18 Refrigerator Organization Ideas You Have to Try

Store Items in Clear Packaging

Save time and eliminate the guesswork by investing in clear containers that help you quickly identify their contents.

Kate Lubenesky, the president of the modern kitchen product brand W&P, explains how being able to see what's in your storage containers will help you search through your fridge faster.

Put Food Nearing Expiration at the Front

Be conscious of storing foods that need to be eaten up front and center, and rearrange fridge shelves semi-regularly to keep foods nearing expiration upfront. This will help cut down on waste, save money, and prevent unpleasant odors from forming.

“It’s easy for foods to get pushed to the back, where they ultimately become forgotten,” Lubenesky says.

However, if you have to freshen up your fridge, try baking soda to combat any smells.

Try Storage Bags

Glass food containers are great, but remember there's another storage essential: silicone bags.

“They are great for storing smaller portions of food, fitting in smaller areas of your fridge, and keeping oddly-shaped food that would be counterintuitive to store in plastic containers,” Lubenesky says.

Keep Commonly Used Items Close

Milk, butter, and salad dressings are natural picks for this easy-to-reach spot, but personalize your fridge to what makes the most sense for your eating and cooking habits.

“If you’re constantly grabbing for an item in your fridge, keep it in the door for easy access,” Lubenesky says.

Personalize Your Shelving Height

Adjust refrigerator shelving to maximize space and tailor the appliance to your needs.

“Take a step back and evaluate the spacing of your fridge’s shelves every so often,” Chantell Dennis, a professional organizer and the founder of Simply Organized Co, says.

Moving the shelves after every grocery store visit would be a lot of work, but occasionally revisit the setup to make sure it's still working for what you're buying.

Use Drawer Dividers in the Deli Meat Drawer

Deli meat drawers are typically large and shallow, and items easily get pushed to the back and piled on top of each other. Dennis recommends using dividers and bins to categorize meats and cheeses to keep the drawer neat and prevent food waste.

Label Leftovers With Masking Tape

Masking tape is inexpensive, easily removable, and doesn't leave a sticky residue on containers. Consider buying a label maker to streamline the process even further.

“For anything homemade, sticking a piece of masking tape with an expiration date on your container can help you keep track and avoid food waste,” Lubenesky says.

Implement an “Eat First Bin”

Create an "eat first bin" to prevent a perfectly good container of produce from going bad simply because you couldn't see it. Dennis suggests placing the about-to-go-bad items in a container at eye level so it's the first thing you reach for when a snack attack hits.

Ditch an Item’s Original Box

Save space and replace bulky boxes with storage containers and bags. Lubensky points out that a half-full box takes up the same amount of space as a full box and recommends transitioning the remainder of partially used boxes into bags.

“You can label the bags with dry-erase markers to remind you what it is, and how to cook it, or clip the cooking instructions off the back of the box and tuck them in with the food,” Lubensky says.

Use Turntables for Rarely-Used Condiments

Rather than sending infrequently used condiments to the back of the refrigerator, keep them within easy reach on a turntable. Dennis recommends using a turntable for extra condiments that don’t fit in your fridge’s side door. It's also a clever way to corral and neatly contain items in one spot.

Tailor Storage Solutions to You

Organizing isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal, so if you find a storage hack that works, use it, Lubenesky says. On the other hand, if something isn’t working for you, she insists it’s not worth forcing it. There's always another system to try out.

Know How to Store Produce

Different types of food have different storage needs. This is why it's important to know the best way to store each food item for the best longevity.

“Storing berries can and should look different than how you would store celery,” Dennis says. “Research the best way to store each produce item, and invest in bins that have freshness in mind", she adds.

Utilize Mason Jars

Mason jars aren't just cute; they're actually an affordable, practical storage solution for organizing your fridge. Mason jars work well for storing a variety of different food and drinks. Not only that, mason jars are available in so many different sizes, making them customizable.

Try Beeswax Wraps

Try using beeswax wraps for storing fruits, veggies, cheese, and bread. Beeswax wraps are more breathable than plastic wraps, which means your food will stay fresher for that much longer.

Opt for Glass Containers Over Plastic

Glass food containers are more durable and sustainable than their plastic storage counterparts. They're also more aesthetically-pleasing. And if you want to get extra eco-conscious, upcycle empty jars from used-up pasta, jams, etc.

Store Beverages in Drink Dispensers

Finding dispensers for your beverages instead of keeping them in their original store packaging can help save valuable space and keep things looking nice and organized.

Add Deeper Fridge Drawers

If possible, install deeper fridge drawers to create extra space. Some refrigerators have this capability, so research your exact model to find out if this is an option for you.

Buy Containers Created for Herb and Produce

Investing in containers specifically made for herbs and produce such as herb savor pods, garlic keepers, and various types of produce keepers can help help extend the your produce and herbs' longevity.