The Ultimate Guide to Fridge Organization for the Lunar New Year

A cluttered refrigerator, with food, drinks, and condiments haphazardly stuffed inside, is not only unappealing but also makes finding what you need a challenge. It can also lead to a higher risk of food spoilage. So, how can you organize your refrigerator to make it more efficient and keep your food fresh and lasting longer?

Administrator

15 July, 2024

Keeping your refrigerator clean and organized during the festive season can be a challenge, especially with the abundance of food and drinks. Here are some tips to help you arrange your fridge efficiently:

First, let’s talk about food categorization. Divide your food items into four groups:

– Freezer section: This is for raw meat, fish, and canned goods.

– Refrigerated section: Divide this into three parts—one for vegetables, one for eggs, and another for foods that don’t require very low temperatures.

1Organizing Food in the Fridge

Freezer:

Although the freezer section is small, you can still store a lot of food if you arrange it wisely. During the holidays, it’s common to stock up on meat and canned goods for guests. To make the most of this space, divide the meat into smaller portions and store them in separate plastic bags. This way, you can easily stack them and make room for more.

Door shelves:

These shelves are the warmest part of the fridge, so they are ideal for storing items that don’t require intense cooling, such as eggs, condiments, and long-lasting sauces. The bottom shelf of the door can hold heavier items.

Bottom shelf:

When it comes to the bottom shelf, the rule of thumb is to place taller items at the back. For cooked food or raw ingredients like butter or half-used tomatoes, make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and arrange them by region. Place leftovers in containers and keep cooked food on the upper shelf, with uncooked food below.

Drawer:

The drawer is the perfect place to keep your vegetables fresh for a longer period, as it has a moderate temperature. However, for half-used vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers, it’s best to keep them in the door shelves so that you remember to use them when you open the fridge.

2Additional Tips for Fridge Organization

– Store food in airtight containers to prevent odor transfer and make organizing easier.

– Arrange food by expiration date. Place items that will expire soon at the front of the fridge so you don’t forget about them and reduce food waste.

– Avoid blocking the air vents or the suction area of the fridge with food items.

– Don’t pack food too tightly together to prevent spills when removing items.

By following these tips, your fridge will stay neat and tidy during the holidays, making it easier to find what you need.

Frequently asked questions

The Lunar New Year is a time for celebration and feasting. By organizing your fridge beforehand, you can ensure that you have enough space for all the delicious food and drinks you’ll be enjoying during the festivities. It also helps to keep your fridge neat and tidy, making it easier to find items and preventing food wastage.

Utilize storage containers and organizers to make the most of the space. Group similar items together and use labels to easily identify them. Make use of the door shelves for condiments and beverages, and consider using under-shelf baskets or bins to create extra storage. You can also store certain fruits and vegetables together in the crisper drawers to save space.

Place an open box of baking soda in your fridge to absorb odors. Natural odor absorbers like coffee grounds or activated charcoal can also be used. Regularly clean your fridge, throwing away any expired food and wiping down the shelves and compartments with a mild cleaning solution.

Arrange food in a way that maximizes airflow and prevents cross-contamination. Store raw meat and seafood in airtight containers on the bottom shelves, where it’s colder. Keep ready-to-eat foods and leftovers on the upper shelves, and place fruits and vegetables in the crisper drawers. Use the door shelves for condiments, beverages, and items that don’t spoil easily.

It’s recommended to deep clean your fridge at least once every three months. However, a quick weekly clean can help maintain its freshness. This includes wiping down spills and messes as they happen, throwing away expired food, and organizing the contents to ensure nothing goes bad.