Monday, October 20, 2008

Refrigerator Makeover

For a quick, meaningful organizing project to make you feel accomplished, why not do a de-cluttering and cleanout of your fridge? Pre-holiday is a great time to clean out and make some room, and also to take stock of the staples that you have in your supply.

Start by pulling everything out and cleaning all of the shelves and drawers.

Store the least perishable items in the door; this space is most exposed to heat and isn't ideal for eggs, butter, etc. It's best for condiments and jellies. Review what you have and toss what's expired. Make a list of needed items, and also of items that you have that can inspire some recipes, so that you can use up food and avoid waste. Coordinate items on different shelves - sauces together, salad dressings, etc.

Next, toss out any mysterious/unrecognizable leftovers. Invest in clear containers for storing leftovers, and make use of masking tape and a sharpie to label (and date) items when they go into the fridge. Designate a shelf for these items. Square containers in various sizes will stack nicely.

The most perishable items - meats, seafoods, etc. - should be stored in the meat drawer, typically located low in the refrigerator where the temperature is the coldest.

Vegetables should be stored in the appropriate crisper with higher humidity.

Use the top shelf for items that shouldn't be stored in the door - eggs, dairy, butter, etc.

Some space-saving items in your refrigerator can help maximize your storage space. My favorite items from The Container Store include:

Egg Stay Fresh Container - $8.99
Beverage Can Dispenser - $4.99
Fridge Refresh: $8.99
Slimline Fridge Jugs: $7.99 - $9.99
DaysAgo Digital Counters: $7.99 - $9.99

Last but not least, don't forget to clear off the front of the fridge. Pictures, magnets, and artwork - while fun and personal - can create a cluttered look in the kitchen if they take up too much space. Leaving the doors of the refrigerator clean will make your kitchen feel cleaner.

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