Then we realized that the fridge I bought for $75 builds up a huge layer of ice in the freezer and then leaks massive puddles of water onto the kitchen floor about once a week. I was willing to look past that. We would just mop up the puddle of water once a week, break up the built up ice, and we’d be good to go for another week. But then the computer controls stopped working and the fridge is now stuck at the lowest temperature. Which means if we put things in the fridge anywhere but directly in the middle of the fridge (you know, like on the top shelf, the bottom shelf, or in the drawers…) it freezes. I’ve lost a lot of good produce by accidentally freezing it. sigh
So we finally had to cave in and buy a new refrigerator. Big purchases like that feel like they should be more fun, but I’m not going to lie, spending the money stings, and it’s just not a “fun” item to be spending our money on. Important to our survival as a family, yes, but it doesn’t exactly leave you saying “WOO HOO I bought a fridge!!” We get our new fridge next week. So to celebrate our big purchase, I’ve collected 25 tips and tricks to organize your fridge. I can’t hang curtains in my fridge, and I can’t exactly decorate it, so why not make the most of it and take this opportunity to make it the best organized fridge out there?
25 Tips and Tricks to Organize your Fridge
Looking through this list, I’m actually a little excited about our new fridge! There are some CLEVER people out there who really know how to stay organized! For example, I think these might be some of the smartest uses of binder clips I’ve seen! And even if you have no intention of keeping your fridge organized, you can enjoy the beauty of these perfectly organized fridges. The perfectionist in me LOVES to see all the perfectly lined up fridge shelves, even though I know mine will be a mess the first time I shove a tupperware full of leftovers in there. Here’s what refrigerator dreams are made of…
Save space by storing food in mason jars instead of bulky plastic containers. via Big Red Kitchen
Keep a list of what leftovers are in the fridge and what’s expiring soon to reduce the amount of waste. via The Seaside Bohemian
Make it easy for the kids (or you) to grab a snack by making a snack zone in your fridge. via Stockpiling Moms
Store your condiment bottles upside down in egg cartons. via The Krazy Coupon Lady
Glue magnets to plastic cups and store them on the fridge to help keep the counters uncluttered. via Made Everyday
Use a cheap wire rack to add an extra shelf and double your storage space. via Lifehacker
Use binder clips to hang bags of frozen fruits and vegetables in the freezer. via Organizing with a Side of Fabulous
Make it easy to access your fruit by placing a basket in the crisper drawer. via I Heart Organizing
Get in the habit of using an “Eat Me First” bin and fill it with of all of the items that are about to expire. Save money and reduce your waste. via Clossette
Use the front of the fridge as a whiteboard to keep track of what’s inside. via Chiot’s Run
Use binder clips to help keep bottles neatly stacked on their sides. via Lifehacker
Use fridge liners to help keep things clean. When they get dirty, just peel them off. via A Bowl Full of Lemons
Use a lazy susan to make it easy to access all of your condiments. via Rant Chic
Use Press N Seal wrap to line the shelves in the fridge. Peel it off and replace it whenever it gets dirty. via The Virtuous Wife
Keep those cardboard six pack containers and use them to keep the fridge door organized. via Homedit
Use pull out plastic bins on the fridge shelves to make it easy to see what you have. via Goodbye, House! Hello, Home!
Fit more on the fridge door by using inexpensive squeeze bottles for all of your condiments. via Chez Larsson
Organize the freezer with reusable fabric shopping bags. via If You Do Stuff, Stuff Gets Done
Use dollar store magazine holders to add instant shelves to your freezer. via Aunt Peaches
Use clear plastic bins to stay organized. via Four Generations One Roof
Use bins in the freezer to keep things organized. via One Crazy House
Store your food in perfectly sized containers to maximize the storage space in your fridge. Don’t forget the pretty labels! via The Social Home
Use chalkboard paint on the outside of the fridge. Then you can write down what’s inside, keep track of your shopping list, or just treat it like a command center for the house. via The Kurtz Corner
Turn your small plastic containers into magnets to easily store your nuts, seeds and other items that normally come in small plastic bags. via Tatertots & Jello
Make sure you also check out our list of 24 Back to School Organizing Ideas:
