How To Organize Side By Side Refrigerator: Simple and Effective Tips

Oleh Elaine Donnelly May 31, 2023 Post a Comment

Are you tired of opening your side-by-side refrigerator and finding it disorganized, cluttered, and hard to navigate? Do you struggle to find the items you need quickly and efficiently? If so, you're not alone. A disorganized fridge can be frustrating, time-consuming, and wasteful. But don't worry, with these simple and effective tips on how to organize your side-by-side refrigerator, you'll be able to keep your fridge neat, tidy and efficient.

A well-organized refrigerator is essential to keeping your food fresh and delicious. A side-by-side refrigerator offers ample storage space, but it can also pose some challenges when it comes to organization. With its split design, it's easy for items to get lost in the back or become inaccessible due to the narrow shelves.

To help you make the most of your side-by-side refrigerator and keep it organized, we've put together some tips and tricks that will help you maximize space and make it easy to find what you need.

The Basics

Before diving into specific ways to organize your side-by-side refrigerator, let's first cover the basics. Here are some fundamental principles that apply to any fridge organization:

1. Keep similar items together

Grouping similar items together makes it easier to find what you need and helps prevent food waste. For example, store all your dairy products together, including milk, cheese, yogurt, and butter.

2. Use clear containers

Clear containers allow you to see what's inside without having to open them, helping you save time and reduce food waste. They also give your refrigerator a cleaner look.

3. Label everything

Labeling your containers and bins makes it easy to identify what's inside and how long it's been there. You can use stickers, marker pens, or even a label maker.

4. Keep it clean

A clean refrigerator is not only more hygienic but also easier to organize. Wipe down the shelves and drawers regularly and dispose of any expired or spoiled items.

How To Organize Side By Side Refrigerator

Now that you know the basics, let's dive into specific ways to organize your side-by-side refrigerator.

1. with an Empty Fridge

The first step in organizing your fridge is to with a clean slate. Remove all the food from your fridge and wipe down the shelves and drawers with warm, soapy water. This will give you a better idea of how much space you have to work with and allow you to see what needs to be thrown away.

Once your fridge is clean, begin by sorting your food into categories such as dairy, produce, condiments, etc. This will make it easier to decide where to store each item.

2. Use the Door Shelves Wisely

The door shelves are the perfect place to store items that don't need to be kept as cold, such as condiments, salad dressings, and juice boxes. However, it's important not to overload these shelves as they're not as cold as the rest of the fridge. Also, avoid storing milk or eggs on these shelves as they need to be kept at a consistent temperature.

3. Utilize the Crisper Drawers

Crisper drawers are designed to keep your produce fresh for longer. However, they can quickly become cluttered and disorganized. To maximize their effectiveness, use one drawer for fruits and the other for vegetables. Line them with paper towels to absorb excess moisture, and use clear containers to separate different types of produce.

4. Use Clear Bins for Easy Access

Clear bins are an excellent way to group similar items together and make them easy to access. Use them to store snacks, condiments, or meal prep items. You can also use them to separate different types of cheese or deli meat.

5. Keep Meat and Seafood on the Bottom Shelf

The bottom shelf of your fridge is the coldest, making it the perfect place to store raw meat and seafood. However, it's important to keep these items in airtight containers to prevent cross-contamination. Also, make sure to place them on a plate or tray to catch any drips.

6. Store Leftovers in Clear Containers

Leftovers are a great way to reduce food waste and save time. However, they can quickly become forgotten at the back of the fridge. To avoid this, store them in clear containers with labels that indicate the date they were prepared.

7. Use Lazy Susans for Easy Access

Lazy Susans are an excellent way to maximize space and make it easy to access items at the back of the fridge. Use them to store jars, bottles, and other small items that tend to get lost in the shuffle.

8. Don't Forget the Freezer

The freezer is an often-overlooked part of the fridge, but it's just as important to keep it organized. Use clear bins to group similar items together, and label them accordingly. Also, make sure to rotate your frozen items regularly so that nothing goes to waste.

9. Keep Beverages on the Top Shelf

The top shelf of your fridge is the warmest, making it the perfect place to store beverages such as water, soda, and juice. However, it's important not to overload this shelf as it can affect the temperature of the rest of the fridge.

10. Use Stackable Bins for Extra Storage

If you're short on space, consider using stackable bins to create extra storage. These bins can be stacked on top of each other, making it easy to make the most of your available space.

11. Keep Herbs in a Glass of Water

Fresh herbs can add flavor and nutrition to your meals, but they can quickly wilt and go bad in the fridge. To keep them fresh for longer, store them in a glass of water on the door shelf.

12. Use Egg Cartons for Small Items

Egg cartons are an excellent way to store small items such as cherry tomatoes, olives, or even leftover condiments. Simply place them in the empty egg compartments to keep them organized and prevent them from rolling around.

13. Store Cheese in Parchment Paper

Cheese needs to breathe, but it also needs to be kept fresh. To strike the perfect balance, wrap your cheese in parchment paper before placing it in a clear container. This will allow it to breathe while preventing it from drying out.

14. Keep Baking Supplies Together

If you enjoy baking, it's important to keep all your supplies together in one place. Use a clear bin to store baking powder, flour, sugar, and any other ingredients you need. This will make it easy to find what you need when you're ready to bake.

15. Use a Magnetic Organizer

A magnetic organizer is an excellent way to keep small items like spices, tea bags, and snack bars within easy reach. Simply attach it to the side of your fridge, and you'll have everything you need at your fingertips.

Organizing your side-by-side refrigerator doesn't have to be complicated. By following these simple and effective tips, you'll be able to maximize space, reduce food waste, and find what you need quickly and efficiently.

Remember to keep similar items together, use clear containers, label everything, and keep it clean. Utilize the door shelves, crisper drawers, clear bins, and lazy Susans. Don't forget the freezer, keep beverages on the top shelf, and use stackable bins for extra storage.

With a little effort and creativity, you can transform your side-by-side refrigerator into a well-organized and efficient space that will make meal prep a breeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How often should I clean my side-by-side refrigerator?

A1. You should clean your fridge at least once every three months. However, if you notice any spills or stains, clean them up immediately to prevent bacteria growth.

Q2. How do I know if my fridge is too cold or not cold enough?

A2. Your fridge should be set to between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit. If it's colder than this, your food may freeze, while if it's warmer, your food may spoil.

Q3. Can I store raw meat and vegetables in the same crisper drawer?

A3. No, it's important to keep raw meat and vegetables separate to prevent cross-contamination. Use separate crisper drawers or containers to store these items.

Q4. Can I store bread in the fridge?

A4. It's not recommended to store bread in the fridge as it can dry out and become stale. Instead, store it in a bread box or on the counter.

Q5. How long can I store leftovers in the fridge?

A5. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to four days. If you're not planning to eat them within this time, consider freezing them instead.

Q6. Should I wash my produce before storing it in the fridge?

A6. Yes, it's important to wash your produce before storing it in the fridge to remove any dirt or bacteria.

Q7. Can I store eggs on the door shelves?

A7. No, it's not recommended to store eggs on the door shelves as they need to be kept at a consistent temperature. Store them in the main compartment of your fridge instead.

Q8. Can I stack items on top of each other in the crisper drawer?

A8. Yes, you can stack items on top of each other in the crisper drawer. However, make sure to leave some space between them to allow air to circulate.

Q9. Should I store my fruits and vegetables separately?

A9. Yes, it's best to store fruits and vegetables separately as they have different storage requirements. Fruits give off ethylene gas, which can cause vegetables to spoil faster.

Q10. Can I store opened cans in the fridge?

A10. Yes, you can store opened cans in the fridge. However, you should transfer the contents to a separate container with a lid to prevent odors from spreading.