Any fridge size places certain limits on the volume of food that you can store there safely. But, if you have a smaller fridge, it can be a real challenge to keep things organized and store the food you need for an average week. In a poorly organized fridge, it’s difficult to located food, and this can lead to a lot of waste. In this article, we will take a look at seven ways that you can make the most of your available fridge space.

1. Get a Labeling Machine

Labeling can be a tedious task for many people, while others love using labels to get organized. Getting a labeling machine can help with this task, and once you get the labeling bug, you may be hooked. Assigning a label to each item ensures that it’s stored in the correct fridge location, and your appliance will be less cluttered. When you need to make a label for a food item, it will make you more aware of where it will be stored.

2. Add an Extra Shelf

If you have lots of items that are taller, they can be laid on their side to free up some valuable space. In most fridges, this will create ample space to add an extra shelf for more storage options. Having a whole new shelf to store groceries will certainly make a huge difference in a smaller fridge.

3. Use Storage Bins with Handles

Many people use containers to hold multiple items on their fridge shelf for easier access. The best storage bins have handles, and the truly organized will have a label on the front displaying the contents. If you need an item, you take the storage bin out of the fridge, get what you want and then put the bin back on the shelf. If the storage bin is transparent, you can easily see the contents if you’re not interested in labeling.

4. Used 6-Pack Cardboard Containers

Some people throw out their used 6-pack cardboard containers as soon as the products they hold have been consumed. But, these are very helpful for organizing many other types of food items, such as bottles, cans, condiments, and many more. On the flip side, it doesn’t make sense to store a partially emptied 6-pack container in the fridge. Either fill those empty compartments or take the remaining items out and store them on the shelf to free up more space.

5. A Lazy Susan

We’re used to seeing a lazy susan in our kitchens, but they can be used inside a smaller fridge too. This is a great way to pack a lot of items into a smaller area and still have easy access to them. Choose a lazy susan that fits snugly into your available fridge space to make the most of this handy storage solution.

6. Regular Checks and Cleaning

It’s a great idea to check the contents of your fridge on a weekly basis to ensure that food items with pending dates are placed to the front. This is an ideal time to give the fridge a good clean with a 50/50 white vinegar and clean water solution.

7. Consider a Fridge Upgrade

Even if you adopt some or all of the space saving measures on this list, you may still find that you simply do not have enough fridge space. As families grow, they need more food storage options, and modern fridges offer plenty of clever storage methods. A new fridge will also have better energy efficiency, which translates into lower utility bills.

If you’re considering upgrading your fridge, it’s a great idea to explore your options with the help of a home appliance expert.