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The Perfect Fridge Organization Guide (What Goes Where)

Your fridge isn't one temperature. Storing food in the right zone keeps it fresh longer and prevents cross-contamination.

5 min read

Top shelves — ready-to-eat foods

The top shelves are the most consistent temperature. Store leftovers, drinks, and ready-to-eat foods here — anything that won't be cooked to kill bacteria.

Bottom shelf — raw meat & fish

The bottom shelf is the coldest and stops raw juices dripping onto other food. Always keep raw meat, poultry and fish here in sealed containers.

Crisper drawers — produce

Drawers control humidity. Use the high-humidity drawer for leafy greens and the low-humidity drawer for fruit. Keep ethylene-producing fruit (apples, pears) away from sensitive veg.

The door — the warmest spot

The door swings through the biggest temperature changes, so it's the worst place for milk and eggs despite the built-in egg tray. Reserve it for condiments, juices and other resilient items.

General rules

Keep it tidy and visible.

  • •Don't overpack — air needs to circulate.
  • •Keep a 'eat me first' bin at eye level.
  • •Wipe spills quickly to prevent mold and odors.
  • •Store food in clear containers so nothing gets forgotten.

Frequently asked questions

Where should raw meat go in the fridge?+

On the bottom shelf — the coldest zone — in a sealed container so its juices can't drip onto other food and cause cross-contamination.

Why shouldn't milk and eggs go in the fridge door?+

The door is the warmest and most temperature-variable part of the fridge. Milk and eggs last longer stored on a shelf; keep the door for condiments and juices.

What temperature should my fridge be?+

At or below 40°F (4°C). Above that, bacteria multiply much faster and food spoils sooner.

Put these tips into action

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