Refreshing Your Fridge for Summer
As we inch closer to the warmer months, one area that gets overlooked when decluttering for summer is the fridge. But it makes such a difference. The fridge becomes the heart of the home in summer — packed with fresh fruit, cooling drinks, and leftovers from spontaneous BBQs. If yours is still holding on to expired sauces, unused jars, and half-opened mystery containers, now’s the time to refresh it.
Here’s my step-by-step method that won’t leave you overwhelmed or with every item out on the counter.
Start with a Mini Declutter
I’m not a fan of taking everything out and then staring at the chaos. So instead, I go shelf by shelf.
Open the fridge and start with one section — maybe the top shelf or the door.
Check expiry dates. Be honest: are you really going to use that crusty old mustard or sauce from six months ago?
Toss anything past its date or that you haven’t touched in months.
Do the same for each shelf and drawer, one at a time.
This way, it feels manageable, and you don’t risk spoiling food while you clean.
Wipe and Go
Once you’ve cleared a section, give it a quick wipe with a cloth and a gentle cleaner. I prefer natural sprays that won’t leave a strong chemical smell.
If you’re short on time, just spot clean. A full fridge deep clean can come another day — today is just about the basics.
Group by Zone
Now you’ve got space, think about how you use the fridge in summer. I usually group like this:
Top shelf: Leftovers and ready-to-eat items
Middle shelf: Dairy
Bottom shelf: Raw meat and fish (to avoid drips)
Drawers: Fruit and veg
Door: Condiments and drinks
Grouping makes it easier to find things and helps avoid wasting food. You can even label the shelves if that works for you (especially if you’ve got teenagers or flatmates!).
Make Space for Summer Staples
Think about what you’ll be reaching for in summer — chilled water bottles, fruit, yoghurt, salad bits. Make sure there’s space for those.
It might even be worth having a “summer snack zone” for the kids (or you, let’s be honest). Things like cut fruit, cheese sticks, or drinks can be kept in one basket or tray so it’s all easy to grab.
Keep It Fresh
Add an open box of bicarbonate of soda or a fridge deodoriser to keep smells at bay. And set a reminder every few weeks to do a mini declutter again. It takes five minutes and helps you stay on top of things without needing a big reset later.
Refreshing your fridge isn’t just about food safety or tidiness — it’s about creating a calm, functional space that works with your lifestyle, especially in the hot months.