
For a long time I felt like my fridge just didnโt have enough space for everything I wanted to store in it. Putting groceries away felt like a game of Tetris or Jenga that was impossible to win! I dealt with my frustration by promising myself that I would get a new fridge one day. A new fridge HAD to be the solution to my problem! Except that it wasnโt.
When our old fridge finally kicked the bucket, I replaced it with a roomy new two-door model. And for a while, the increased roomier interior seemed to have solved my problem. But over time, it got as cluttered and disorganized as our old fridge had been.
If getting a bigger fridge didnโt solve the problem, what would? I thought about it for a long time before I discovered the root of the problem. It wasnโt the food that was taking up so much space, it was the packaging!
Related: This Astoundingly Simple Hack Will Double Your Fridge Space

How I Solved My Fridge Organization Problem
I realized that a lot of the foods in our fridge and freezer were packaged in bulky, space-hogging boxes and containers. These were a few of the worst offenders:
- Sodas
- Pudding and yogurt cups
- Butter
- Pre-packaged snacks
- Popsicles
- Frozen waffles
- Frozen taquitos
- Bulk items from Costco

So I pulled all of those items out and removed the outer packaging. Once I put them back in, I was shocked at how much more room I had to work with! It finally felt like I was making the most of the space in my fridge and freezer. Iโve made a point to remove unnecessary boxes and packaging ever since, and I really feel like itโs made a huge difference!
If youโre at your witsโ end with your fridge organization issues, I recommend giving this solution a try. And if you do, here are a couple of bonus tips you might find helpful!

Bonus Tip #1: Save The Directions
If youโre looking to eliminate packaging from your fridge, remember that the box usually contains the cooking directions for that food. In my experience, it isnโt an issue with foods Iโve made before because I can usually remember how to make them. But for unfamiliar foods, you may want to cut the directions out and store them with the food.

Bonus Tip #2: Use Fridge & Freezer Organizers
Eliminating packaging will help you fit more in your fridge, but youโll still have to make an effort to keep things organized. I recommend using fridge and freezer organizers to help make it easier! There are a lot of different kinds, so take the time to explore your options. (And make sure to check that they will fit correctly in your fridge!) Here are a few options from Amazon that I can vouch for:

- Farochy 2PCS Pull-out Fridge Drawer
Price: $31.99
Install a pull out bin like this one underneath one of your fridge shelves for extra storage. Bins like these are great for keeping smaller foods organized, and you’ll still have plenty of space to store things on the shelf below.

2. Zip n Store
Price: $37.95
This organizer also gets installed under a fridge shelf, but this one is specifically designed for bagged foods. Clip up bags of shredded cheese, deli meats, sliced veggies, and your leftovers! You can slide it out to see whatโs there or to add another bag. This is sure to help maximize your storage space!

3. Oizeir Lazy Susan Turntable – Clear Acrylic
Price: $17.99
Never underestimate the organizational power of a lazy Susan. Use a divided one like this to help corral smaller items together. You can even store it in the back of your fridge. The spinning action will make it easy to grab whatever you need!
Related: 12 Ways That A Lazy Susan Can Solve Your Storage Problems

4. Sorbus Fridge/Freezer Bins, Set of 6
Price: $33.99
If you need a lot of organization help, a set of bins makes a great place to start! This set comes with six different bins. One is designed for eggs and one is designed for drink cans, but the others can be used for whatever you need!
How do you keep your fridge and freezer organized?




























Great ideas. The baskets reminds of when weโve stayed with my Aunt ( momโs sister) . She has her fridge organized like this. I saw this post before and the baskets reminded me of them.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Ooooh that Promart Pull Out….they make it for eggs. Gotta have one! or Two! I do have dollar store baskets for all those extra condiment/ingredients that don’t stand up well in the door. But I will have that Pull Out mid next week…hello Amazon??
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I think you will love it as much as I do!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Jillee, you have the best ideas! I use organizing baskets from the dollar store, even color coding them (like blue for ice packs, white for frozen breakfast meals). Then used your tension rod idea for making a freezer shelf, since my apartment size refrigerator didn’t have one. I fit so much more in my freezer, and a full freezer is a cheaper to run freezer!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thanks Leanne!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I made it a part of my weekly routine to clean out the fridge before I go grocery shopping. It is way to easy to let stuff get pushed to the bottom of drawers and to the back of the fridge. It also shows you what actually gets eaten. I quit buying the quart jars of mayonnaise because we just don’t go through it that fast. My little 6 oz jar takes up less room and makes more sense for our eating habits. ANd don’t refridgerate stuff that doesn’t need it. Pudidng packs…individual applesauce cups…stuff like that is shelf stable. Toss one in the fridge or freezer before eating to chill up if you like them cold. But don’t waste valuabel space on stuff like that!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great tip!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Yeah, that egg container is twice as tall as the cartons eggs come in. The original carton seems like a better idea.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.When I remove the packaging that contains the cooking directions, I write the cooking time and temp on the plastic covering with a Sharpie permanent marker. That way even my kids will know how to cook it and I donโt need to cut out the directions.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Great idea!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.I removed the fruit/ veggie drawers and can now fit a large bag of carrots and long items such as celery.
Please log in or create a free account to comment.How clever!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.These are great ideas! Thank you for all you do Jillee!!
Please log in or create a free account to comment.Thank you!
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