My Sister’s Clear Fridge Trick Is Brilliant, So I Needed to Steal It

I’ve all the time had a tricky time organizing my fridge, together with the freezer. It’s normally a jumble of forgotten leftovers, half-used condiments, and produce on its final legs. And in some way, even with a fridge that appears “full,” my husband and I typically battle to piece collectively an entire meal, which results in extra takeout and random leftovers piling up. I believed this cycle was unbreakable till I found my sister’s good fridge hack that fully modified the sport.

My Sister’s Brilliant Fridge Trick

While visiting her, I used to be struck by how calm and uncluttered her fridge seemed. Instead of the overstuffed chaos I used to be used to, hers was neatly organized and practically empty. At first, I believed she have to be leaving city. But once I requested, she defined: At the beginning of every week, she pretends she’s leaving for a visit on the finish of it.

This easy mindset shift pushes her to make use of up what’s already within the fridge as an alternative of stockpiling extra. The mission turns into the next: Finish all perishable substances earlier than “departure.” That means turning wilting strawberries right into a smoothie, folding the final of the spinach into an omelet, or pulling collectively a “clean-out-the-fridge” pasta. Nothing will get left behind.

What Happened When I Tried the Trick Myself

Back at house, I gave it a shot. My husband and I agreed to solely store and order takeout on the weekend; weekdays had been reserved for ending what we had. The first few days had been straightforward — leftover meals paired with fast salads and soups. But by Thursday, the actual creativity kicked in.

A number of stray containers of rooster, pasta, stir-fried veggies, and dips turned constructing blocks for completely new meals. I paired rooster and Mediterranean dips with frozen falafel, tossed shrimp into the stir fry, and topped leftover pasta with a salad of spinach, tomatoes, blueberries, and feta. By the top of the week, my fridge was practically empty — and for the primary time in ages, I hadn’t wasted meals or defaulted to takeout.

The Results

While attempting my sister’s fridge hack, I wasted much less as a result of produce didn’t get forgotten, I saved cash by ordering much less takeout, and I found artistic new meal mixtures I really loved. 

Months later, I don’t comply with the “traveling” rule completely each week, however it’s fully modified how I eat. Instead of letting meals go unhealthy behind the fridge, I end what I’ve and get extra ingenious within the kitchen. Best of all, my fridge turned a supply of inspiration as an alternative of overwhelm.

Further Reading

Big College Energy: 12 Dorm Room Essentials That Do the Most (Partner)

Dorm Goals: 10 IKEA Finds That Just Make Sense (Partner)

How to Set Up a Dorm Room That Works Really Hard — and Looks Really Good (Partner)

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