Though I usually keep a tidy home, my fridge has always been the exception. Whenever I’m in a rush, I just toss containers and jars inside wherever there’s space and call it a day. This habit stands in stark contrast to my uber-organized 91-year-old grandma (I call her Nana), whose refrigerator (and even freezer!) is immaculate. Every item has its place, and you’ll never find a stray crumb on one of her shelves.
My Grandma’s 70-Year-Old Fridge Organizing Rule
Nana’s rule is simple: Never put anything back in the fridge when you’re rushed or hungry. Instead, she leaves items like condiments, drinks, and containers of leftovers on the counter until she’s finished eating. That way, she has the time (and focus) to wipe down sticky bottles or messy lids before returning them to their designated spots.
What Happened When I Tried Nana’s Fridge Rule
Before I could try the rule at home, I gave my refrigerator a proper reset. I pulled everything out, tossed and composted expired food, and sprayed and wiped down the shelves and drawers. Then I put items back with intention — grouping like with like, placing labels forward (another Nana tip to avoid food waste), and making sure everything had a home.
Now, when I grab something mid-meal, I leave it on the counter until I’m done eating. Then I take a quick moment to wipe it down and put it back in the right place. The difference has been huge. Weeks later, my fridge still looks just as clean and organized as the day I deep-cleaned it. I plan to stick with Nana’s rule from here on out — and I can’t wait for her to stop by and see my fridge looking as neat as hers.
This post originally appeared on Apartment Therapy. See it here: My Grandma Taught Me Her Fridge Organizing Rule, and Now I’ll Always Use It