Best Fridge Layout
Get tips on the Best Fridge Layout to create a streamlined area for your cold food storage. Set-up tips and helpful organizers will get you on the way to a functional space.
An organized refrigerator is an essential part of your kitchen organization plan and will save you money and time.
Food prices seem to be climbing every day, so finding smart ways to store your groceries is more important than ever. Proper food storage can help you save money by making your groceries last longer, and it cuts down on waste, which is great for your peace of mind.
Simple things like using airtight containers, freezing leftovers, or labeling your food with dates can make a big difference. You can also organize your fridge to keep your food fresh until you are ready to use it.
Little habits like these can keep an organized fridge and save you money.
Being Organized is Healthier
Keeping your fridge organized isn’t just about tidiness—it can actually keep you healthier.
When everything has its place, it’s easier to spot what you have before it starts to spoil, which means less waste and fewer unpleasant surprises. Plus, keeping your food properly stored and well-spaced can help reduce bacteria growth, ensuring your meals stay fresh and safe.
And the best part? Meal prep gets so much easier when you can quickly see what’s on hand. A little fridge organization goes a long way!
Get our go-to list of the Best Refrigerator Organizers for more tips.
How to Organize Your Fridge Layout
Organizing your fridge doesn’t have to be complicated—just a few simple tips can make a big difference. With the right setup, your food will stay fresher longer, and everything you need will be easy to grab when you’re cooking or snacking.
It’s all about making life a little simpler (and tastier).
Start with a Clean Slate
Before you dive into organizing, take everything out of your fridge and sort the food into categories. This will help to make organizing the layout easier.
Toss any food that is spoiled or expired, and wipe down any bottles or containers that are messy.
Once empty, give your fridge a good cleaning being sure to remove any shelves or drawers.
DM Pro Tip: Don’t stress if you have to toss expired or spoiled food—it happens to all of us. What matters is learning and trying new ways to store your food so it lasts longer.
With our food tips, you can build simple habits to reduce waste and make the most of everything you buy. You’ve got this!
Create an Organized Layout
Now that your fridge is clean and empty, it’s time to start organizing. The key here is to designate a spot for each type of food or drink. This will make it easier for you to find what you need and keep everything from getting jumbled together.
Here are some tips to help you create an organized layout:
- Store dairy products (milk, yogurt, cheese) on the top shelf where it’s typically the coldest in your fridge.
- Keep meats and seafood on the bottom shelf, as they can drip and contaminate other foods if placed higher up.
- Place fruits and vegetables in designated drawers, keeping them separate from each other to prevent cross-contamination.
- Utilize the door shelves for storing frequently used items like drinks, dressings, and condiments.
- Store eggs on the middle shelf, which is usually the most consistent temperature.
Organizing your fridge in this way not only makes it easier for you to find what you need, but it also helps keep food fresher longer by storing it at the proper temperature.
Organizing Each Category
Now that you know the best areas to store your food, lets look at a few containers that will help to keep each area neater.
For Dairy Products
Narrow containers work great to hold single-serving yogurts or drinks. This makes them easier to reach for and keeps them from getting lost in the back of your fridge.
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Food Tip: When stocking your yogurts, always place the newer ones at the back and bring the older ones to the front. This simple habit helps you use up what you have before it expires.
For Meats and Seafood
Use plastic bins to keep deli meats and seafood separate from other foods. This helps prevent cross-contamination and also makes it easier to grab what you need without having to rummage through everything else.
Food Tip: Deli meat is only good for about 3-5 days so be sure to use it up quickly or freeze it for later. Write the date on the package when you buy it to keep track of its freshness.
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For Fruits and Vegetables
Produce bins or clear containers with lids work best for storing fruits and vegetables. This not only keeps them organized but also helps to maintain their freshness by controlling humidity levels.
Food Tip: Wash your produce before placing it in the fridge, as this can help prevent bacterial growth and extend its shelf life. Use sectioned containers to neatly organize and prepare snack trays for your family, making healthy snacks easy to grab.
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For Condiments and Dressings
Use door shelves for these items, but be sure to check expiration dates regularly and discard any that have expired. Keep similar items together so they are easy to find when needed.
Food Tip: When buying condiments or dressings, opt for smaller sizes if you don’t use them often. This helps prevent food waste and frees up space in your fridge for other items.
For Eggs
Store your eggs in their original carton or a container designed for eggs. Place them on a middle shelf near the back of the fridge to keep them at a steady temperature, as eggs are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations.
Food Tip: Use hard-boiled eggs within one week and raw eggs within three weeks for optimal freshness. To check if an egg is still fresh, place it in a bowl of water – if it sinks, it’s fresh; if it floats, it’s likely spoiled.
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For Leftovers
Invest in clear containers with lids for storing leftovers. Not only does this make them easy to see and grab when you’re looking for something quick to eat, but they also help keep your fridge organized and reduce food waste.
Food Tip: Label your leftovers with dates so you know how long they’ve been in the fridge. As a general rule, consume leftovers within 3-4 days to ensure freshness and prevent food-borne illnesses.
You can also put heating instructions on the container to encourage your family to eat them. This one tip will greatly cut down on food waste, especially if you have teenagers.
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For Beverages
Designate a specific area for beverages in your fridge, such as a door shelf or bottom shelf. This makes it easy to access them without disrupting other items in your fridge.
Food Tip: Avoid storing milk in the fridge door, as this is the warmest part of the fridge and can cause the milk to spoil quicker. Instead, store it on a middle shelf towards the back for optimal freshness.
You can also save space in your fridge by using stackable cans or bottles for beverages like soda, water, or beer. This will also make it easier to see what options you have available.
Tips to Keep Your Fridge Neat and Organized
- Clean out your fridge at least once a week to get rid of expired or spoiled food.
- Place newer foods in the back and move older foods towards the front to ensure nothing gets forgotten.
- Use clear containers or bins to group similar items together, making it easier to find what you need.
- Utilize the crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables, as they are designed to keep produce fresher longer.
- Store raw meats on the bottom shelf to prevent any juices from dripping onto other foods.
- Clean up spills immediately to avoid any lingering odors or bacteria growth.
- Consider investing in a lazy susan for condiments, as this will make it easier to access everything without having to move other items.
- Keep a list or use a magnetic notepad on your fridge to write down items that need to be restocked so you don’t forget anything during your next grocery run.
- Avoid overcrowding your fridge by removing unnecessary packaging and storing food in more compact containers.
- Lastly, always check the temperature of your fridge regularly and adjust accordingly to ensure food stays fresh for longer.
A clean and organized fridge layout not only keeps your food fresh and safe but also makes your life easier. Start putting these tips into practice to save time, money, and effort while creating a space that’s simple to maintain.
Make it a habit to clean out your fridge regularly and adjust your setup when needed to ensure all your food stays at its best.
