The 15-Minute Fridge Organization Guide

A well-organized fridge offers numerous benefits: you'll save money by knowing exactly what you have, what you need to buy, and what’s about to expire; your items will last longer; and you'll have peace of mind knowing your food is stored safely and hygienically.

Cleaning your fridge can feel overwhelming, especially when time is tight. If the thought of organizing it seems like too much, try a quick, efficient 15-minute speed clean. We’ve gathered expert tips to help you tackle the task with ease and set your fridge up for success.

1. Wipe Down Areas Prone to Grime or Spills

In a perfect world, you'd empty your fridge and deep clean its shelves a few times a year. But realistically, that would take far more than 15 minutes, so let’s focus on the high-traffic areas that need attention most.

For a quicker clean, focus on wiping down areas that tend to get the most spills and stains, like the crisper drawer and lower shelves.

For an eco-friendly cleaning solution, kitchen blogger Jennifer Schlette of KitchenSubstitute suggests simply soaking a sponge in white vinegar.

2. Adjust Shelves to Make Space for Your Food

Most modern refrigerators come with adjustable shelves that you can rearrange to accommodate the different types of food you store.

Professional organizer Ben Soreff from House to Home Organizing points out that one common fridge mistake is failing to adjust the shelves. Many people are unsure how to do it or are worried about damaging the appliance. But removing or adjusting shelves helps you organize food and drinks properly, not just cram them where they happen to fit.

3. Consider Temperature "Zones"

Many people mistakenly believe the temperature inside a fridge is uniform, but kitchen designer David Mason from Knobs.co explains that "different foods require different temperatures," so it's important to organize your fridge with this in mind.

For example, the fridge door is typically warmer than the rest of the appliance, making it the ideal spot for less perishable items like condiments and salad dressings.

On the other hand, areas like the meat drawer and crisper drawers are much colder, making them perfect for storing meat, cheeses, produce, and other items that require a cooler temperature.

4. Get Rid of Expired Items

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it's easy to let items sit in the fridge long past their expiration dates. While you're rearranging, cleaning spills, and organizing, take a moment to check the labels and toss anything that's expired.

If you often buy items without clear expiration dates, consider using a label maker to mark the purchase date on these items. Place the labels in a visible spot to make sure you're aware of how long they've been in your fridge.

5. Place Items That Are About to Expire at the Front

When restocking your fridge after a clean-up, follow the "first in, first out" rule. Put soon-to-expire items at the front to reduce waste and ensure the freshest food is always within reach.

6. Make Fridge Cleaning Part of Your Routine

The easiest way to keep your fridge clean with minimal effort is by tidying it regularly, rather than saving up for a big, time-consuming deep clean once a year (or less).

To set up your cleaning routine, professional organizer Amy Bloomer from Let Your Space Bloom recommends cleaning out your fridge at the start of each season and after major food-related holidays. This ensures your fridge is always in sync with the flavors of the season.