Organize Your Fridge Checklist

Keep it Fresh...or Frozen

• Clean and wipe down shelves and drawers regularly
• Don't wash fruits or vegetables until they're ready to eatUnwashed produce lasts longer.
• Check expiration dates before eating or drinking.If all else fails, smell it first!
• Place paper towels in bags of lettuce and other greensIt will absorb the extra moisture and foods will stay fresher longer.
• Wrap parsley, cilantro, and leafy greens in newspaper or papertowelThey won't wilt as fast.
• Extend the life of your apples by keeping them in the fridgeThey'll stay good for weeks.
• Tomatoes don't care for cold..save room and keep them in a cool place outside the fridge.
• Too hot and no air-conditioning? Put tomatoes in the fridge, but keep them away from other veggies.Tomatoes emit a gas that hastens the spoiling process
• If you're worried about bread going bad, put in the freezerWhen ready for eating, warm it up in the microwave for 30 seconds and then toast.
• Too much dairy, not enough room? Don't throw it out..freeze dairy products like cheese and yogurt. Defrost when ready to eat. Partially defrosted yogurt tastes like ice cream!
• Freeze berries and ;bananasThey can be used in ;recipes, blended in shakes or as cereal or yogurt toppers.
• Keep nuts like almonds, walnuts, cashews and pistachios in the freezerThey'll stay fresh and crunchy for ages.
• Freeze your flourIt'll keep longer.

Get Organized

• Keep foods organized by shelf or drawerKeep dairy together or with meats. Place fruits and veggies in the appropriate drawers.
• All condiments and bottled goods should be stored in the door.
• Conserve spaceIf you have just a little bit of something in a large container or bottle, move it to a smaller container. Just make sure it's labebed so you know what you're eating!
• Place unopened products that don't require immediate ;refrigeration ;(like salad dressings and sauces) in the cupboard first.
• Put frequently used products towards the front of the fridge.
• No space for more containers? Store foods in plastic sealed sandwich bags to save room.
• Ensure all perishables have legible expiration dates.If it's hard to see or you're moving to another container, make a label first!
• Throw out the cartonPlace eggs in an egg organizer, just make sure the shells are labeled so you know when to toss.
• Get stackable, clear containers in different sizesThese are great for everything from sauces to leftovers, are durable and great space-savers. Just make sure they're ;transparent so you can see what's in 'em.