Keeping your fridge clean and organized not only helps you save money and reduce waste but also ensures your food stays fresh longer.

After the holiday season, once you've cleaned every corner of your home, don’t forget to declutter your fridge and get rid of items you no longer use.

1. Expired Food

There’s no reason to keep expired food. Start by checking dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese, then move on to any leftovers from the past week.

Next, inspect the produce drawers. Discard any wilted, slimy, or spoiled fruits and vegetables that are no longer usable.

Don't wait until all your fresh food has gone bad to clean out your fridge—set aside just five minutes each week to check for expired items.

2. Unused Condiments

Remember that specialty mustard you tried once and regretted buying four months ago? We’ve all made similar mistakes, but there’s no need to keep condiments you never use.

If you haven’t touched a particular sauce or dressing in the past six months, or if you don’t even like it, it’s time to let it go.

For condiments you love and use regularly—like ketchup and mayonnaise—store them in clear containers so they’re easy to see and access.

3. Food You Don’t Like

If you tried a new snack or health food but didn’t enjoy it, don’t let it take up valuable fridge space. If you’re not going to eat it, toss it.

We all occasionally buy food that doesn’t suit our taste. Don’t feel guilty—just get rid of it and avoid making the same mistake next time.

4. Mystery Containers

We've all had that one container or bag of leftovers we completely forgot about. If you don’t remember what it is or when you put it in the fridge, it’s best to throw it out.

To prevent this from happening again, use clear containers with labels for leftovers so you can easily track their contents and expiration dates.

5. Damaged or Mismatched Containers

If you have food storage containers that have been accidentally warped in the dishwasher or have missing lids, it’s time to let them go. Food containers don’t last forever, and using ones that don’t seal properly won’t keep your food fresh.

Invest in well-designed, space-efficient containers that fit neatly in your fridge. They’ll not only help with organization but also make your fridge look tidier.

6. Duplicate Items

Ever opened your fridge and realized you have three bottles of the same sauce? It happens! While you’ll eventually use them up, keep in mind that these duplicates take up a lot of space.

Consolidate identical items when possible and check expiration dates to ensure nothing goes bad before you use it.

7. Old Baking Soda Box

An open box of baking soda helps keep your fridge odor-free, but it doesn’t last forever. If you’ve noticed lingering smells, it’s probably time to replace it.

For best results, swap out your baking soda every 30 days to keep your fridge fresh.

Final Thought

A quick fridge cleanout can make a big difference in keeping your kitchen organized, efficient, and hygienic. Start the new year with a clutter-free fridge and make it a habit to check in regularly!