Prevent Food Waste With A Fridge Organizing Tip That Changes The Game

We've all been there — you're digging through the fridge, only to find the leftovers you planned on devouring a week ago. Naturally, the only thing you can do is toss them out. It can be quite frustrating since groceries aren't cheap — not to mention all the effort it takes to shop and prepare meals. A lot of people place their food in the fridge without rhyme or reason. However, in reality, there await genius refrigerator organization hacks that can help prevent so much waste. One brilliant method involves making sure all the foods that need to be consumed right away have their own special spot.

A big reason why our favorite foods end up going bad is simply that we just don't see them. Milk containers and Tuesday's lasagna can accidentally get shoved to the back. The bottom shelf can also be a sneaky place, hiding Tupperware containers and old cilantro. To avoid this, it's important to create a designated area in your fridge for your groceries that are soon to expire. This includes your leftovers, dairy products with upcoming expiration dates, and leafy greens, like salad bags.

Before choosing the spot, it's a good idea to get your fridge clutter-free first. Go through every shelf and drawer, pulling out items that are expired, moldy, or simply don't smell right. If you run into ones that are still good, but you know you'll never eat, consider donating them to a loved one, neighbor, or someone in need. Then, clean all the shelves and sort your items.

Pick a spot in your fridge where you will keep all of your foods that need to be consumed before others. Make sure that it's upfront and at eye level. The top shelf is an excellent option. Each time you go to grab ingredients or a bite to eat, check this section first. Use clear containers for leftovers to help save time, and add labels with preparation or expiration dates. For extra space, eliminate unnecessary packaging. This is a good time to pull those older yogurt containers to the front and put the fresher ones behind them. All of this combined will help ensure that you waste less food, which in turn will help you save money.

There are other tips that can help when organizing your refrigerator to ensure everything stays freshest. According to the USDA, the temperature inside the fridge should be 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. To avoid food storage mistakes, keep in mind that the refrigerator door should be reserved for items that don't expire quickly and are less temperature-sensitive. The door is perfect for condiments, pasteurized juices, butter, and salad dressings. Since the temperature around the door's shelving fluctuates the most, it's best not to store items like meat, milk, or eggs there. The bottom shelf is usually the coldest, making it an ideal location for beef, poultry, or fish.

After grocery shopping, always sort your items — then put them away in their designated spots to avoid the chaos you just conquered. Remember to keep an eye on your consume-first area to make sure everything is used before it spoils. Lastly, clean your fridge regularly to keep it fresh and clutter-free.