The Refrigerator

I can’t count how many times our refrigerator is opened in a day.  It is a very used part of our home!  Items go in, come out, leftovers go back in, new groceries come home, and the cycle goes on and on.  With so much use, the refrigerator can quickly become messy.  Let’s get it clean and organized today!

Step 1 – Make sure you have a block of uninterrupted time for this project, since you will be putting cold items on the counter and wouldn’t want to leave them out for too long.  Begin by taking EVERYTHING out!  As you are placing items around the kitchen, group themLets Get Organized Logo together (such as all dairy products together, snack-foods together, etc.). 

 Step 2 – Wipe all surfaces down.  If needed, take out any shelves or drawers that need to get scrubbed.  Wash them over the sink, and then put them back into place. 

A helpful tip for the fruit and vegetable drawers:  Line each of them with a few paper towels to help prevent the bottoms of the drawers from getting too dirty (then later you can simply replace the paper towels instead of having to scrub the drawer).

Step 3 Put items back in, according to organized sections.  Put similar items together (such as drinks together, dinner leftovers together, salad dressings & marinades together, etc.). 

Step 4 – Note any items you see that are low or that are needed for your refrigerator on your Grocery List (printable grocery list is available on this site under Kitchen section). 

Helpful Tip:  When you are ready to plan upcoming meals and fill your refrigerator with items for cooking them, visit the following website:  www.HeyMomWhatsForDinner.org where you can get plenty of help in organizing your family’s meals, printable recipes,  and pre-printed grocery shopping lists.

Step  5 – Show your family the newly organized refrigerator!  Explain where things are kept and  how to help keep it organized.  Show them your Grocery List sheet and explain that if they see any food items are low or needed, to write them down on the list. 

Now get yourself a good snack or drink from your tidy refrigerator

and take some moments to relax!