The Worst Fridge Storage Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

A well-stocked fridge can make you feel like you have your life together — until it turns into a jumbled mess of forgotten leftovers, wilted lettuce, and disorganized food storage containers. If you’re anything like me, you’re probably making a few big storage mistakes that are costing you space and money. Luckily, I tracked down 20 smart fridge organizers that promise to calm the chaos. Shop lazy Susan turntables, can and bottle dispensers, produce savers, and more from  trusted brands like Rubbermaid, OXO, and YouCopia. 

Don’t: Store Produce in Plastic Bags

Do: Use Produce Savers

Storing fruits and veggies in those produce aisle plastic bags can trap moisture and speed up spoilage. That can cause greens to become slimy and herbs to wilt before you’ve had a chance to use them up. Instead, we recommend keeping berries, lettuce, and carrots in produce savers. Below, I rounded up containers, bags, and ethylene-absorbers to keep airflow balanced and humidity in check. Shop these produce savers from Rubbermaid, OXO, and Debbie Meyer to make produce last for days — and sometimes weeks.

• Rubbermaid FreshWorks Produce Saver Set, $25
• Bluapple Produce Saver, 2-Pack, $12, originally $17
• Debbie Meyer GreenBags, 40-Pack, $20
• OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Produce Keeper, $26
• Frigidaire Frufvs Pure Fresh Fruit and Veggie Saver, $9, originally 11
• OXO Good Grips GreenSaver Standing Crisper Drawer Insert, 2-Pack, $22

Don’t: Store Leftovers in the Back of the Fridge

Do: Use a Fridge Lazy Susan

As much as I love enjoying leftovers throughout the week, they tend to go bad in the back of the fridge. When I can’t see a container, I forget it — which can lead to a moldy mess growing right under my nose. Instead, I recommend investing in a fridge-friendly lazy Susan. These clever turntables spin 360 degrees, giving you access to containers all the way, way back and keeping yesterday’s sauces, dips, and soups from getting lost.

• Optish Lazy Susan Organizer, 2-Pack, $11, originally $15
• Lamu Lazy Susan Organizer, $19, originally $26
• Yieach Rectangle Clear Lazy Susan, 2-Pack, $15, originally 18
• YouCopia FridgeView Fridge Turntable, $17
• OXO Good Grips Lazy Susan Turntable, $29

Don’t: Overcrowd the Shelves

Do: Use the Fridge’s Exterior

When every inch of my fridge shelves is packed with condiments, bottles, and jars, air can’t circulate properly, meaning food won’t stay as fresh. The truth is, not everything needs to be stored in the fridge. These magnetic shelves, baskets, and hooks make clever use of the fridge’s exterior, so you can keep shelf-stable items within reach while freeing up space inside for essentials like dairy and meat.

• HuggieGems Magnetic Spice Storage Rack, 4-Pack, $17, originally 20
• Aufworld Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator, $16, originally $19
• Ofiray-Home Magnetic Shelf for Fridge, $21, originally $27
• Setbaoo Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator, 2-Pack, $9, originally $13
• Dtuqyx Magnetic Spice Rack for Refrigerator, 7-Pack, $30, originally $37

Don’t: Let Drinks Roll Around on Shelves

Do: Use Can and Bottle Organizers

When stored on their side, cans and bottles can roll around and waste space. Stored upright, they tend to tip over when the fridge door opens and closes. I found five can and bottle dispensers that keep everything lined up, visible, and easy to access. They also create dedicated zones for drinks, so you’ll never have to shuffle containers just to reach your sparkling water or soda.

• Utopia Kitchen Soda Can Organizer and Dispenser, Set of 2, $8, originally $10
• YouCopia RollDown Can Dispenser, $13, originally $20
• OXO Good Grips Fridge Beverage Mat for Cans and Bottles, $14
• Nabobt Drink Dispenser for Fridge, $20, originally $29
• Sotfamily Automatic Rolling Can Dispenser, 2-Pack, $27