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How to Organize Your Refrigerator

Organize as You Go

Organizing your refrigerator begins even as you walk into your kitchen with groceries to unpack. As bags of food items are brought in, put all refrigerated items next to the refrigerator and open the door just once. You'll save time and electricity. Label the packages or boxes of frozen food items with the date that they are being stored. This will tell you how long frozen foods are being kept, and it is a good idea to also include a "throw date" on the same labeling.

Inside the Refrigerator

Set your shelves to take advantage of all of the vertical space possible.  Rather than dividing the space equally and piling smaller items one on top of another, set a shelf to the height of smaller items such as butter, cream cheese, yogurts, and eggs.

Be consistent with which foods items belong in which section of the refrigerator.  For example, if your refrigerator is a side-by-side model, then the right side door storage could be allocated as the place for milk, coffee creamers, butter, and other dairy products. The left side door storage could be designated the place for condiments like ketchup, mustards, sauces, and salad dressings. Once the family becomes accustomed to retrieving a food item from a particular spot, it will become second nature to replace it in the same spot.

Also, consider equipping your refrigerator with a "can rack" that stores canned beverages efficiently and for easy access.

Take Advantage of the Outside of the Refrigerator

Because the refrigerator is likely one of the most frequented places in the home, it makes sense to use the outside as a message station for the family.  If possible, use the side as the refrigerator to keep your kitchen looking clutter-free.

Using magnets, post calendars outlining important upcoming events on it. Post clear "to-do" notes here and special encouragements. The refrigerator will be the family communication center in addition to being the most organized food storage place in the kitchen.