Having a well-stocked fridge and pantry is the dream of many – and often, we take these things for granted. In fact, with all the items in our fridges and freezers, we can hardly keep up with anything. Some of us may even have difficulty keeping track of what’s in our refrigerator! But we can all agree that keeping our fridge and freezer organized not only improves the efficiency of our appliances – but also makes it easier to find and access our food. But don’t give up just yet! By following a few simple steps, you can transform your refrigerator into a well-organized space that maximizes freshness and minimizes waste. So how can you effectively tidy up – and organize – your fridge and freezer? Here are some strategies to follow.

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  Start with a clean slate

Before you can even embark on your mission of organizing your fridge and freezer, it’s essential to clean your fridge and freezer thoroughly. First, remove all the items and check for spoiled and expired food along the way. Then wipe down the surfaces with a mild detergent, paying extra attention to spills and stains. This will provide a fresh canvas for your organization efforts. Also, if your fridge freezer has seen better days, you may want to check out some new fridge freezers in Cork from suppliers like Irwin’s Megastore.

• Categorize and group

To create an organized system, categorize your food items. Group similar items together (dairy, condiments, fruits, vegetables, and leftovers). By grouping items, you’ll have a clear overview of what you have and where they belong, reducing the chances of overlooking something buried at the back!

• Utilize containers and labels

Invest in clear, stackable containers that fit your fridge shelves, and use these containers to store smaller items like sauces, dressings, and spreads. This keeps the shelves tidy and prevents any potential leaks from spreading. You can also label your containers for easy identification – and to remind everyone in your household where items should be returned.

• Master the ‘Art of Rotation’

It is a strategy that every avid organizer knows: employ the “first in, first out” principle. Place newer items behind older ones, ensuring that the older items are used first, and this ensures that nothing gets forgotten and that perishable items are consumed before they expire.

• Optimize the shelves

Did you know that different shelves in your fridge have varying temperatures? The top shelf tends to be the warmest, while the bottom is the coldest. Use this knowledge to store items accordingly – for instance, delicate items like dairy products, leftovers, and ready-to-eat foods should be placed on the top shelf, while raw meats and seafood should be stored on the bottom shelf.

• Maximize efficiency in your freezer

We all know that freezers can become a jumble of items if not organized properly. Use clear plastic bins or baskets to categorize and store, and label containers accordingly. Use freezer-safe bags to store individual portions of leftovers or fruits for smoothies; doing so reduces clutter and maintains the quality of frozen food.

• Utilize your door space

The door tends to be the warmest part of your fridge, making it suitable for storing condiments and beverages. Arrange your condiments in a designated organizer to prevent them from cluttering the door. Store items like eggs elsewhere in the fridge, as they require a more consistent temperature. Good luck!

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