Do you struggle with organizing your fridge? Here’s how I keep my ADHD fridge in order to help avoid food waste!
When you have ADHD, organization can be a huge hassle. Especially when it comes to food.
In fact, one of the symptoms of ADHD is “executive dysfunction”, which is where you struggle with things like organization, planning, and executing those plans.
So that brings me to my fridge. A place where some foods unfortunately go to die.
Throughout the years, I’ve come up with a small system to keep my fridge organized. To make sure I actually use what we have before it goes bad.
It’s definitely not perfect, but it’s a start. Let me show you what my fridge looks like, and give you some extra tips on how to work with your brain!
Why organizing your fridge is important
I didn’t always stay on top of organization. In fact, it can still be hard.
But keeping your fridge at least partially organized is SO helpful. Here’s why:
- Promotes healthy eating: If your fresh produce is right up front, you’re more likely to eat it and cook healthier meals.
- Less waste: When you know where everything is, you can use it up in time before it goes bad.
- Helps with memory: Sounds weird, but it works. I have short-term memory issues. But being consistent with where I put certain foods turns organization into a habit, and my brain doesn’t have to work as hard to think.
Top shelf
The first part we’ll look at is the top shelf! This is for all of the taller items. Milk, creamer, other drinks, etc.
Honestly, they won’t fit anywhere else so that’s our designated spot!
Second shelf
The shelf right under the top shelf is usually used for the following:
- Containers like sour cream and cottage cheese
- Eggs that won’t fit in the door
- Already-made breakfasts and snacks
Third shelf
The next shelf is for dinner leftovers. We eat leftovers for lunch instead of cooking separate lunches; so we know that whatever is on this shelf is what we’re able to take for lunch.
Bottom shelf
We use this bottom shelf for a few different items:
- Allison’s refrigerated lunchbox and snack items (Fridge organizers are perfect for this!)
- Chopped and prepared produce
I try to keep it for just those items. But when I do my weekly shopping, I tend to shove new groceries wherever there’s space because I don’t prep them that day.
Drawers
We have two drawers in our fridge.
The top one is for cheese, deli meat, and other random deli items.
The bottom drawer is for produce that doesn’t necessarily need chopped. Apples, salad kits, etc. Unfortunately, this produce drawer is where a few items are placed and are never eaten.
Door
I’ll be honest- the fridge door is still a work in progress.
We store the eggs in one part of the door, and the rest are for miscellaneous condiments.
The problem is, I have a habit of buying a bottle for one recipe and then forgetting about the rest of it in the fridge.
So there are probably a few expired items in there that my brain ignores. Does that sound familiar?
When I come up with an actual system that works for the door, I’ll be sure to update this post!
Other organization tips
Some of these I do, some of them I would LIKE to do. Here are some other tips I’ve found that may help you too:
Store fresh produce in the door
I REALLY want to do this one. I keep all my condiments here, but how often do I really use them?
This space would be perfect for perishable items, because it’s the first thing you see. Condiments can always go in the crisper drawer.
Use proper storage for fresh produce
How many of you buy berries, only to have them start rotting two days later?
I wash my berries in a mixture of 1 part vinegar and 9 parts water, then store them in an airtight container with paper towels on the bottom.
This actually helps keep them fresh much longer! I also do this with lettuce.
Keep a shopping list on the fridge door
Do you ever use up the last of the milk but forget to put it on the grocery list?
Sometimes it helps to keep a white board or a paper stuck to the door. That way you have a reminder right in front of you.
Now, with all that being said: I don’t always follow this. Like I said above, I typically throw items wherever they’ll fit in the fridge after I’m done shopping.
But for the most part, I try to stick with the plan. The one consistent shelf is the one for our dinner leftovers!
As you can see, I’m not perfect. But I know there are some of you out there that needed some guidance, and I hope this helped.
Leave a comment and tell me: What system do you have that works for you and your family?
Other helpful posts
Looking for other ADHD organization hacks? Check out these other posts I wrote:
Jaime is a Nutrition Coach and professional writer. She enjoys cooking easy meals, running, and learning more about food.
Jaime specializes in helping women with ADHD organize their home and brains in a way that’s do-able and not overwhelming.
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