15 Refrigerator Organization Ideas For Your Next Kitchen Remodel

A woman taking fruit from the fridge

Keeping a refrigerator organized is no easy task. While there are tons of tricks you can use to get your fridge in order, some people choose to go the extra mile and remodel their fridge entirely. 

So, if you're tired of fighting over who gets which shelf space, apply a couple of these suggested refrigerator organization ideas to make your life a tad easier.

1. Declutter Your Fridge

A woman excited to declutter her fridge

It's time to start cleaning up that refrigerator. Get rid of everything you can by throwing away, recycling, and donating anything that is no longer deemed edible or valuable. When in doubt, throw it out! 

2. Consider a Separate Freezer

Homelabs Upright Freezer 

If only there were a way to quarantine old condiments from spoiled leftovers, but this might not always be possible in a refrigerator. 

A handy best-selling idea for fridge organization is installing a separate freezer. This makes it more convenient to split up your frozen goods and not have to dig through the back of your freezer when in a rush to make a morning smoothie.

3. Set Up Bins

Clear Bins With Vegetables, Dairy, and Jello Packs - Image by Container Store

Clear Bins With Vegetables, Dairy, and Jello Packs - Image by Container Store

Find a seamless way to see what you're looking for with the help of bins and baskets. This way, you can sort out all the leftovers and place them in one area. 

In addition, this may be an ideal method to separate food that has expired from what you need to use up next. For juice boxes, you can use plastic bins to store them on the middle shelf of the fridge for easy access to the kids.

4. Use Clear Containers 

Clear Containers for the Fridge with Handles

Keeping a clean fridge is important for staying healthy. To make it easy, create zones and store items together and in airtight containers to prolong their shelf life.

Containers with handles are great for snacks or condiments so that you can easily find what you're looking for without leaving the kitchen!

5. Label Bins with a Chalk Marker

Food with Chalk Marker and Labels - Image by Small Stuff Counts

Food with Chalk Marker and Labels - Image by Small Stuff Counts

Labeling your bins is a wonderful way to know what's stored inside without removing the lid. Use a chalk marker to label your containers with their contents so you can quickly identify which bin has eggs or veggies, for example!

6. Avoid Overfilling Your Fridge after a Grocery Run

A Messy and Stuffed Fridge

It may be nice to see a full fridge after hitting the grocery store, but ensure you don't stuff every crevice. Your refrigerator will function more efficiently if you fill the shelves correctly because it will not restrict airflow, and the greens and other foods will not spoil.

7. Utilize the Drawers as Much as Possible

Fruits and Vegetables in Fridge Drawers - Image by Epicurious

Fruits and Vegetables in Fridge Drawers - Image by Epicurious

Drawers are not only great for holding leftovers, but they also provide opportunities to organize condiments and other consumables you use daily or weekly! It’s also a practical way to prolong some leftover baking items like chocolate you haven’t used in a long time or flour, among others.

8. Use Pull-Out Drawers for the Fridge’s Upper Shelves

Eggs and Oranges in Pull-Out Drawers 

Many people store certain fruits that they don't use as frequently, such as apples or pears. You can create additional shelf space by placing a pull-out plastic bin on the upper shelf of the fridge to store leftovers or condiments.

9. Try a Lazy Susan to Avoid Digging Through the Back of Your Fridge

Condiments and Beers in Lazy Susans - Image by the Sun

Condiments and Beers in Lazy Susans - Image by the Sun

Not only will this keep you from digging through the back to find that bottle of ketchup in the back, but a Lazy Susan also ensures that your crisper drawers stay organized! It's also a convenient addition to a fridge and other storage and cupboards in your kitchen.

10. Use Sticky Notes to Track Leftovers and Expiring Food

Sticky Notes On Leftovers and Expiring Food - Image by Cosmpolitan

Sticky Notes On Leftovers and Expiring Food - Image by Cosmpolitan

This is a great fridge organization trick for anyone who tends to forget to finish the leftover milk or dairy. Use a note to place in the top of your refrigerator when you buy milk or cheese, and keep track of whether or not it's still good by checking off each time you use some.

11. Separate Fruits and Veggies to Prevent Browning

Fruits and Vegetables Separated From Each Other - Image by Spruce

Fruits and Vegetables Separated From Each Other - Image by Spruce

This is the perfect solution for anyone who keeps fruit and veggies in their fridge. Use a clean cutting board or tray to separate the two foods so that you can wash them more thoroughly. 

Keep your produce from spoiling by storing them separately and ensuring enough airflow in the bag. This will help prolong their life so that you can make more of an investment for a more extended period!

12. Utilize Shelf Liners

Colored Fridge Liners 

Shelf liners are the perfect way to protect your shelves from spills and combat bacteria and odors. The kitchen is one of those spaces that can get messy, but these refrigerator mats will help you keep things clean with their wipeable material, so it's easy enough to wash them off whenever they need cleaning! Plus, they're cushioned for gentle handling on fresh produce like fruits or veggies.

13. Replace Glasses or Bowls with BPA-Free Plastic Containers

BPA-free Plastic Containers in the Fridge - Image by Eat Right

BPA-free Plastic Containers in the Fridge - Image by Eat Right

Use clear plastic bins or BPA-free storage to store snacks, fruits, veggies, or even leftovers for an organized fridge. This is an excellent idea for individual serving sizes that won't require the use of many dishes!

It is also a very cheap solution that will help keep your kitchen clutter-free and organized without having to sacrifice the quality of some favorite snacks that are best stored in the fridge.

14. Get Yourself a Stackable Wine Bottle Storage

Stackable Wine Bottle Storage

Best for those who enjoy a chilled rosé every other night, a wine bottle storage for the corner of your fridge is an ideal way to achieve an organized fridge. It will make storing wines a convenient task, but this can hold up to three bottles of your favorite white or red wine.

15. Try Reusable Silicone Bags for Frozen Fruits or Leftovers

Reusable Silicone Bags in the Fridge 

Best for those who swear off from using plastic bags, a set of reusable silicone bags is an ideal way to keep fruits and veggies organized without having to go through the hassle of cleaning and maintenance. Moreover, this can fit most appliances and can save space thanks to the freezer compartments. Not to mention, it's dishwasher safe too!

Conclusion

There is a lot you can do to keep things in line in your kitchen. Finding refrigerator organization ideas can make a big difference in keeping things in order and within reach. And remember, a little bit of investment can go a long way to save space and arrange fruits and veggies neatly in your fridge.

Let us know in the comments which fridge organization trick you want to try on your next long weekend clean-up.

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