Fridge Setup for Success
When thinking about kitchen organization, your refrigerator can easily be forgotten. We find our clients are super excited about their pantry or maybe their spice drawer/cabinet, but the fridge? Not usually top of mind and we can’t have that, people! This space (much like the pantry) is crucial to your day-to-day lives and should not slow you down or make you sad. Let me help you take that space from “what is even in here?!” to “WHAT A DREAM!”
Here are my tips to get the most out of your fridge space!
1. START OVER—EMPTY IT ALL
If you are a regular to our content, you know this step is NEVER skipped on an organization project. We want to empty any space to really evaluate it and figure out what setup will make the most sense. Plus emptying it also provides the opportunity to clean it, and if your fridge is anything like mine, it could use a good wipe down every once in a while.
2. CATEGORIZE
As you are emptying, figure out the natural categories of your items. Snacks, kids’ drinks, cheese, vegetables, leftovers, milk, condiments, etc. This information will come in handy when you’re putting things back in based on your established categories and labeling areas of your fridge dedicated to each.
3. PURGE, BABY
If it is expired or will never be used, BYE. This is a guilt-free reset for your space. We want everything to be intentional!
PRO-TIP: Shop for the space you have, not for the space you want. This is my number one motto when working with clients. So many times people will say, “But we plan to add on” or “We’ll eventually have more space” and while that’s great, I’m trying to solve your current home organization issues, and to do that, we have to work with what you have.
If you have limited fridge space, it is not the time to be packing it in with Costco bulk buys. This will lead to a larger headache and uneaten foods because you can’t see them! Out of sight, out of mind, right? We cannot have that in this space. I get the draw of buying in bulk, trust me, but if you don’t have a proper way to store/organize the items at home so you can use/eat them, try to avoid buying them!
4. IDENTIFY YOUR REGULARS
Anything that makes it on every shopping list needs a permanent home in your fridge. For my household, that is items like yogurt pouches, applesauce, milks, fruits, vegetables, etc. Knowing exactly where these items will go every time you purchase them will give you peace of mind and keep that fridge organized for the long haul.
Also, when you see how much space your regulars take up, you know how much space you have for the “just because” or random buys. I try to not cross that line when grocery shopping because that’s when stuff gets crazy.
PRO TIP: If possible, invest in a beverage fridge. I know this isn’t realistic for everyone but this does not need to be an expensive purchase. There are lots of used fridges for sale online, which could bring so much value to your home. With a designated area for beverages and overstock, your main fridge will remain decluttered and maintainable.
5. PURPOSEFUL PRODUCT PURCHASING
Simply putting your items in a certain area of your fridge does not create a “home” for them. It will be very easy to ignore this fast and loose placement and then set things wherever you feel like it, especially if you buy too much and are trying to get things to fit. This is why we want to incorporate organization products to designate homes for your items that will hold you accountable, make finding items a breeze, and keep it easy to know when to restock your items.
These are my team’s go-to items when organizing a fridge:
6. LABEL
We use our favorite P-Touch Cube Plus label maker for finishing touches in the fridge. Our go-to colors are white on clear or white on black for a nice POP. Labeling the areas and bins in your fridge is the final step to your newly organized space!