San
Diego Professional Organizer Advice
Welcome to our advice section. Every week I answer new questions submitted
by readers on Organizing, Image, Fashion and Event Planning.
You can read my "AddSPACE To Your Life!" column every week
in San Diego's “The Coast News" or read the archived columns
below.
E-mail your questions to advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
Refrigerator
and Grocery Shopping Organization
10.28.05
Dear
Kathi,
I have a small refrigerator and am constantly losing things in my
refrigerator. I often buy items that I already have on hand. The worst
part is trying to get my family to eat the oldest item first when
I accidentally purchase a duplicate refrigerated item. What is the
easiest thing to do when this happens? It seems that they always gravitate
to the newest item when given the choice of two! Or better yet, how
can I stop buying accidental duplicates?
Maria, San Marcos
Maria,
Begin by creating a master list of staples that you buy on a regular
basis. You might want to make the list according to the aisles in
your favorite grocery store. Keep a copy of this list on your refrigerator
door at all times.
As you or your family members use the last of a product, add a checkmark
to that item on the list. This will save you time every week as you
are deciding what to buy. Before you head to the store, clear the
fridge, make room for the new groceries, and take note of what items
you need to add to your list.
If you have a small refrigerator, you need to spend time keeping it
organized and optimized. The smaller the fridge, the more time you
will spend. A great new habit for you would be to check your fridge
and clear it out before you go shopping. If you clear out all of the
old leftovers that are past their prime and consolidate half- used
jars, you will have a much better understanding of what items you
need. This is also the easiest time to give the fridge a quick wipe
down.
When you return home from the grocery, you will have space set aside
to load your items right into the fridge, without first needing to
move other items out of the way. If you have duplicates, place the
newer items toward the back of the shelf.
It helps to store leftovers in see-through plastic ware. This way,
you can see what is in each bin without spending the time to open
and look inside. Chose plastic ware that is square or rectangle for
optimum space savings.
Group items like with like; beverages with beverages, condiments with
condiment, and so on. If you don’t have a separate drawer for
certain groupings like meats and cheeses, use an open rectangular
bin that is narrow and as long as the shelf it will live on.
Install a lazy susan or carousel on one of your short shelves. Condiments
can be found at a spin when you need them and you will no longer have
to shuffle jars around to find your favorite mustard. If space prohibits
a carousel, group your smaller jars together in a shallow long Tupperware
container. This way, when it is time to make a sandwich, you simply
pull out the entire tray to choose your condiments.
Please
submit your questions to:
advice@addspacetoyourlife.com
.
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