Keeping your refrigerator organised is an essential task to maintain food safety, optimise storage space, and reduce waste. 
Last night I shared seven simple ways to organise your kitchen with Heather and Trish (an architect and building designer from The Scribble Club) and I had an extra questions about fridge organisation so I thought I’d share it here for you all.

As an Organisation Expert, here are my top five tips to help you efficiently organise your fridge and create a functional and tidy space. Follow these guidelines to streamline your food storage system and enhance your overall kitchen experience.

1. Everything has a home (and goes back in its home!)

The first step to an organised fridge is to categorise and group similar items together and give them a home. Create sections or zones within your fridge to allocate specific spaces for different types of food. For example, designate a shelf for dairy products, another for meats, and a separate drawer for fruits and vegetables. This approach not only makes it easier to find items but also helps prevent cross-contamination and allows for more efficient space utilisation. A key step lots of people miss is actually communicating the new homes of items within the fridge to the other members of the home. This ensures everyone puts things back in their homes.

2. Use clear containers and labels

Invest in clear, airtight containers and labels to maximise the efficiency of your fridge organisation. Transfer open food packages and leftovers into transparent containers that are stackable, ensuring that they are properly sealed. Use labels to identify the contents and date of storage. This method not only keeps your fridge neat and tidy but also helps you identify and consume food before it expires, reducing waste.

3. Follow the "First In, First Out" (FIFO) rule

Implement the "First In, First Out" rule to minimise food waste. Place newly purchased or prepared items at the back of the shelves or drawers, pushing older items to the front. This practice ensures that older food is used before it spoils. Additionally, regularly check expiration dates and dispose of any expired or spoiled items promptly. Maintaining a clean and clutter-free fridge helps you stay organised and promotes food safety.

4. Optimise temperature zones

Different areas of your fridge have varying temperature zones. Understanding and utilising these zones can help preserve the freshness and quality of your food. Generally, the coldest areas are at the back and bottom of the fridge, while the door shelves are the warmest. Place highly perishable items such as dairy, meat, and eggs towards the back of the fridge, and condiments and beverages on the door shelves. By placing food in the appropriate temperature zones, you can enhance its shelf life and maintain optimal taste and texture.

5. Regularly clean and declutter

Maintaining a well-organised fridge requires regular cleaning and decluttering. Set a specific day each week to go through your fridge, discarding any expired or spoiled items. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and compartments with a mild detergent or a mixture of water and vinegar to eliminate any spills or odours. Remove any unnecessary items that take up valuable space. By consistently keeping your fridge clean and clutter-free, you'll be able to optimise its functionality and enjoy a more efficient storage system.

Remember, organising your fridge is crucial for efficient food storage and waste reduction. By categorising items, using clear containers and labels, following the FIFO rule, optimising temperature zones, and regularly cleaning and decluttering, you can create an organised and functional space that promotes food safety and enhances your overall kitchen experience. Implement these tips and transform your fridge into a well-organised oasis of freshness.

Want to learn more?

I’ll be sharing a whole week of hints and tips for how to declutter and simplify your kitchen in my Clear Clutter Find Time online 8 week group course. New rounds start every February, July and September. Learn more about the course here and join the waitlist.