Our Guide to the Ultimate Organized Fridge

Let’s face it: keeping your fridge organized is an uphill battle. But did you know there’s actually a right way to organize your fridge?

The “right” way, according to experts, involves organizing items based on your fridge’s internal temperatures, with the doors being the “warmer” zones and the bottom and middle parts being the coolest. Which means condiments should be stored on the doors, and everything else in the middle, right?

Sure – but keeping a fridge über organized is so much more than that. It also involves a methodology and mindfulness that promote organization, as well as thoughtful and visible placement strategies that help to curb food waste and make it easy to find what you’re looking for.

Not sure where to start? Check out our guide below to help you get your fridge into tip-top shape today:

First Thing’s First

The first step to getting your fridge to look amazing is to do a thorough cleaning. The best time to take on this herculean task is when you’re getting a little low on things, like right before it’s time to head to the store. Get rid of all expired items (condiments are the top offenders here) and wipe all the shelves and the door with antibacterial wipes or soapy water. If your produce drawers can be removed, now’s the time to give them a good soak. After cleaning, take stock of what you have in the fridge, and at this stage, loosely organize items according to FIFO: First In, First Out. For example, Monday’s leftover rotisserie chicken goes front and center, while unopened bacon with an October use by date goes in the back.

Let’s Take It From the Top

Restaurants arrange their fridges with food safety in mind, organizing items based on the temperature they need to be cooked to. While we don’t have to be quite so strict about our food placement, food safety should still be a top priority for us all, especially when it comes to raw or uncooked foods. This is why the top of the fridge is the go-to spot for your prepared foods and leftovers. Here, they’re (theoretically) easier to see, easier to reach, and there’s no danger of cross-contamination because everything is cooked.

It’s ok to keep eggs on the top shelf, too (even though they’re uncooked). Just make sure they’re sitting snugly in their carton, or placed in a clear storage bin. The top shelf is also where you ideally want to keep your most go-to stuff like your water pitcher, your milk, your deli meats and cheese, etc.

In the Middle

Now obviously everyone’s fridge is going to look a little different. But regardless of what your fridge looks like, a good way to start is to think about what you use and how you use it. No one likes throwing away unused or expired food, after all, and the best way to avoid this is by being mindful about how and where you keep things in the fridge.

The middle section is generally a great place to keep things like yogurt, fruit, and produce that doesn’t need to go in the crisper or bottom drawers (if you have them). Think things like carrots and celery, yogurt and dips/spreads, grapes, berries, peppers, etc. And don’t forget: FIFO still applies.

Investing in clear bins is a great way to keep your fridge looking fresh because they allow you to see what’s going on; everything’s in front of you, which eliminates the need to second guess, or shift the whole fridge around to find something. We love these organizers from the Container Store because they’re easy to clean, have a built-in handle, and are fridge/freezer safe. You can also label your bins for maximum organization.

Bottoms Up

Most experts agree that the bottom shelf is the spot for the uncooked and raw items — like meat. That chicken you got out for tomorrow’s dinner? Bottom shelf. That turkey bacon you brought home from the farmer’s market? Stick it on the bottom. Of course, you do still want to protect the surrounding items from cross-contamination, and these fridge liners are ideal for placing on the bottom shelf to prevent leaks, and they also make clean up a snap.

The bottom shelf is also a great spot to store any canned beverages (we know you’ve got some La Croix in there somewhere). This handy organizer is great for keeping those guys in check, too. This part of the fridge is usually ideal for stacking, depending on how much space you have. Just be sure to separate items accordingly, and use those clear containers for high visibility and easy access.

Other Helpful Tips and Tricks

We know everyone’s fridge is different. So let’s end with some general tips and basic FYI to help you keep yours looking great all the time:

Drawers are for produce, even though they’re (usually) on the bottom. Just be sure to keep your fruits and veggies separate, as many fruits (and some vegetables, too) produce ethylene, a gas that can cause other produce to ripen quickly and even spoil. If you need to store produce in mixed company, try a divided drawer like this one from Target.

Be mindful of food waste. The best way to reduce food waste is to stock and organize your fridge with care. Use labels to date items, employ FIFO, and don’t overfill.

Color coordinate if it helps. Practicality is key when organizing your fridge; so storing with an eye for color is a good strategy. Keep those greens together!

Thoughtful and organized storage can save you money. Less waste is something we should all strive for, but don’t forget that less waste also means less spending when it comes to your fridge. After all, no one wants to buy the same item twice!

This handy guide is a great way to get you started on your kitchen organizing journey, so head over to yours today and get ready to create the fridge of your dreams.