How to Organize Your Refrigerator Like a Pro in Six Easy Steps

Refrigerators can easily become a chaotic space filled with forgotten leftovers, expired sauces, and cluttered shelves. Recently, I decided it was time to give my own fridge a much-needed refresh. In just 1.5 hours, I transformed it into a clean and organized space, and I’m excited to share my step-by-step process with you!

Step 1: Empty Everything out of the Refrigerator

The first thing I did was remove absolutely everything from my fridge. This allowed me to see what I was working with and made it easier to clean every surface thoroughly. It’s amazing how much easier it is to organize when you start with a blank slate!

Pro Tip: Use a cooler or insulated bag to keep perishable items cold while you work.

A judging cat can help keep you on task!

Step 2: Deep Clean the Refrigerator

With the fridge completely empty, I wiped down all the shelves, drawers, and surfaces. I even found some gunk underneath a pull-out drawer that had been hiding there for who knows how long (gross!). Warm water, dish soap, and a microfiber cloth were my go-to tools for tackling sticky spills and grime.

Pro Tip: If your shelves or drawers are removable, take them out and wash them in the sink for a more thorough clean.

Bonus Pro Tip: Unless you live alone, get help with or have someone else do this step!

Step 3: Sort and Declutter

Once the fridge was sparkling clean, I turned my attention to the items I’d removed. I went through each one, checking expiration dates and asking myself:

• Is it expired?

• Will my family actually eat this?

• Was this bought for a specific recipe or event and never used again?

I tossed anything that was expired or unlikely to be eaten. This step was essential for creating more space and ensuring the fridge only held what we truly needed.

Having clear categories made it so much easier to find what I needed and avoid overbuying.

Pro Tip: Clear bins or organizers can help keep small items contained and make it easy to slide things in and out.

Step 4: Create Categories

To make the fridge more functional, I created specific zones for different types of items:

• Drinks: All beverages in one easy-to-reach spot.

• Dairy & Dairy Alternatives: Milk, yogurt, cheese, and similar items grouped together.

• Leftovers: A dedicated area to keep track of meals that needed to be eaten soon.

• Sauces & Condiments: Organized so nothing would get lost in the back.

Step 5: Reflect on Shopping Habits

While organizing, I noticed a pattern: many items in my fridge were bought for a specific recipe or party and never used again. This was a great reminder to be more intentional with my shopping. Before buying specialty ingredients, I now ask myself if they’ll be used for more than one dish. If not, I try to find a substitute using items I already have.

Step 6: Maintain the System

The key to keeping your fridge organized is regular maintenance. I now set aside 10-15 minutes each week to:

• Toss expired items.

• Wipe up spills.

• Reassess leftovers and meal prep.

This small effort goes a long way in keeping my fridge functional and clutter-free.

Before & After: The Transformation

Final Thoughts

Organizing your refrigerator doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With just a little time and a clear plan, you can create a fridge that’s clean, efficient, and works for your household. Plus, you’ll save money by reducing food waste and avoiding duplicate purchases.

If you’re ready to tackle your fridge, take it step by step, and don’t forget to celebrate your progress! And if you need help with organizing projects big or small, the team at Kelly Brask Organizing is here to support you every step of the way.

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