidy. The set includes two fridge bins that measure 14 x 4 inches, two larger bins with 14 x 8.25 inches each, a soda bin container that measures 14 x 5.25 inches, one egg organizer, two ice trays, four-shelf liners, and a white board with a marker.
Premium Acrylic Refrigerator Organizer Bins
Another convenient pack with multiple fridge containers for proper storage is this one delivered to you by AROVA. It comes with four containers of equal size, with each of them measuring 10 x 6 x 3 inches. There are handles located on both sides of each container, so you can move them around with ease. They are all made from BPA-free acrylic and are easy to clean with mild detergent and water.
Set of 2 – Jinamart Large Stackable Storage Organizer Bins
Jinamart is here to offer you this amazing set of six fridge organizer containers and bins that are perfect for a wide range of products, from soda cans to fresh and delicious fruits and veggies. These clear bins are all made with BPA-free plastic and have different measurements: three containers come with side handles and measure 13 x 8.2 x 3.5 inches each, two of them measure 13 x 6.3 x 3.54 each, and the egg divider measures 8.25 x 6.3 x 3 inches.
Simple Gourmet Refrigerator Organizer Storage Bins
The following suggestion we bring you in terms of fridge organization ideas includes six bins that will help you store your fruits, vegetables, cans, jars, bottles, meats, and whatever else you need to see organized inside the refrigerator. As a bonus, this set also comes with eight reusable labels and a chalk pen. The storage bins are stackable and measure 12.5 x 6.25 x 3.5 inches each.
Refrigerator Organizer Bins
There is so much you can get done in terms of fridge organizing when you have a set of four large bins that help you group food and keep it fresh for longer. With four size options to choose from, you can successfully organize fridge space no matter how small or big your refrigerator is. The built-in handles make it easy to pick up the containers as you please. Each bin measures 14.5’’ L x 8.5” W x 3.8” H.
Set of 6 Fridge Organizers-Includes 6 Organizers
Utopia Home is here to present a set of six organizers that are perfect for pantries and fridges. The set comes with five large drawers that measure 14.5 x 7 inches each, and one egg holding tray, measuring 14.5 x 4.3 x 2.9 inches. The containers are stackable, which helps one take advantage of tall fridge or pantry shelves. They are all made from BPA-free plastic and are super-easy to clean.
Kowoma Lazy Susan Cabinet Organizer
Suitable for fridges, panties, and cabinets, the Kowoma organizer is a turntable that’s perfect for people with limited space available, and especially in fridges where you often have to remove a bunch of items to reach for that one jar in the back of the shelf. Measuring 12 x 12 x 3.5 inches, the turntable is designed with five removable compartments that allow you to customize the product depending on the size of the items you want to store.
Hershuing 60 Grid Large Capacity Egg Holder for Refrigerator
If you like to buy a lot of eggs, then having a compact egg holder is a must. This one right here separates 60 eggs into two drawers that grant easy access to the contents. It is made from food-grade PP materials and offers a moisture and dust-proof environment for your eggs to stay in.
YouCopia Crazy Susan Kitchen Cabinet Turntable and Snack Organizer
If you want another turntable that makes it easy to organize cabinet and fridge space because it grants quick access to the items in the back of the shelf, then you have to check out this option by YouCopia. It is designed with a non-slip bottom and clear bins that make it easy to spot what’s inside each of them. The bins can be removed if needed, and each turntable measures 10.4″ D x 10.4″ W x 4.1″.
Aiosscd 7 PCS Shelf Mats Antifouling Refrigerator
Shelf mats for your refrigerator are a great idea for a lot of different reasons. They make it easier to clean the shelves, they absorb smells and stains and can easily be cleaned themselves when that happens. This set comes seven such mats that measure 17.3 x 11.3 x 0.04 inches and they are made from BPA-free material that’s super easy to clean.
Vtopmart Refrigerator Wine and Water Bottle Holder
If you are looking for a cool way to organize bottles inside your fridge, then you have to check out this set of four holders that are just perfect for wine and champagne bottles. Each of these measures 8 x 4.4 x 4.1 inches and comes with a leg support that can hold the entire weight of the bottle without cracking.
YekouMax Fridge Drawer Organizer
There are plenty of reasons why the YekouMax organizers should be at the top of your next shopping list, but while a lot of their characteristics that they have in common with other fridge organizers, there is one that stands out: the ability to mount the bin under the fridge shelf. This basically helps you create an additional fridge drawer thanks to the integrated railing system that comes delivered with the container.
FAQ
What is the best way to organize your refrigerator?
The best way to organize your kitchen, specifically your fridge, is to invest in fridge organizers. They are available in a lot of shapes, being suitable for anything from fruits and vegetables to eggs and wine bottles. Different food categories are more compatible with organizers of a specific shape, so if you’re looking for an egg holder, for instance, make sure that you search specifically for such a product instead of performing a generic search for fridge organizers. Also, reading the tips in this article might turn out to be of great help.
What do you line fridge shelves with?
Fridge shelves are best lined with plastic placemats. You can easily find them online when searching for refrigerator mats. With these liners, you can clean your fridge shelves with ease by simply removing them and washing them in the sink.
How do I clean and organize my refrigerator?
Cleaning your fridge is something that you should do on a weekly basis as, most of the time, odors are inevitable. Spills, left-over food, expired produce, everything needs to be tossed out and your fridge should be cleaned as often as possible. Organizing the fridge is pretty easy one you figure out a system to place foods in a way that they are easily accessible. Also make sure that you clean the exterior of your fridge too (those coils in the back of the fridge often tend to be neglected).
How do I organize my fridge and freezer?
There are plenty of tips and tricks that you can turn to to keep your fridge and freezer organized and to take advantage of every little bit of free space that you have at your disposal. You can keep an inventory of everything that’s inside your fridge and freezers, you can check periodically for expired or altered foods, place things in the fridge by grouping them according to your cooking needs, etc.
Final Thoughts
Organizing your fridge can actually be a fun task, especially in the process of shopping for bins and containers that will help make sense of the clutter you see when you open the fridge door. If you’re determined to know how to organize fridge space and save time and money by dodging the wasteful activity of throwing away bad food, this article is bound to provide you with at least one new piece of information that will serve that purpose.