Cleaning and organizing your refrigerator is a great way to ensure that your food stays fresh and that you can easily find what you need. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by how much stuff is in your fridge and how cluttered it all is, don’t worry – it’s possible to have a neat and tidy refrigerator in no time. Here are some tips for making the most of your fridge:


Get started

The first step to cleaning and organizing your fridge is to simply start. Open your fridge and take everything out. It's best to work with a clean slate, so you can better evaluate the items you have and decide what needs to stay and what can be thrown away.


Discard old food

Check the expiration dates on all the items you have pulled out. If something has expired, immediately discard it. If you’re not sure if something is still good, it’s best to err on the side of caution and throw it away.


Clean the shelves

Before you start putting your food back in the fridge, wipe down all the shelves with a mixture of warm water and mild dishwashing soap. Be sure to remove any crumbs or other debris that has built up over time.


Sort your food

Once you’ve finished cleaning, it’s time to start sorting your food. It’s best to group items that have similar storage needs together. For example, dairy products, eggs, and cheese should all be placed together. Fruits and vegetables should be in the same area and raw meats and fish should be placed in their own spot.


Utilize containers

Using containers can help keep your fridge neat and organized. You can purchase plastic containers or use glass jars to store food items. This will keep your fridge looking tidy and it will also help to preserve the freshness of your food.


Don’t forget the door

The door of your fridge is often overlooked, but it can be a great spot to store items you use frequently. You can store condiments, juice bottles, and other items here. Just make sure to check the expiration dates on these items regularly.


Label items

If you have any bulk items, like bags of frozen vegetables or bags of nuts and seeds, you can label them to make them easier