Just in time for Thanksgiving, it’s “National Clean the Refrigerator” day
Apparently, November 15 is “National Clean Out The Refrigerator” day. Don’t know who makes up all of the nationally designated special days, but this one is music to the organizer’s ears!
I’ve seen things in clients’ refrigerators and pantries that have left a permanent impression on me — it is the stuff of nightmares. At the very least, I know which clients and friends I will NEVER EVER take up on the offer of a snack or drink. I saw where that lemon came from in the bowels of your fridge’s produce drawer — no thanks to the idea of a nice glass of lemonade. And that gourmet jar of jelly you are offering for me to put on my toast? Looks lovely, and I’m sure it cost a small fortune, but it’s been hanging out in the refrigerator door behind the mustard for at least 4 years according to the “Best if used by” date stamped on the jar. I’ll pass.
The week before Thanksgiving is especially a great time to take part in this pasttime.
To begin clear some space on your kitchen counters and then clear out every single item in the fridge. Yes, EVERYTHING. Leave no mayo behind. Check expiry dates on jars and toss anything that is old. Also go ahead and toss those half used jars of pickles, jam, and jelly that you opened some time ago and haven’t used in a while. Opened jars of food, even refrigerated, can be a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Your health is not worth saving those last two dill pickles from your 4th of July cookout. Also toss any leftovers that are beyond the scary point. Get rid of last Sunday nights Chinese takeaway boxes and lose the last couple of slices in the pizza box unless it is from last night, in which case you might still eat it.
Wipe down all shelves with warm soapy water. Most refrigerators have removeable shelves and drawers; if yours does, pull them out and give them a good wash in the sink. While these are pulled out, look down in the bottom of the fridge — is there any goop that dripped out of containers or are there petrified lettuce leaves that dropped out of the produce drawer and are now hiding on the bottom of the fridge? Wipe all that stuff off before you put the shelves and drawers back.
Clearing out old food and cleaning the shelves shouldn’t take that long. When you have finished this, your shiny little fridge should have lots of good space for all the yummy Thanksgiving foods coming up next week.
Sarah Campbell is a professional organizer in the city of Chicago. She specializes in decluttering, organizing, preparing for moves and unpacking and setting up after a move for households and small businesses. Contact her at Sarah@anorganizedlifechicago.com for help with your organizing challenges!
