Shopping and stocking up on food is a common practice for many. However, not all families can afford to buy a side-by-side refrigerator to store more food.
Arranging food items in the refrigerator (big or small) should be done efficiently as it will help you save time finding food, store more items, and even save energy. This article will show you some tips to double the space in your refrigerator that not many people know about.
Arranging items in the refrigerator efficiently will help you a lot
1 Use Large Trays to Store Items
You can use plastic trays available at home or easily purchased at supermarket stalls. These lightweight and durable trays will help you categorize food items more easily, allowing you to save space in your refrigerator.
If you want to be more meticulous, you can label these trays for easier food identification.
Don’t forget to label for easy identification!
2 Use Plastic Containers for Food Storage
Many protein-rich foods such as fish and meat can be preserved well in low temperatures, such as in the freezer compartment. Clean and prepare these foods, then place them in before putting them in the freezer. These containers not only help to keep food fresh for longer but also prevent odor transfer and save space in the refrigerator.
Additionally, it is recommended to divide food into smaller containers according to meal portions to reduce the need for refreezing thawed food, thus keeping it fresher for longer.
Prefer square or rectangular-shaped containers over round ones to make the most of your refrigerator space. And don’t forget to label these containers too!
Arrange frozen foods in separate containers
3 Use Bag Clips and Magnets
This method can help preserve for longer while also utilizing every corner of the refrigerator. These items can be easily found on e-commerce sites.
Bag Clips
Fridge Magnets
4 Keep Snacks in the Center of the Refrigerator
During social distancing, the demand for snacks and drinks will surely increase, so it is best to place these items on the outside, in the center, for easy access for the whole family. This also prevents rummaging through the refrigerator and messing up the arrangement.
Keep snacks in the center of the refrigerator
5 Utilize the Different Compartments of the Refrigerator
Refrigerators usually have two compartments: the freezer and the chiller. The freezer is ideal for storing fresh food that needs to be kept for a long time, such as meat and fish. On the other hand, the chiller is suitable for storing dairy products, eggs, sauces, and beverages.
Additionally, the chiller compartment usually has a drawer that helps keep fruits and vegetables fresh by maintaining an optimal temperature. For partially consumed vegetables, keep them near the door to ensure you don’t forget about them.
For more information:
Don’t forget to adjust the temperature of each compartment according to its purpose!
Utilize the different compartments of the refrigerator
6 Place Newer Items at the Back
If you have multiple items of the same type, make it a habit to arrange them so that newer items are at the back. This will help you remember to use older products first to avoid waste.
Arrange items in order to optimize food preservation
7 Make a Shopping List of Items to Buy and Restock
Create a shopping list before going to the market
Regularly checking the status of food in the refrigerator will help you control the amount of food, thereby avoiding excess and saving money.
Keeping the interior of the refrigerator tidy will improve cold air circulation, enhancing its cooling efficiency. Not only will you find it convenient, but you’ll also save a bit on your electricity bill. Hopefully, with the above tips, you’ll be able to keep your refrigerator neat and organized!
Some notes on using the refrigerator:
• Weekly, remember to defrost and clean the refrigerator to keep it smelling fresh. If your refrigerator has an unpleasant odor, check out this article for solutions.
• Regularly check the food in the refrigerator, and if anything is close to its expiration date, consume it promptly to save space and avoid waste.
• Some foods should not be stored in the refrigerator, such as bread, potatoes, and onions, as they can produce carcinogens. Read more in this article:
More Useful Advice for Homemakers (Part 2)
Have you heard of the surprisingly easy tips to make cooking and household chores simpler? White radish eliminates the acrid taste of salted meat, adding alum to raw shrimp helps soften it, and adding cold water when frying eggs can make them crispy – these are just a few of the tricks to make your life easier.