​How to Organize a Fridge

If you're like most people, your refrigerator is a bit of a mess. It's crammed full of food, and there's barely any room to move. The shelves are stuffed with packages and boxes, and the door is cluttered with jars and bottles. It doesn't have to be that way. Organizing your fridge may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple!

Six Easy Steps to Organize Your Fridge

You can organize your fridge by following these six easy steps to make more space and find what you need.

1. Purge your fridge of expired food

Expired food can not only make you sick, but it can also cause your fridge to smell bad. Make sure to purge your fridge of expired food on a regular basis to keep it clean and organized. The easiest way to do this is to create a "use-by" date label system. Keep a roll of labels (or masking tape) and a marker beside your refrigerator. Then, simply write the date that an item will need to be thrown away and stick it to the front of the item. This way, you'll always know when something needs to be used or thrown out. Yes, it’s true that most food items already have some type of date on them, but some products use a sell-by date, while others use a best-before date, neither of which truly reflect when the food will go bad. Implementing your own system will allow for consistency and make cleaning out your fridge a cinch.

2. Group like items together

Arranging similar items together is a great way to keep your fridge organized. For example, you can keep all of your fruits and vegetables in one drawer or bin, while keeping all of your meat and dairy products in another. This will make it easier to find what you're looking for, and it will help prevent cross-contamination.

3. Store food in the correct place

Make sure to store food in the correct place in your fridge in order to keep it fresh for as long as possible. Here are some general guidelines of where different types of food should be stored:

• Fruits and vegetables: In the crisper drawer(s)

• Eggs: In the egg holder on the door or in a covered container on a shelf

• Butter and margarine: In the butter dish on the door or in a covered container on a shelf

• Cheese: In a covered container on a shelf

• Milk: In the main compartment on a shelf, not in the door

• Deli meats and hot dogs: In a covered container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored on a shelf

• Leftovers: In a covered container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and stored on a shelf

4. Label leftovers so you know what's inside

Remember that roll of sticky labels we mentioned in Step 1? Labeling leftovers is a great way to keep track of what's inside and how long it's been there. Simply write the date and contents of the leftovers on a label and stick it to the container. This will help you quickly find out what's inside and how long it's been in the fridge.

5. Place your most-used items in front and at eye level

Keep the items that you use most often in front and at eye level. This will help you save time when you're looking for something, as you won't have to search through everything. It will also help you avoid wasting food; you're more likely to see and use items that are easily accessible.

6. Clean your fridge regularly

Once you have an organized fridge, it's important to keep it that way by cleaning it regularly. At least once a week, wipe down the shelves and drawers with a mild soap and water solution. This will help remove any spills or crumbs that may have accumulated. It's also a good idea to empty your fridge completely every few months and give it a good, deep cleaning.

How Can Acima Leasing Help?

If you're in the market for a new fridge, Acima Leasing can help. We offer an alternative to financing that makes it easy to take home the fridge of your dreams. With over 15,000 retailer locations and flexible lease renewal payment options*, you can easily get the fridge you need without using credit.* Plus, if you make the number of payments as defined under your lease or exercise an option to purchase it early at a discount, it is yours! If you end up no longer needing your new appliance, you can simply return it in good condition at any time without further obligation.

Common Questions About

Does it matter where you put things in the fridge?

While there isn't a set-in-stone way to organize your fridge, utilizing the different compartments can help keep your food fresher for longer.

What should be stored in the bottom drawer of the fridge?

The bottom drawer is typically where you'll find the crisper drawers. These are meant for storing fruits and vegetables as they help to keep them fresh and crisp. Some fridges will have multiple settings that you can use to adjust the humidity levels, so be sure to consult your fridge's manual for specific instructions.

Where does cheese go in the fridge?

Cheese should be stored in a covered container on a shelf in the fridge. If you notice that your cheese is drying out, you can wrap it in a damp paper towel before placing it in the container.

How do I declutter my refrigerator?

The best way to declutter your fridge is to start by removing all the food from it. Once it's empty, take a look at what you have and get rid of anything that has expired or that you know you won't eat. Next, give your fridge a good cleaning. Then put everything back in an organized manner.

So, if your fridge is cluttered and outdated, don't wait any longer. Download our mobile app and let us help start shopping. Still, have questions about Acima Leasing? Visit here or our FAQ page for more information.