Dear Organizer:

Things get out of control in my refrigerator sooner than not. I try to clean out on a regular basis, but end up tossing lost leftovers and rotten veggies way too often. It’s hard to keep track of jars and bottles. I just realized that I have enough relish to feed an army.  Are there any special products you recommend to make my frig more user friendly?  Kim F.

Dear Kim:

Anyone who has cleaned out a refrigerator knows that it is a rewarding feeling when the job is done!  Continual reminders of those efforts happen immediately and frequently due to the amount of time we go in and out of this space each day. Glad you have a routine of cleaning out on a regular basis. Let’s address how you can keep this highly used space a bit more functional. Here are some tips and product ideas for you to consider.

Tip: Divide your frig into food types or area zones similar to your grocery store. Dairy, Condiments, Snacks, you get the idea.  Don’t be afraid to designate one shelf area for something like Dinner Ingredients Only.  Build on areas already determined by the manufacturer and/or completely customize the space for what really works for your household.   Recently, a client and I covered the word ‘fruit’ on the drawer that we decided to use for kid’s snacks . We loaded it up with cheese sticks, yogart, grapes in bags, juice boxes ,etc.  The one stop Kid Snack Zone is located at a  friendly height and  is super convenient for Mom  to inventory  on shopping day.

Rotten veggies?  Customize your frig  by considering  splitting veggies  between two drawers/areas/zones.  Salad items in one spot, veggies to cook with in another. Veggies will be less likely to get buried.   No drawers available?  Product: Create your own produce zone with Rubbermaid Produce Savers..  They keep items fresh and come in stackable sizes.Best part is that the container is CLEAR view.

Tip: Become aware of how often you use these fresh ingredient each week.  If your schedule only allows for you to cook with them 2 or 3 evening , then buy accordingly. We all tend to buy too many fresh items because we have the best intentions.  Then , after a long day, we order take out.  Just being aware of our habits helps us shop realistically—especially with today’s prices!

Leftovers should have their own zone to give them a fighting chance. Again, store them in clear food storage containers or bags for easy viewing. Sorry ALUMINUM FOIL, but you are no help here. I have found that the Rubbermaid- Easy Find Lids ™product- is awesome. Lids store on bottom of container when not in use.  Several sizes available and they stack nicely.   Shop Downtown Wooster! Everything Rubbermaid Store has both of these popular items continually in stock. Check them out in person to see if they are for you.

Jars and bottle of condiments add up. Shelf life on relish is a mystery to most. We tend to allow mustard to hang around for years.  Product: Get control of bottled items with a Refrigerator Lazy Susan (available at www.containerstore.com ). The turntable holds  items in place and make them more accessible,. Susan helps us easily view what we have on hand  and  is easy to clean.   I call my turntable ‘Run Around Sue’ for obvious reasons.

Tip: Avoid buying condiments on impulse. Only buy them if they make it to your list.

Tip: Once you have your zones determined, adjust the shelves if possible to m inimize wasted space.

Tip: It’s your fridge, after all. Feel free to label your new zones so that everyone knows the system.  Take the occasional ribbing from that friend who comments on your labels by replying,   “ Well you found it , didn’t you?!”

Maintaining good order will still take  a bit of your time periodically. Yes, things will  slide after a while.  That’s OK. With designated zones and some helpful products , restoring order will be much quicker and easier.