Because you use your refrigerator several times a day, it can become a cluttered mess rather quickly. If you’re like most people, you don’t pay much attention to your fridge until something starts to stink, at which point, you find the source of the smell, throw it out, and move on. 

An organized fridge can save you time and money, not to mention, help you eat better. So, without further ado, here are several secrets to fridge organization. 

1. USE CLEAR PLASTIC BINS AND LABEL EVERYTHING

Pull-out clear plastic bins let you store a wide array of food and drink in an appealing and functional way. Before placing products in the bins, be sure to remove any cardboard containers or unnecessary packaging so they can be seen easily and look great at a glance. 

Also, use Washi tape to label the bins and any other unmarked containers in the fridge. Washi tape removes easily without leaving behind residue, and it’s great for noting expiration dates and more on items inside your fridge. 

2. STORE CONDIMENTS ON A LAZY SUSAN

Condiments are one of those things inside a fridge that, if left willy-nilly, can make it look cluttered and messy. The easiest way to organize your collection of sauces, spreads, and dressings is by storing them on a lazy Susan inside the fridge. With a simple spin, you’ll have easy access to all your culinary essentials. 

3. USE PLASTIC SHELF MATS

Keep your food items from sliding around by lining your fridge shelves with plastic mats. Plastic placemats work great for this, and they’re relatively inexpensive to buy. 

4. INVEST IN HANDY REFRIGERATOR ACCESSORIES

Depending on the space you have in your fridge and the types of items you store regularly in it, investing in the right storage accessories can help keep your fridge in tip-top organized shape. 

For example, if you buy soda in cans, consider buying a soda can dispenser. If you always have fruit on hand, a fruit pouch will be a handy addition. If you’re an avid wine drinker, another accessory to consider is a wine bottle hanger. This ingenious tool hangs from the bottom of wire shelving, allowing you to hang bottles of wine from an otherwise unused space in your fridge. Having the right tools makes organizing your fridge a lot easier. 

5. DON’T FORGET THE FREEZER

Freezer organization is just as important, if not more so, than refrigerator organization. Because you store food for a longer period in a freezer, you need to know how long certain foods have been in there. Keeping it organized enables you to see at a glance what needs to be eaten first before it go bad. This cuts down on food waste dramatically. You can utilize some of the suggestions above to organize your freezer, too. 

The refrigerator is the central hub of the kitchen, so keep it orderly by following the tips outlined above. Doing so will save you time and money and encourage you to eat healthier.