[THE] Fridge Organization Tips For a Healthy Reset

It’s officially 2021...and it’s safe to say we’re all ready to press the reset button. If making healthier choices is on your to-do list, just remember that starting small is the key to long-term success. This is what the Low-Bar Lifestyle is all about: Baby steps over a low, low bar will keep you motivated. 

The best way to start is by organizing your fridge and reworking the system. When healthy items are visible, easy to access, and easy to prepare, you’ll be a lot less likely to cave, which for me means ordering delivery and calling it a day. 

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. 

My core staples include a variety of precut fruits and veggies, cheese slices, single-serving yogurts, eggs, and lots of turkey. It’s one of the leanest meats, and is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s also easy to prepare, and super versatile—literally, so many recipes!  

My favorite brand for turkey is Honeysuckle White (or its sister brand, Shady Brook Farms). It's free of growth hormones and antibiotics, and raised by independent family farmers...such a high-quality product! 

Tip #2: Start Fresh

When it comes to actually organizing your fridge, don’t skip the editing process. Do you want to create a functional system that works for your space and promotes a healthier lifestyle? Then trust me! Even if you don’t feel like it, start by removing every single item from your fridge until it’s completely empty. I 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: Group into Broad Categories 

When grouping your items, think in broader categories, such as “veggies” and “condiments” vs. “cucumbers” and “ketchup”. This will ensure that all incoming items have a home, which is crucial for maintaining an organized system. It only makes sense to subcategorize if you regularly buy bulk amounts of a specific item.

Tip #4: 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 #5: Add a Label 

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. 

To help get you organized in the new year, we’re partnering with Honeysuckle White/Shady Brook Farms to give away a virtual “A LOT OF HELP” session (click here for details), $2,500 gift certificate from The Container Store, + free turkey product! Click here to enter! 

Happy Reset! 

xo, clea