Smart Storage Strategies

Knowing how to properly store the foods that you buy helps you save time and money, protect the environment, and keep your food fresh for as long as possible. Keep reading to learn some smart storage strategies! 

Smart Storage Tips

Tip #1

Regularly clean out refrigerator and food storage areas

Regularly checking out your refrigerator and storage areas allows you to assess what you already have and make space for new food items and. Pick one day of the week to conduct this 10-minute fridge reality check. After you’ve checked out your storage areas, take note of what you already have on your shopping list.

View Fridge Reality Check

Smart Storage Tips

Tip #2

A Tidy Fridge Shows What You Have and What’s Spoiling

  • Use clear containers to easily spot spoilage
  • Move older items to the front, newer ones to the back
  • Label containers with the date they were made
  • Create an “Eat First” zone for food that’s close to spoiling
  • Watch the video below for more fridge organization tips to reduce food waste.
Watch Video

Smart Storage Tips

Tip #3

Store Food Products Correctly to Maximize Freshness & Quality

  • Not sure where to keep peaches or potatoes? Use this infographic to learn the best spots for storing fruits and veggies. A good rule of thumb: store produce at home the same way it was stored in the store (e.g., refrigerate broccoli if it was chilled at the store).
  • For more storage and food-saving tips, check out this interactive guide.
  • Fridge tip: lower shelves are colder—use them for meat and fish; higher shelves work well for drinks. See the Fridge Demystified guide from Stop Food Waste.
  • Wonder how long something will last? Try the FoodKeeper tool for quick answers.

Smart Storage Tips

Tip #4

Use Different Techniques to Maximize Freshness and Quality

Summary of Key Points

  1. Designate a time to regularly clean out and inventory your fridge and pantry.
  2. Know what foods are best stored in the fridge vs. outside of the fridge and know the best places for foods within the fridge.
  3. Use methods such as clear containers, date labeling your food, and assigning an area of your fridge for food that will go bad soon to help keep your storage organized.
  4. Use storage techniques to prolong the lifespan of food. For example, wrap lettuce greens in a paper towel to soak up the water and make the greens last longer.

Smart Storage

Knowledge Check

Select your answers to these questions:

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for keeping your fridge organized to reduce food waste?

Question 2

Storing fruits and vegetables in the same place (refrigerator, freezer, shelves, etc.) you found them at the store is a good way to ensure they stay fresh.

Smart Storage

Knowledge Check

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a recommended strategy for keeping your fridge organized to reduce food waste?

Question 2

Storing fruits and vegetables in the same place (refrigerator, freezer, shelves, etc.) you found them at the store is a good way to ensure they stay fresh.

What’s Next?

Homepage Storage Resources
The Next Stage of Food Waste