How to Declutter a Refrigerator

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Storing old or expired food products in your refrigerator can cause unnecessary overcrowding in your fridge, as well as create health concerns for you and your family. Follow this easy guide on how to declutter the refrigerator.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

To begin, clear everything from the refrigerator and move it to your kitchen table and counter tops. Completely clearing out the fridge will force you to consider each and every item before you put it back inside. If the fridge has accumulated any drips or crumbs, wipe them out with a wet sponge.

Step2

Examine any take-out containers or stored leftovers and determine how old they are, and if you have a plan to use them. Dump out any containers which hold old food and either discard or place into the dishwasher.

Step3

Check the expiration date on any item that has one. Is something past its prime? Then its into the trash.

Step4

Carefully check all your stored food and condiments, being sure to open everything and search for off-odors or signs of mold.

Step5

Do you know the average shelf life of your condiments? Food that has gone bad doesn't always show telltale signs, so it is helpful to know the typical lifespan of your favorite items. Ketchup is good in the fridge up to a year. Mayo will keep for six months. Soy sauce is only worth saving for three months.

Step6

Ready to start adding items back to the refrigerator? Familiarize yourself with the different zones of your fridge. The door is the warmest part of the refrigerator, and therefore, is not an appropriate place to store butter, eggs or any dairy. Try storing dairy on the lowest shelf of the fridge, and save the door for the condiments. Meats, however, are at home in the coldest part of your fridge--the meats drawer.

Step7

Place items in clear view, and at handy access. The easier your fridge is to navigate, the more likely you are to make a home cooked meal.

Tips & Warnings

Can't remember buying it? Then its time to toss it.
Eggs are best stored in the container they came in.
Fight the urge to buy bulk condiments at super stores. Often, you will be unable to use the item up before it expires.