Tips For Organizing Your Fridge Larder

A fridge larder is a great method to store produce that's past its best. It also helps you run a smaller fridge and reduce your energy bill!

It's a handy space to store items such as eggs, bread and hard cheeses. Fresh herbs also benefit from low moisture.

Keep It In Order

A refrigerator larder can reduce food waste and also make it easier to locate items when cooking. The refrigerator, just like any other space in your home can become messy and unorganized. Here are a few tips to keep your refrigerator organized and functioning smoothly.

Take inventory

The most important aspect of organizing your kitchen is taking inventory, says Holly Blakey, a professional organizer at Breathing Room. "Take everything out and verify the expiration dates. Clean all surfaces." Get rid of expired foods, toss or freeze leftovers and throw away any foods that aren't going to be eaten before they go bad.

Blakey suggests placing the most frequently used items in the front of your fridge. Then, you can put away the less-used items in the back and the bottom of your fridge and freezer.

Organize Your Freezer

If you own a chest freezer, you can organize it with clear storage bins that will allow you to find foods easier. Label each bin clearly and categorize items that are similar. For instance, you can keep a container for condiments, another one for sodas, and another for cheese sticks. You can also make use of a lazy Susan to store condiments and other items that are often used. This will prevent them from getting lost in the back of your.

Keep food items that require coldest temperatures in the back of a side-by-side refrigerator and other items that require warmer temperatures towards the front. The lower shelf is great for yogurt, milk cream, butter and cream (it does not melt). The crisper drawers are ideal for spilled food items.

Drawer dividers are a cheap and simple way to make your refrigerator more efficient. They'll keep your fruits and veggies from getting lost in. This will prevent the food from spoiling. Plus, they'll help your drawers stay clean and organized. To prolong the time of tender herbs place them in water. Mason jars filled with one inch of liquid are ideal for. You can also purchase an herb saver to place in your refrigerator.

Keep It Visible

Keep your fridge tidy to help you choose healthy meals and remain content throughout the day. Make sure all your containers for food are clear so you can see the contents. This will tell you the number of days left on your expiration date and prevent you storing food that's past its prime.

Begin your fridge's larder off with a thorough cleaning by scrubbing the shelves, drawers and racks with warm water and dish soap. Give your refrigerator a thorough clean to get rid of any crumbs and gross spills that might have accumulated.

Restock your fridge once everything is dry and clean. Start by storing your deli meats and cheeses in the drawer. Then move on to the produce drawer, which should be kept for leafy greens as they tend to fade quickly. Keep it at least three quarters full to ensure maximum freshness.

The pantry drawer in some refrigerators is a great place to store storage of large bags of frozen vegetables, and other bulky food items. It is also a great space to store condiments such as mayonnaise, mustard, and ketchup, as well as nut butters and other canned items. Avoid storing any milk here though, as it can go bad quickly due to the fluctuating temperatures within the fridge's door.

The back of your fridge should be reserved for jarred meals like salad dressings, salad dressings and other condiments that will last longer. Try using a riser to raise jars so that they are easier to read. This will save you from having to open and close the lid a few times, which will prolong the life of your condiments.