Tips For Efficiently Organizing Your Fridge & Freezer
Have you ever opened your fridge and been shocked to see the leftovers mindlessly stacked or had to empty the whole shelf to get a small jar that was pushed away right at the end?
Yes, we feel you too! Most of us are guilty of forgetting food in the fridge and later discovering it has already expired! But you may have not realised yet that there’s A LOT of space for everything inside your fridge, which is designed with specially designated zones to get the best out of the food stored in it. All you need is to be a little mindful and follow these simple tips and tricks so that every time you open your fridge, you smile with contentment looking at everything beautifully stored and labelled.
1. Label everything!
Make your life simpler and label all storage containers with leftovers by marking the names of dishes and expiry dates so that you don't have to sniff the food or recall when you stored it in the fridge.
2. Store the fruits and vegetables on the humidity shelf!
Fruits and vegetables need to be correctly stored to preserve their nutrient content. The humidity drawer at the bottom of the fridge is the perfect place to store your soft fruits and vegetables and not accidentally freeze them leaving them in the coldest corners of your fridge. Since most fruits produce a gas that can cause vegetables to decompose faster, they should always be stored separately.
3. Storage containers are your new best friends!
Cooking and storing food go hand in hand. You simply realise the importance of kitchen storage container sets almost instantly in any household. Whether it is storing the extra leftovers in the fridge storage containers or serving food on the dining table, reheating the food in the microwave, or using them as grocery storage boxes for stocking up the essentials, you need storage containers all the way. While there are plenty of fridge storage containers online in India that you can find, using good quality food storage containers that are leakproof is extremely important to maintain the hygiene of food. It keeps the food fresh for longer periods, prevents bacterial growth and minimises the chances of moulds.
4. Know your shelves!
Upper Shelf maintains an average temperature of 5-8 degrees, ideal for storing cooked food, ready-to-eat meals, deli meats, baked items and any leftovers.
Store the dairy products on the middle shelf where the temperature is about 5 degrees.
The temperature of the lower shelf is closer to zero and is ideal for storing meat. Any food item that may have oil or chances of liquid spillage should be stored at the bottom shelf so that nothing falls on the other food items and cleanup is easy.
#BorosilTip: You can also make cleanup a breeze by adding liners to your shelf and crispers. The package above features three ribbed liners, which will help air circulate your food and ward off mould and mildew.
Vegetables need higher levels of humidity, and many modern fridges will offer a dedicated drawer for this, so be sure to use it.
The fridge door is more susceptible to temperature fluctuations. Store butter, soft dairy, drinks, and condiments that have been opened like sauces and jams.
5. How about under-the-shelf baskets?
These will help you maximise the sparse shelf space if you think you need extra storage.
6. Get rid of store-bought boxes now!
As convenient as they may sound to store in the same boxes you buy the food in, they might take up a lot of extra space with their bulky packaging. Therefore, it is advisable to store food in Borosilicate glass storage containers, which not only allow you to see the food through the clear glass but Borosilicate glass storage containers which not only allow you to see the food through the clear glass, but they also add to the aesthetic appeal of your fridge and kitchen. They are freezer and microwave friendly too, so you can cook, store, heat and serve, all using a single dish! And there’s a bonus too, they can be easily washed in the dishwasher and will not absorb any stain or odour. It really couldn’t get more convenient than that.
7. Give the pantry products a new home!
Store the soy sauce, maple syrup, organic butter, milk, whole grains, nut flour, and yeast in a chilly environment for the best results. Yes, we were just as surprised but for long-term storage, your fridge is the best home for them.
8. Put the perishables in the front always!
Once they’re out of sight, they’re out of mind! Don't make that mistake and store the perishable food items at eye level so that you are reminded of utilising them soon before they perish.
9. Your fridge needs a liner too!
Drops of drinks and jams, bread crumbs and liquids from curries, really linger longer than they should! The easiest trick in the hat is to line your shelves with a heavy water-resistant liner that can be removed easily and cleaned with a simple swipe using a damp cloth.
10. Store the herbs in glass storage jars!
Fresh herbs often wilt in a matter of days, but storing them in water can keep them fresher longer and brighten up any fridge.
11. Use glass bottles for milk, water and juices!
Not only will they not absorb any odour or stain and remain spick and span since they are made of 100% borosilicate glass, but using glass bottles helps to organise and utilise the space in the shelves and door more efficiently. Since they are airtight and leakproof, you can be sure to avoid spillage and leakage.
12. Maintain your fridge.
While you might be tempted to clean the entire fridge one fine day and organise everything, remaining organised is a different story. Don’t let your hard work go wasted and maintain the hygiene of your fridge. After all, you will be eating what you are storing there.
