"Clutter is Nothing More Than Postponed Decisions"
~Barbra Hemphill
This is my first counter-depth refrigerator. It took some time to decide what fridge cleaning hacks and systems worked best for our family.
It’s smaller and makes “real estate” much more important. Creating a clutter-free, luxury space is always super important to me.
This leaves no room to store things we don’t actually eat or “may” need at some point.
I love that we can easily see what's available and everything is much more accessible.
Things don’t get lost in the back like before. I can also quickly see what needs restocking because I’ve made it a point to keep our staples in the same spot each time. Everything has a home, and everything is in its home.
No matter what style the refrigerator I’ve had, when it’s disorganized more things tend to expire or spoil before being utilized.
Having an organized system that fits our actual, current lifestyle (not our wishful thinking lifestyle) has made all the difference in our budget and eating habits. I’ve also found that prepping food for the upcoming week helps with our grocery budget. This also ensures items are noticed and eaten before going bad.
When my kids pop in throughout the week, they can simply open the refrigerator and get a quick view of what's available. They won't be able to miss or ignore things because there's prep that needs to be done. It would be rough if they actually have to move something around to find it. 😂😂😂
This makes it easier for all of us because it makes for less clean up too. Rather than cleaning up bowls, colander strainers, knives, cutting boards, and countertops each time someone wants an item, it’s all done at once. The rest of the week is simpler with one less thing to do/think about.
I have always had an extra refrigerator to help keep staples on hand that run out during the week and help with holiday food storage. Even just extra water bottles and other drinks to have available for guests is helpful. This has allowed me to create and maintain a clean space in my main refrigerator. No more busy or clutter which gives it a more luxurious feel.
I have simple, clear containers for our staples, and I refill them each week when needed.
It takes a bit of an upfront investment, so I suggest you do a little at a time. Start with your most-used items. Then work towards the things you would like to have organized, but it makes you feel a little *extra* to do, like the condiments. I don’t love having bulky, colorful containers. They feel cluttered like they are just hanging out taking up space because they are used less often. However, when you do need them, no one wants to walk to the garage or basement for them. So I created a system for them. I am a little obsessed! ☺️ Here’s a quick peek.
If you're interested in creating a clutter-free, luxury space in your refrigerator, here are a few tips to get you started.
This may take some studying if you are making some lifestyle changes. Usually, we have similar everyday staples across all seasons.
Decide which of those items you want to start building your container stock with. Then determine and purchase the containers you want. Beginning with fruit and vegetables is a great place to start! Linked below are the containers I use. Most items are from Amazon. I’ve been using them for years as well as the ones I have recently added to keep our fruits and veggies fresh and appetizingly in view.
Prep your online grocery order to arrive after your containers have come in. Find the best day that you will have time to begin organizing and setting up your system. Then head out to grab your drive-thru grocery pick up. Even better- schedule it to be delivered. (if you’re in an area that it’s possible!)
Time To Set Up Your System:
Begin by completely clearing out your refrigerator space. Throw away things that have expired or spoiled. As I clean out everything in the refrigerator, I place them on my counter into categories like fruits, vegetables, condiments, dairy products, etc.
Deep clean drawers and shelves. I like to take everything out and wash them in the sink with soapy water. Then use a spray cleanser for the inside. This gives you the opportunity to thoroughly clean and dry everything. Be sure to think about the height adjustments you may want to make. You may determine to take out some of the shelves to suit your current purposes better.
Now is the time to determine where you want them inside your refrigerator. You’ll want to do this before you add your food items. Check spacing and what items you want at eye level, what things work best in the crispers or in the door etc.
Tip – I no longer store fruit and veggies in the crispers. This way they are easily accessible, at eye level and not put in the crisper where they are forgotten and go to die. Crispers are now for items such as leftovers, temporary food items I don’t want to have a particular container for, and my large lettuce bins.
Prep your items and fill the containers!
In the future, I plan to share what I’ve learned about storing fruits and vegetables to help them stay fresh longer. Some veggies simply store better when you keep them out of the refrigerator, and some better in. Some are better if you don’t pre-wash and prep them, and some work great to have them pre-prepped. There are a few that I know I can pre-prep even if they would last longer if I didn’t, but we consume them quickly enough that the trade-off is worth the risk. Time to prep all of my staple items and place them in the containers.
Time to place everything into their new home space! This is the satisfying step you saw in the video above. The reward for all of your hard work. Consider it compensation to yourself and your family as you can simply enjoy meal and snack time together throughout the week with all the prep work done ahead of time.
Lastly, I love to add a special item each week that tops it all off.
Usually, it is a special treat that is displayed in a pretty way. This time I chose chocolate-covered strawberries! I love that they are easily accessible and are a special way to send my love to my friends and family. Chocolate-covered strawberries are extremely easy to prep during your normal food prep time. I always keep a microwavable container of chocolate (here’s what I use) in my cabinet for special occasions. (The whole process takes about 5 minutes).
I’ve had this glass cheese dome for quite some time, but here is a similar one that I love!
I hope you will give it a try in your refrigerator! Remember, it always takes a little extra time to set up a new system, but in the end, you will be enjoying the rewards for years to come. Your meal times will become a luxurious, enjoyable part of your day. Who needs another item to feel anxious about?
Let me know in the comments if you will give it a try. If you have any questions or ideas that you would like to share, feel free!
Happy organizing!
