Having a neatly arranged fridge is like having a secret superpower for your kitchen. It not only gives an illusion of more space but also makes it a breeze to find your favourite snacks. Plus, it's a fantastic way to keep your food fresher for longer, saving you from the heartache of wasted food and money.
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Our fridge is a treasure trove where we keep all our tasty cooked, frozen, ready-to-eat meals, along with fresh groceries and raw ingredients. This sleek, modern appliance is truly a blessing for our kitchen! But remember, not storing food properly can cause a bit of chaos. Let's not let this precious space turn into a labyrinth of forgotten leftovers, expired condiments, spilled sauces, and food items stored without much thought.
It's quite common to run into a few hiccups with appliances we use so often. These can be easily sidestepped, turning your fridge into a super handy and efficient food storage system. And we've got some nifty fridge organizing ideas to help you keep everything in its place - practical and neat!
1. Avoid Overstuffing:
To keep it better organized do not overfill the refrigerator. Overcrowding adversely affects air circulation and restricts its efficient working. There should be enough space between the items to avoid cramming and maintain airflow. Certain areas can become more chilled promoting spoilage and putting more pressure on the appliance.
It can be a bit tricky to see and get to the items in the back. This can lead to the wastage of forgotten items. Keep the items in groups separately. Category wise storage makes it easy to locate and they are not haphazard. There should be a separate area for storing different items. The shelf height should be adjusted to accommodate taller items like bottles.
It is essential to declutter the refrigerator at regular intervals. The expired items should be removed. The things that do not need refrigiration can be kept in the other part of the kitchen. Using stackable containers can be really helpful for better air circulation.
2. Avoid Wrong Containers:
The selection of appropriate containers is crucial for specific items. Air-tight containers retain freshness and prevent aromatic intermingling. They help prevent the spreading of odors and extend the shelf life of the stored food items. These containers are ideally suited to store the leftover items. These Air-tight containers are BPA-free and excellent for meal-prep too!
Transparent containers are handy for locating the items easily. There is no need to open the container's lid or shift things around to read the label. There are various options for these transparent containers. They are available in various sizes, shapes, and stackable options to be accommodated in diverse portions.
Stackable same-size containers save vertical storage space. They are best suited for better air circulation and help keep similar items together. Fruits and vegetables should be stored separately in different containers. Some fruits produce ethylene gas which increases the process of ripening. We love these Transparent stackable container set on Amazon.
Acidic foods should not be kept in plastic containers. To prevent the reaction they should be stored in stainless steel or glass containers. Leakproof containers should be used for storing liquids and soups. Containers with handles are convenient to keep and remove.
3. Avoid Improper Storage:
Improper zoning of the storage space makes it difficult to locate the items easily. It impacts the freshness, safety, and longevity of the food items. There are chances of cross-contamination. Improper storage zones result in mismatched temperatures and diminishing flavors. There should be an appropriate place to store different food items.
Raw meat should be stored on the lowest shelf where it is coldest. The temperature is most stable on middle shelves. These are good for storing dairy products. The crisper drawers maintain the freshness and texture of fresh items. This is the ideal place to store fruits and vegetables.
Beverages should be stored on the upper shelves. Condiments should be stored on the door shelves where the temperature is less consistent. Sliced deli meats should be stored in deli drawers. Use tight-lid containers to store leftovers and place them on the upper shelves. Store eggs in their original carton and keep them on the bottom shelves.
4. Not Labeling and Rotating Items:
Containers should be labeled clearly. Normally we keep leftovers in the refrigerator and forget to use them in time. The containers should be labeled by date to prevent spoilage. This practice gives the idea of what to consume on priority and helps in meal planning.
This practice makes a big difference in maintaining a well-organized refrigerator. Without proper labeling, it becomes difficult to track the freshness and safety of the food. There are chances of consuming expired and spoiled products which can be unpleasant and harmful.
Other leftover things that are transferred to another container should be labeled with expiration dates derived from their original packing. These can be anything like meat, beverages, cheese, or any canned items. The shelves and category sections can be labeled. This is a good practice to organize things at their designated place. Removable labels or masking tapes can be used to mark the dates.
Similarly, this is also an important element to keep the containers rotating. This helps maintain their freshness and prevent wastage. The older stocks should be kept in the forefront and the new arrivals placed on the backside. Consider a rotating system where older items are placed before the newer ones. Normally we are in a hurry to keep the groceries as fast as possible when we come back from the store. This leads to keeping all the new items in the front and the older items are pushed back. There are chances that some items will go out of sight and expire.
5. Not Cleaning Properly:
Cleaning and sorting out the refrigerators is most important to keep them in a better working condition. It prevents the growth of mold, mildew, and bacteria. Disorganized and unclear refrigerators are prone to health hazards due to food contamination.
A thorough cleaning should be done on any designated day. Remove all the items and clean the surface with any mild cleaning solutions. Cleaning also helps to remove expired items. Dispose of these items to prevent odor and cross-contamination.
The spills and leaks should be cleaned immediately with an all-purpose cleaner. Deep clean the shelves and drawers once a month. Remove them and wash them thoroughly to maintain a fresh environment.
Conclusion:
These refrigerator organizing ideas help to maintain the appliance in efficient working conditions. A strategically organized refrigerator is an important element in retaining the freshness of the food items and keeping them hygienic. It prevents unnecessary wastage of stored items and saves money in the long run.
It is good practice not to overstuff to keep them better organized. We should not store food items in the wrong containers. There should not be any improper storage. Every item needs to be stored in an appropriate area, Label the containers with the date and keep them rotating. The old items should be kept in the front for better visibility. There is an important requirement of cleaning the appliance whenever it is needed. The shelves and drawers should be washed properly every month.