Think about how often you use your fridge (I’m in there at least three times a day, plus snacks!), then think about how often you wish your fridge storage was a bit more efficient. By deep-cleaning, grouping and cleverly storing its contents, you can make your fridge work for you – not the other way around!
Enjoy a stress-free meal-prep experience and save money in the process by creating an efficient fridge storage system that suits your needs. Choosing fridge organisers that maximise your storage sounds harder than it really is! An organised and decluttered refrigerator will keep you from missing those hidden ingredients and will also save you time, whether you’re rushing off to work or whipping up a culinary storm.
Perfecting the art of fridge storage can be a daunting task, so we’ve created a quick and easy guide on how to perfectly organise your fridge.
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Clean Out
Before you can organise your fridge, you need to take inventory and throw away anything that’s expired. Keep in mind that there is a difference between use-by and best before dates. Place the items you’ll be keeping in a cooler bag or esky while you clean to prevent them from going off.
Tip: Wipe down each shelf with your multi-purpose cleaner of choice and a non-abrasive cleaning sponge.
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Keep those shelves clean
Using a good quality shelf liner on your fridge shelves (and in the crisper, too) makes cleaning up those spills and leaks so much simpler. Make sure you choose a water-resistant liner that will be easy to wipe down every now and then. It’s much easier to remove the liner and wipe it down (or replace it) than to scrub your shelves again.
Tip: Choosing a clear shelf liner will blend in perfectly with glass shelves!
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Store similar items together
Storing like with like won’t only make your fridge look more organised, but it will also keep you from double purchasing. Clear fridge storage containers are the way to go, so you’ll always see what’s inside. Integrated handles are a bonus, allowing you to quickly grab and go.
Soko Secret: Labelling your fridge containers is a great way to make sure that you (or your little helpers) always put the shopping away in the right place. It’s all about building clever fridge storage habits!
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Size isn’t everything
Make sure you keep your most frequently used items on a low shelf that’s easy to access. This will stop them from getting lost at the back of the fridge, or on a shelf that the kids can’t see or reach.
Placing smaller items together in fridge organisers is a great way to keep them from getting lost at the back of the shelf.
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Meal-prep to save time and space
Preparing lunches or dinners in advance is a great way to save both money and time. And four or five meal containers are so much easier to store than a fridge full of ingredients! Glass containers won’t stain or absorb smells of the contents and are safer to microwave than plastic.
Tip: If you’re not ready to prepare full meals in advance, why not try preparing some small snacks? Vegetable soldiers and fruit salads are a great place to start.
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Stacking is smart
Clear, stackable fridge organisers are a great choice that will allow you to see the contents easily, even if you have two or more containers stacked up.
If you like to store water bottles, soft drink cans or beer in the refrigerator, consider a bottle dispenser or can dispenser. These allow you to stack bottles or cans in a small space, while providing easy access to a cold beverage. This will also free your fridge door up for those smaller items that can clutter fridge shelves.
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Keep it fresh
If your fridge is starting to smell funky, you don’t have to spend the big bucks on fridge deodorisers. Vanilla extract is a simple and sweet way to keep your fridge smelling fresh. Just soak a cotton ball or paper towel in vanilla extract, put it on a paper plate in the fridge and wait for it to dry.
Treating the source of the problem is the best way to banish bad odours, though. Most produce containers have adjustable air circulation filters built-in, allowing you to regulate how much air your fruit and veg receive and stop them going off too quickly. Crisper inserts absorb ethylene gas emitted by fruit and vegetables, keeping them fresher (and odour-free!) for longer.
