Having a fridge clean-out week can be a wonderful way to get organized and make space. It has many other great benefits, such as saving money and reducing food waste. I also find that it feels satisfying to clean out the fridge, which helps lessen the frustration of trying to find things buried in the fridge.
Here are some tips to make the most out of your fridge clean-out week.
Clean & Organize Your Fridge
Start by going through the items in your fridge. You can take everything out of the fridge, and work on deep-cleaning the actual refrigerator.
You may want to look into using some refrigerator organizers, such as bins, and a refrigerator deodorizer to keep your fridge smelling fresh.
As you put items back in, organize them by type and expiration. Toss anything that is expired.
Prioritize Perishables
Plan your meals around perishable items that have the closest expiration dates.
Focus on incorporating fresh produce, dairy products, and proteins into your meals to prevent them from going to waste.
Get Creative with Leftovers
Leftovers are a great starting point for meals during fridge clean-out week. Get creative and repurpose leftover ingredients into new dishes. For example, leftover roasted vegetables can be added to salads, soups, or omelets.
Coordinate With Pantry and Freezer Items
Make use of pantry staples such as grains, beans, canned goods, and spices to complement fresh ingredients and create balanced meals. Pasta, rice, quinoa, and canned tomatoes are versatile ingredients that can be combined with various proteins and vegetables to make satisfying meals.
Meal Plan and Cook in Bulk
If you have a surplus of ingredients that you won’t be able to use up during clean-out week, consider batch cooking and freezing meals for later. Soups, stews, casseroles, and sauces can all be portioned out and stored in the freezer for quick and convenient meals down the road.
By following these tips, you can make the most out of your fridge clean-out week and enjoy delicious, budget-friendly meals while reducing food waste and decluttering your fridge.
Happy cleaning and cooking!
