Refrigerator organization is critical for preserving freshness, reducing waste, and optimizing storage space. Thankfully, you can easily organize your fridge. To help you out, here are tips given by refrigerator repair professionals that you can use to turn your fridge into a well-organized environment that keeps your food fresh and conveniently accessible:

Use clear containers

Clear containers and clever storage solutions increase fridge organization and visibility:

You should invest in transparent containers that allow you to see what’s inside without opening them. They also help to keep odors at bay and improve the shelf life of stored food.

You also should consider using stackable containers to conserve space and keep your fridge organized. Stack containers of similar sizes together to increase vertical storage space.

It’s also a good idea to go with drawer dividers or organizers that help you separate fruits, vegetables, and deli goods. They reduce cross-contamination and make specific things more accessible.

Pay attention to the temperature zones.

Temperature zones differ in different parts of the fridge. For an optimally functioning fridge, you must understand and use these zones properly.

Due to frequent temperature variations, the door shelves are the warmest portion of the fridge. This area should be reserved for condiments, beverages, and goods with longer shelf life, such as pickles or sauces.

Temperatures are stable on the top and middle shelves. This is the best place to keep leftovers, ready-to-eat foods, and goods that require easy access.

The bottom shelves and drawers are colder and have more consistent temperatures. Store perishable things such as dairy, raw meats, and fish here.

Store just what is enough.

Overcrowding the refrigerator is a typical mistake resulting in poor air circulation and uneven cooling. To avoid this, follow these guidelines:

Maintain a suitable capacity: You should leave enough space between the various products for proper ventilation. Avoid stuffing too much food into the fridge.

Organize comparable items: Organize your refrigerator by food types, such as dairy, vegetables, fruits, and meats. This arrangement makes it easy to find products and prevents overpopulation in specific places.

Improve shelf height: If your fridge allows, adjust the shelves to fit food products of varying sizes. An excellent way to go about it is to use adjustable shelves or remove a shelf to generate more vertical space if you have taller products such as bottles or pitchers.

Observe the first in, first out rule.

Follow the “first in, first out” rule to reduce food waste and ensure freshness. If this is the first time doing it, here is how to go about it:

Prioritize older things: When unpacking groceries or keeping leftovers, store older products near the top of the shelves or in easily accessible areas.

Label containers and shelves appropriately: You should mark the date you prepared or purchased food. The best way to mark the foods is by using detachable labels or masking tape. Doing this lets you track the food products and readily identify foods that should be consumed sooner.

Store the fruits and vegetables properly.

Improper fruit and vegetable storage can hasten rotting. Follow the following guidelines:

Separate fruits and vegetables: Some fruits emit ethylene gas, accelerating ripening and causing surrounding veggies to decay faster. Separate them or use ethylene-absorbing materials like produce storage bags or containers.

Make use of humidity drawers: Most refrigerators contain humidity-controlled drawers. Adjust the settings accordingly to maintain the optimal humidity levels for fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens want high humidity, while fruits prefer low humidity.

Properly use the fridge door.

Because the fridge door is prone to temperature swings, it is not ideal for storing perishable foods. Here’s how to make the most of your refrigerator door:

Keep products on the door shelves: Store frequent items, dressings, and sauces on the entryway shelves. These have a longer shelf life and are more temperature resistant.

Place clear, stackable containers or caddies on the door shelves to keep little objects tidy. You can store individual yogurt cups, cheese sticks, or miniature bottles here.

Keep dairy and eggs away from the door. The temperature on the door swings greater than in the rest of the fridge, which might lead to spoiling. Place dairy items and eggs on the interior shelves for optimal temperature control.

Regularly clean the fridge.

Cleaning and maintaining your refrigerator regularly is essential for both hygiene and organization. For a clean and properly maintained fridge, consider these tips:

Regularly inspect your refrigerator for expired products or food that has gone bad. Dispose of them as soon as possible to avoid unpleasant odors and cross-contamination.

Spills or leaks should be cleaned up right away. Wipe out shelves, drawers, and interior surfaces with a moderate vinegar-water solution or a light all-purpose cleaner.

Every few months, empty the fridge completely and properly clean all surfaces. To wash shelves and drawers individually, remove them. This technique aids in the preservation of a clean and sanitary atmosphere.

Other tips to have your fridge clean and organized

Use refrigerator bins: You must invest in various-sized bins to create distinct storage sections within your refrigerator. These bins allow you to store snacks, deli meats, and already-prepared meals. Placing the food items in bins also makes them easy to access.

Make use of lazy Susans or turntables: you need to place a lazy Susan or turntable on shelves to make it easier to reach stuff at the rear. To reach items, simply rotate the turntable without upsetting the arrangement.

Use door-mounted racks: To maximize vertical space, install door-mounted racks or organizers. These can store spices, small jars, or beverage cans.

Freeze the herbs: freezing the fresh herbs extends their life. All you need to do is cut them into small sizes and freeze them in ice cube trays with water or oil.

Label shelves and sections: Think of labeling shelves and sections with specific categories like “Snacks,” “Leftovers,” or “Meal Prep.” According to appliance repair Fairfax professionals, doing this makes it easy for family members to know where to place different items. It also helps to keep things organized.