An organized refrigerator doesn't need to look like a catalog photo. The important thing is to find what you're looking for, check the dates, and keep foods that should not come into contact with each other separate.
1. Start with a quick check
Before moving everything, check the expiration and best-before dates according to the instructions on each package. Remove empty containers and clean up spills so they don't build up.
2. Keep cooked foods separate from raw foods
On the upper shelves, store prepared food ready to eat in closed containers. On the lower shelves, keep raw meats and fish well packaged and separate from prepared foods to reduce the risk of cross-contamination. Always follow your refrigerator manufacturer's instructions.
3. Group without mixing
You can reserve spaces for dairy, drinks, and containers of prepared food, but never mix raw foods with ready-to-serve meals for convenience. Drawers are usually intended for fruits and vegetables, according to the appliance's instructions.
4. Place what you need to consume first at the front
When possible, keep foods with the closest date in view. There's no point in organizing a shelf if the products that need attention end up hidden at the back.
5. Label leftovers
Use food-safe, closed containers and a label with the preparation date. Refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible following food safety recommendations; do not leave perishable food on the counter for hours.
6. Allow cold air to circulate
Avoid overcrowding the shelves. The air must be able to circulate, and the refrigerator must maintain a proper temperature, usually between 0 and 5°C. Check the actual temperature and consult your model's manual.
7. Dedicate five minutes each week
Check the remaining food, remove empty containers, and clean up small spills. You don't need to buy new boxes to maintain these routines.
Storage checklist
- Check dates and labels.
- Keep raw foods separate from cooked foods.
- Store leftovers covered and identified.
- Leave space for air to circulate.
- Place what needs to be consumed first in view.
Food safety sources: consult the recommendations of the Spanish Agency for Food Safety and Nutrition (AESAN) and always follow the storage instructions for each product.
Looking for other ideas without spending? Read our guides for organizing a small kitchen or organizing containers with their lids.
The header image is illustrative and was created with AI; it is not a photograph of an item for sale.