Holiday fridge organization: How to make space for big meals and extra leftovers

With the holidays just around the bend, our fridges can turn into a wild jumble of ingredients, dishes, and those inevitable leftovers. But carving out space for your grand meals doesn’t have to be a hassle. By organizing your fridge smartly, tweaking those shelves, and keeping things cool without cramming, you can enjoy a stress-free holiday cooking spree.

Important Notice: The info in this article might not line up perfectly with your specific appliance model. We aim to dish out helpful advice for all sorts of DIY appliance fixes, but different models can throw in some curveballs—like unique troubleshooting steps or error codes. For the best guidance, we recommend checking out your manufacturer’s documentation or contacting us with any questions.

Start by clearing out

Before you dive into holiday cooking, it’s key to declutter that fridge.

Use up what’s already there

Peek into your fridge for items nearing their expiration. Plan meals around these to cut down on waste and free up precious space. It’s a great opportunity to get inventive with what you’ve got on hand.

Empty and give it a good clean

Take everything out of your fridge. Wipe down shelves and drawers with a mild cleaner to banish spills and odors. A spotless fridge not only looks good but also keeps your food fresher for longer.

Make the most of your shelf space

Rearranging shelves can work wonders for fitting in big dishes and all those ingredients.

Adjust shelves to suit your needs

Many fridges come with adjustable shelves. Move them around to fit tall items like turkeys or hefty casserole dishes. Customizing shelf heights helps you use the space efficiently.

Keep like items together

Group foods by category—think dairy, meats, veggies, condiments—to make things easy to find. Clear bins or containers can help corral smaller items, so nothing gets lost in the shuffle.

Know your fridge’s zones

Placing foods in the right spots can help them last longer and stay safe to eat.

Put raw meats on the bottom shelf

Store raw meat, poultry, and seafood on the bottom shelf, preferably in sealed containers to prevent any leaks. Keeping them down low ensures that any drips won’t contaminate other foods.

Place ready-to-eat foods up high

The upper shelves usually have steadier temps, making them ideal for leftovers and deli items. Keeping these foods above raw meats reduces the risk of cross-contamination.

Use the door for condiments

The fridge door is the warmest spot. It’s perfect for items that can handle temperature swings, like sauces and spreads.

Boost visibility with clear containers

Being able to see what you’ve got at a glance prevents overbuying and cuts down on waste.

Opt for clear, labeled containers

Transfer foods into see-through containers so you can easily spot what’s inside. Slap on labels with the contents and date to keep tabs on freshness. This trick is especially handy for leftovers and prepped ingredients.

Bring soon-to-expire items front and center

Arrange foods so that items nearing their expiration are at eye level or up front. This simple move nudges you to use them before they spoil.

Take advantage of storage helpers

Small additions can make a big difference in how your fridge functions.

Add Lazy Susans for easy reach

Pop a turntable on a shelf for small jars and bottles. Give it a spin to grab items at the back without fumbling through everything.

Use drawer dividers

Divide up your deli drawer to separate different meats and cheeses. This keeps things organized and easy to find.

Keep the fridge organized

Staying on top of things is key to a tidy fridge throughout the holidays.

Do quick clean-outs before shopping

Before you head to the grocery store, spend a few minutes tossing expired items and tidying up what’s left. This habit ensures you have space for new goodies and helps avoid overstocking.

Get the family involved

Encourage everyone at home to help keep the fridge in order. Show them where things go to keep the system running smoothly.

Avoid overstuffing for better cooling

A crammed fridge can’t circulate air properly, which can mess with cooling.

Leave some breathing room

Arrange foods with a bit of space between them. Good airflow helps maintain even temperatures, keeping your food fresh and safe.

Use coolers for extra food

If your fridge is overflowing, consider stashing some items that don’t need constant chilling in a cooler. Keep it in a cool spot and check the temperature to make sure everything stays safe.

Keep an eye on fridge temperature

Use a fridge thermometer to ensure the temperature hovers around 37°F (3°C). Tweak the settings if needed, especially after loading in a bunch of new items.

If you’re not sure how to adjust your fridge’s settings, take a peek at your appliance manual. Need help finding your model number? Check out our guide on how to find your appliance’s model number.

Plan ahead for leftovers

Expecting a pile of leftovers? Keep your fridge organized even after the big meal.

Set aside space for leftovers

Reserve a spot in your fridge just for leftovers. Being prepared makes it easier to store dishes after the feast without messing up your organization.

Choose shallow containers

Store leftovers in shallow, flat containers so they cool down quickly. Faster cooling cuts the risk of bacteria and saves space since they stack nicely.

Label and date everything

Just like before, labeling leftovers helps you know what’s what and when it went in the fridge. Try to eat leftovers within three to four days for the best taste and safety.

Stay connected with AppliancePartsPros.com

Getting your fridge holiday-ready doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With these handy tips, you’re on track for a smoother, more enjoyable cooking experience this season. If you need a hand with appliance upkeep or repairs, we’re here for you. Visit AppliancePartsPros.com for expert advice and top-quality parts.

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