How to Organize Your Fridge and Freezer

What type of food should you keep where? Our infographic shows you how to maximize your fridge space and help your food last longer.

A well-organized fridge can make your life easier in a number of ways, from better preserving food to saving energy. It can seem overwhelming at first to tackle a reorganization of your entire fridge and freezer — how will you know where the ketchup is? — but it’s actually a lot of fun! This infographic will help you make sure that everything is in its proper place.

How to Organize Your Fridge and Freezer

What should you keep in the crisper? How about the door shelves? Our fridge storage guide breaks it down.

Top Shelf: Leftovers, prepared food and perishable items you don’t want to forget about, like yogurt, dips, and beverages.

Lower Shelves: Raw meat, where it’s colder and it can’t drip on or contaminate other foods. Eggs and dairy: not in the fridge door.

Meat Drawer: Deli meat and cheese: it’s cold in here and will keep longer.

Crisper Drawers: Adjust the settings so one drawer is on high humidity and one is on low. Low Humidity: Produce with a skin, such as apples, pears, berries, and tomatoes High Humidity: Leafy, green produce like fresh herbs, spinach, and broccoli

Fridge Door: Condiments, salad dressing, and other items that don’t perish quickly

Freezer Shelves: Ice cream or other high-fat items

Freezer Door: Leftovers, frozen vegetables, or the ingredients for tomorrow’s dinner; the door shelves are the warmest part.

40 degrees F is the best temp for your fridge

0 degrees F is the best temp for your freezer

Tips:

• Free-standing appliance thermometers are inexpensive and a great way to ensure your fridge and freezer stay at the right temps.
• Don’t leave food unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
• Don’t freeze fried foods, yogurt, or items with high moisture content, like lettuce or watermelon.
• Label storage bins and individually wrapped food items with a date so you know when to toss.