A clean, well-organised fridge might not be the first thing you think of when it comes to creating a beautiful home—but it should be. Just like a tidy pantry or a freshly made bed, a thoughtfully arranged fridge brings a sense of calm and order to everyday life. Taking the time to clear it out, wipe it down and reassess what you really need not only reduces waste, it also sets the tone for a more intentional, clutter-free kitchen. And yes, a beautifully styled fridge is more than just pleasing to the eye—it makes meal prep easier, helps you shop smarter, and ensures everything has its place. Do you have a system for where things go? If not, it might be time to rethink your fridge from the inside out.
If you find it difficult to unload your cold-store groceries into your fridge on shopping days, perhaps it’s time for an overhaul.
Our top tips for decluttering your fridge
1. Start with a clean sweep
Remove everything – yes everything!! If it’s a hot day, keep an Esky or cooler on hand to store perishable items like dairy and meats while you work.
2. Wipe it all down
Clean every surface—walls, drawers, shelves and door compartments—with warm soapy water. Don’t forget the little nooks and covered sections. Let everything air dry or finish with a soft, clean cloth before returning items.
3. Take stock
As you sort through each item, ask yourself: do I use this regularly? Or was it a one-off impulse buy? Be honest—those forgotten jars and half-used condiments may be taking up precious space.
4. Freeze for future use
If you’re holding onto oversized jars of sauces or pastes, consider freezing portions in ice cube trays. You’ll save space and reduce waste.
5. Reorganise with purpose
Put items back with intention. Place perishables—like berries, herbs or leftovers—at eye level so they don’t get lost or forgotten.
6. Store by lifespan
Use the crisper drawer for greens, veggies and fruit. Keep items that spoil quickly on top, and longer-lasting produce beneath, so nothing is left to wilt unnoticed.
7. Store by type
Create zones: group dairy, fruit and vegetables, meat, and condiments together. Many fridges have guidelines for optimal placement—follow them to keep food fresher for longer.
8. Avoid the back-of-the-fridge black hole
Pull items to the front of the shelves where they’re easy to see. Avoid stacking things too deeply—out of sight means out of mind.
9. Shop intentionally
A fridge doesn’t need to be full to be functional. Buying only what you need means you’re more likely to use what you have—and less likely to waste food.
10. Choose clear storage
Avoid opaque containers that hide what’s inside (a sure-fire way to forget they exist). Instead, use clear glass jars or favourite bowls you’ll recognise (eg. I always store homemade hommus in the same bowl). Seeing your leftovers at a glance makes it easier to use them up—and helps avoid single-use plastics, too.
11. Prep bulky items straight away
Got a watermelon or pumpkin taking up half a shelf? Cut and store it in portions as soon as you unpack the shopping. It’ll save space and make healthy snacking a breeze.
12. Take a moment to admire your work
A freshly cleaned, beautifully organised fridge is a quiet joy. Share your new system with the household and encourage everyone to help maintain it—after all, a beautiful home is a team effort.
Take a pic of your fridge or write a list of what you DO have before going food shopping to avoid double ups!
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