Challenge 4 is focused on the refrigerator and freezer.
Your mission: Maximize space and make food accessible; also, minimize food waste.
Clean first
Gather cleaning supplies. A paste of baking soda and water can be used to clean inside the refrigerator. Use a disinfectant to clean meat spills. Do a couple shelves at a time. Have a cooler nearby so you can put food into the cooler while you clean in the refrigerator/freezer. Remove shelves and bins for washing. Wipe inside ref./freezer. Group similar foods together. Check expiration dates as you remove/replace foods. Have trash bag nearby.
Note in the Before and After photos above that I removed the two crisper drawers at the bottom of the refrigerator. Just over the last year or two the crisper drawers were more like freezers and the lettuce, celery, fruits, and anything put in those drawers would freeze! We tried keeping the temperature not so cold. We tried wrapping the lettuce and celery in clean towels to act as insulation. Nothing worked! So we removed the two crisper drawers and replaced them with plastic food containers (about 10x13x4) and the fruits and vegetables remain cold not frozen after two weeks of experimenting with no crisper drawers.
Use bins
Organize groups of foods in bins/baskets: veggies in one bin, meats in another, desserts in yet another. Get bins that fit from front to back of refrigerator/freezer. Purchase clear bins so you can see the contents at a glance. Use a plastic bin to hold leftovers in one spot. If you prepare meals ahead for the week, this could be a time-saver for you.
The door is much more organized this way. I’ve never used the door for drinks like orange juice or soda (we really don’t drink soda in this house).
Lazy Susans
We love turntables in the refrigerator. At a spin, you can bring items in the back of the fridge to the front without having to move items out of the way. Measure the shelf before you make your purchase.
The freezer door was wasted space before organizing. Now it is holding the ice cream treats.
Leftovers
Store in clear containers. Purchase a Lazy Susan that comes with storage containers shaped like pie slices.
The plastic containers in the freezer have the contents and dates written on them so at a glance we can see what’s inside and how long it’s been frozen. One thing I don’t like about my freezer is the limited space for ice cubes! Has anyone used a countertop ice maker and is it worth it?
Rubbermaid plastic food storage containers from Walmart affiliate link.
Rubbermaid 40-piece food storage set from my Walmart affiliate link.
And even more Rubbermaid food storage containers from my Walmart affiliate link. We use all sizes, so you probably do, too.
Adjust shelves.
As you return items to the refrigerator, adjust shelves to see if you can gain room for additional storage. Purchase additional shelves if needed.
I like to line the refrigerator shelves and you can buy this 8-piece liner set at my Walmart affiliate link.
These wire baskets are good in the refrigerator, freezer, pantry or anywhere that you want to keep items together. See them on my Walmart affiliate link.
IDEA: Use egg carton in a door shelf to store condiments upside down. Place the egg carton in a plastic bin so you can take all the condiments with you when grilling or making sandwiches.
Shelf mats in the fridge can be made with placemats cut to fit. They can be thrown away or thrown in the wash when soiled.
Freezer
Clean and organize both the freezer attached to the refrigerator and later, the chest freezer for long-term/bulky storage. Freeze soups in plastic bags, in flat position to save space.
Stackable shelves are a good deal. Magazine racks can be used for this purpose.
Use freezer basket to organize foods. Baskets can be helpful because if foods are stacked on top of each other they could topple out when you try to take something from the bottom of the stack.
Download a FREE pdf of the Week 4 Challenge chart. CLICK HERE!
