One way to kick off a healthy new year is with a healthy (or healthier) diet. Today’s challenge is to focus on your refrigerator, clearing out the items you don’t want to be eating.
Depending upon your schedule and how you are feeling, choose from the follow options:
Low Effort
Focus only on the shelves. Throw out produce that is no longer good. If you find leftovers that are no longer good, pitch those as well.
Medium Effort
After tackling the shelves, cull through items on the door. Look for expiration dates on condiments and pitch those that you feel are no longer good to eat. Remember to add anything that needs replacing to your grocery shopping list. If you keep beverages here, make sure they are ones your family is drinking. Dump out any that are unlikely to be consumed, and then rinse & recycle the containers.
High Effort
If you have the time, empty everything onto the kitchen counter or island. Wipe the inside of the refrigerator clean. Remove all products that won’t get eaten or drunk by your family. Before loading items back in, make a plan to add structure to help keep things organized. Two common products for use in a refrigerator are bins and turntables. Both of these products come in a variety of sizes, so think about what might work best for you. If you store canned drinks in this space, you can also consider a can dispenser.
Also, remember that most refrigerators have adjustable shelves, so if your previous setup wasn’t working for you, consider a change.
Now simply reload what you’ve chosen to keep.
Since we open the refrigerator multiple times a day, any time invested to improve its functionality and cleanliness will provide an immediate positive benefit.
* * *
What are you up to try today?
I did this a few months ago but now after the holidays I need to do it again! It’s so easy to just put things to the back and forget them. It is important to keep track of expiration dates as well, especially things on the door. Another good idea.
My daughter and her husband tend to be the ones who go through the items on our fridge door and get rid of all the expired. I don’t use them often, so I tend to forget they are there.
For getting bets services from kitchen refrigerator I think I should invest some time to keep it neat & clean.
It’s very rewarding to have a cleared fridge!
Bigger is definitely better in my ideal dream kitchen….I’d love side by side double fridge, plus a. freezer Not very eco I know but it is a fantasy kitchen I am dreaming about.
“Awesome post! Focusing on your refrigerator today is a great challenge, especially since it’s one of the most used appliances in the home. It’s easy to overlook how much organization and maintenance it needs. Cleaning out old items, organizing shelves for better access, and checking the temperature settings can make a big difference in food freshness and energy efficiency. Plus, it’s a perfect opportunity to reassess how we use our fridge to support healthier eating habits. Thanks for the reminder to give our refrigerators some well-deserved attention!”