Pantries have always been our favorite thing to organize - but a fridge, which is kind of a pantry's cousin, can be just as fun. And the good news, is that an organized fridge is actually pretty simple to achieve.

1. CLEAN IT OUT // No really. Take every single thing out. It will give you the opportunity to toss any old food (you are not going to eat those leftovers, just get rid of them), check expiration dates, and wipe down all the shelves.

2. GROUP LIKE ITEMS // Once everything is emptied out of the fridge, create groupings: Dairy, Meat / Poultry, Veggies, Fruit, Snacks, etc.



3. ALLOCATE THE SPACE // Divide your fridge into zones to match the categories you created. Make sure to leave a spot for food storage containers and leftovers!

4. CONTAIN IT // Whether it's with food storage or fridge bins, it's always a good idea to have your items contained so they stay within their zone. Not only does it keep your fridge clean and uncluttered, but a defined space also helps you easily take stock of your items before heading to the grocery store.

5. LABEL, LABEL, LABEL // Labeling helps identify the contents of your drawer or bin, and also helps you easily put away groceries. Your husband will not put the lettuce where the eggs are supposed to go if you add an appropriate label. To add permanent labels, we recommend a paint marker. For labeling something like cook times or expiration dates, we suggest a chalk marker so that you can easily update.





The bottom line is an organized fridge requires discipline to maintain. You need to make the effort to put things back in their place, to not buy groceries you don't need or use, and to throw out old items on a regular basis. If you can give your fridge a refresh every 2-3 months, it will always look as good as it did on day 1!

XO, THE

OUR FRIDGE FAVORITES:

Divided Fridge Drawer Clear
Divided Turntable
Tall Drawer
Egg Bin
Narrow Drawer
Large Berry Bin
Produce Bin
Small Fridge Bin
Tip 1: Stock Up on Healthy Staples

If you want to start eating healthier, you obviously need to stock your fridge with healthy food. It helps to create a list of core staples to have on hand at all times. This takes the guesswork out of grocery shopping, and you’ll feel more prepared during meal and snack time. 

Tip 2: Edit, Edit, Edit

When it comes to actually organizing your fridge, don’t skip the editing process. Even if you don’t feel like it, start by removing every single item from your fridge until it’s completely empty. We suggest keeping a trash bag nearby and tossing anything expired as you go. And since your fridge shelves are probably due for a deep clean, here’s your chance to actually get in there and wipe off that weird sticky layer! 

Tip 3: Create Zones

Every category should live in a designated zone (location) and preferably, within a contained and visible home (clear product). This allows everything to be accessible, accounted for, and aesthetically pleasing...while also maximizing shelf space.

Tip 4: Label It

Labeling isn’t just the finishing touch, it’s actually the secret sauce of the system. Labels are really just straightforward directions for where items go. They concretely identify the contents that live in each container. It not only helps *you* maintain the system, but it holds your kids, your partner, and anyone else using the space, too. 

*Reminder: Think broad, not specific when labeling your categories. It should be a simple road map that’s flexible enough for the occasional outlier. 

Tip 5: Freeze It

Your freezer is valuable real estate in your fridge set up, so clear out those old popsicles and spilled frozen peas to make room for favorites your family will actually eat. We're looking at you last minute meals.

We love using our Freezer Bins to contain the chaos amongst the frozen pizzas and kids snacks. Organizing this space will take the dread out of opening this often-forgotten area, we promise!

Thoughts welcome!

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