The fabulous Dani, aka The Organiser Next Door, shares a detailed step-by-step guide to help you organise your fridge. From decluttering and smart storage tips to reducing food waste and embracing sustainable practices, this guide has everything you need to create a fridge that's good for you and the planet. 🌍💚
Maintaining an organised fridge not only saves you time and money, but it also helps in reducing household waste. By following a few simple steps, you can ensure that your fridge is well-organised and your food stays fresh for longer. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of organising your fridge effectively, along with some recommended products to help you in your journey towards reducing waste. Let's get started!
Step 1: Start with a Clean Slate
Before you begin organising your fridge, take the time to completely empty it. Ideally, do this a day before your weekly food shop to minimise the time your fresh food spends outside. This will allow you to assess what you already have and make an accurate shopping list.
Step 2: Thoroughly Clean Your Fridge
Once your fridge is empty, give it a thorough cleaning. Opt for natural cleaning products whenever possible, as they are safe for food preparation areas. Check out some of my favourite natural cleaning products. For an eco-friendly touch, store these products in reusable spray bottles designed to reduce carbon emissions during shipping.
Step 3: Personalise Your Organisation
Now that your fridge is clean and ready, it's time to organise it according to your needs. While the organisation will vary depending on your household, here are some general tips to help you get started:
- Store raw meat on the lowest shelf to prevent leaks and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. If needed, utilise the freezer for additional storage, which can also help preserve the freshness of the meat.
- Consider using a turntable or lazy susan to store jars and bottles of condiments. This makes it easier to access each item without having to move everything else.
- Reserve one of the bottom drawers for condiments that have a longer shelf life and are used less frequently. By doing so, you'll reduce waste and save money by avoiding forgotten items like fresh produce.
- Allocate refrigerator shelves for fresh fruits and vegetables. Take the time to wash and prepare them as soon as you return from your food shop. For items like raspberries and grapes, store them in airtight clear containers to keep them fresh for longer.
Step 4: Invest in Glass Containers
Clear glass containers are an excellent storage solution for your fridge. Not only do they keep your food fresh, but they are also convenient to take with you to work or outings. They can even be used in the freezer and reheated in the oven or microwave. By having prepared fruits and vegetables readily available in these containers, you'll save time during meal preparation and reduce waste.
Step 5: Store Leftovers Efficiently
Utilise airtight glass containers or reusable beeswax wraps as eco-friendly alternatives to cling film and tin foil. Beeswax wraps are biodegradable and multipurpose, making them an excellent addition to your kitchen. From keeping your food fresh to rolling into a piping bag or serving as a grip to open stubborn jars, they have various uses. You can even try making your own beeswax wraps.
Step 6: Organise the Door Compartments
The door compartments in your fridge are suitable for storing dairy items. However, keep in mind that this area may be slightly warmer, so it's crucial to set your fridge temperature to 5 degrees Celsius or below. Remove any excessive packaging before placing items in the fridge to save space and easily access snacks. If a product doesn't have a use-by date, consider labelling it yourself. By keeping and maintaining a shopping list it will also help to minimise waste and save money.
Bonus Tip: Dissolvable Labels for Easy Tracking
For optimal organisation, consider purchasing dissolvable labels. These labels can be applied to your glass containers, providing information about the contents and use-by dates. When you finish the food, the labels easily wash off, leaving your containers ready for reuse.
By following these simple steps and incorporating recommended products into your fridge organisation, you can enjoy the benefits of an organised fridge while reducing waste. Remember to personalise the organisation to fit your household's needs. I hope you found these tips helpful and are inspired to create a system that works for you. Happy organising and waste reduction!
For more home organisation tips please follow @the.organiser.next.door or head to Dani's website to find out more!