The holidays have passed and with the New Year here, January is the perfect month to get your refrigerator cleaned-out and organized.  After all, the doors of this family-favorite appliance are opened on average 22 times per day leaving you without the excuse “out of sight, out of mind” in your quest to find reason to postpone the doing of this unenviable task. 

So roll up your sleeves, open that fridge and let’s get started.  This shouldn’t take long! 

Tip #1:  Keep It Clean

• Take out ALL the food from your fridge. 
• Remove the drawers and shelves and place them in your sink filled with warm water and dishwashing soap.  Soak, wipe and rinse.
• Use warm water and dishwashing soap and wipe out the inside of the fridge. 
• DO NOT USE KITCHEN CLEANING PRODUCTS WITH CHEMICALS OR DISINFECTANTS!
• If you can’t scrub up some spills, mix a bit of baking soda with a little water to make a paste.  Apply the paste to the stain and leave for an hour, then wipe up with a damp sponge.  Ta-Da, stain is gone!
• To combat odors, make sure to place an open box of baking soda near the back corner of the fridge.  Replace every 30 days.

Tip #2:  Toss the Old

• Before you put back all the food, veggies and condiments – check each item for spoilage, mold or items that have EXPIRED and TOSS!
• If you are unsure if an item is safe to keep, follow the old adage “When in Doubt, Throw It Out!”
• A great resource for food safety can be found at www.foodsafety.gov

Tip #3:  Organize Your Fridge

• Upper Shelves - Place your ready-to-eat foods like milk, yogurt and bottled juices
• Lower Drawers – Store your raw fruits and vegetables
• Meat Drawer – So as to eliminate contamination, use a clear plastic bin in which to store any raw meat.  This will prevent spills and juices from reaching other areas of your fridge.  Make sure to clean this drawer often!
• Fridge Door – This is the warmest part of your refrigerator and is designed for the storage of condiments.  DO NOT put eggs in this part of your fridge, instead store in the main part of the refrigerator to maintain a cool and consistent temperature.

 Tip #4:  Take Inventory

• While placing food back in your fridge, be sure to make a list of those items that you will need to replenish, either because they have expired, you are completely out or there is little left. 
• Knowing the contents of your refrigerator will make it easier for you when completing grocery lists, eliminating the purchase of duplicate items thus lowering your grocery bill at checkout.

 Tip #5:  No Time or Energy?  Do Yourself a Favor and Hire a Professional Organizer

• Your time is valuable and with the hours of your days filled to the brim with more enjoyable activities, consider hiring a professional organizer to come to your home to help with some of these more tedious household tasks. 
• Home Life Concierge, Las Vegas Valley’s premier home management experts, has personal assistants available to tackle most home organization projects.  All of our personal assistants are highly trained and dedicated to giving clients help with and relief from life’s time-consuming errands, household tasks and projects.  Call us today at 702-964-9800 for a FREE consultation. 

About Us
Home Life Concierge, LLC is a personal assistant and lifestyle management company based in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Designed for everyday folks, professionals, families and seniors, we are here for you and your Life’s To-Do’s.  Call HLC at 702-964-9800 for a FREE consultation.  We are fully licensed, bonded and insured.