Refrigerator a chaotic mess? Here's how to best reorganize it for Christmas
As Christmas approaches, we all go into a frenzy of activities. We clean up the house, deck it out to make it look good for our guests, and, of course, start planning the Christmas dinner. It's that special meal that brings the whole family together and, let's be honest, is one of the tastiest of the year. But when it comes to planning the menu, it also means stocking up on all the ingredients and making sure our fridges are ready for action.
So, how do we keep our fridges clean and organized, especially with all the goodies we'll be storing? There are some easy steps to get this done without going crazy during the holiday hustle and bustle.
Clean the refrigerator
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As mentioned, we all know that when Christmas rolls around, we stock up on ingredients for Christmas lunch and dinner. But if we leave things to chance, our fridge could turn into a chaotic mess. To prevent this, let's start by giving it a good clean before December 25th. This will help keep it in tip-top shape throughout the holiday season.
First, completely empty it, go through all the stored foods, and figure out if there's anything that needs to be thrown out because it's past its prime. Once we've made these decisions and emptied the fridge out, it's time for a deep clean.
Grab some rags, sponges, cleaning supplies, and get going sanitizing all the shelves and containers.
Create your own Christmas menu
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Remove/clean away any food residue, ensuring there are no stray crumbs laying around. After wiping down with detergent - or even using vinegar - allow to dry it thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Don't forget to get into every nook and cranny, including hidden areas like the seals and corners, as these areas tend to accumulate dirt and residue. Once this is done, proceed with your grocery shopping.
It's crucial to avoid turning your fridge into a chaotic mess with unnecessary items taking up room. Create a menu and list all the required items to resist the temptation of buying products at the supermarket that won't be used for Christmas meals. This avoids clutter, unnecessary chaos, and potential waste.
Organize the space in the best possible way
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Despite taking the necessary precautions for cleanliness and order, there might still be a bit of chaos during the meal preparation process. It's crucial to approach the organization methodically, being precise and systematic. When returning home with bags filled with groceries, it's not advisable to simply toss everything into the fridge or freezer randomly. Instead, aim to categorize your food items. You can opt for sorting them by type or based on the recipes you intend to prepare. In both scenarios, maintaining a systematic approach is vital to avoid confusion and ensure that all necessary ingredients are readily available on the day of preparation.
Furthermore, to prevent scents escaping from open packages, sauces, or items, a helpful tip is to place half a lemon, a bowl of salt, or baking soda in the fridge to capture and neutralize any lingering odors.
Summary
So, to ensure that the refrigerator doesn't become chaotic and items inside remain easily accessible throughout the entire holiday season - and especially on Christmas day - follow these simple guidelines:
- Empty the fridge and clean it before going grocery shopping for what you need for Christmas.
- Plan the menu in advance to avoid buying excess food and unnecessarily occupying space.
- Organize the purchased items systematically, either categorizing them by type or according to the recipes planned.
By following these steps, your refrigerator will be a pleasure to use. Now, let's get cracking!
