15 Genius Hacks to Make Your Garage Fridge the MVP of Storage!
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How long has it been since you gave the garage fridge the love that it deserves? If it’s collecting dust or simply not living up to its potential, you’re missing out on a valuable storage resource.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that almost 99 percent of all homes in the United States have a refrigerator. About 34 percent have a second refrigerator, and most extra refrigerators are installed in the garage.
With a few easy hacks, you can transform the garage fridge into the home MVP, which will enable one to store everything from extra groceries to beverages and leftovers in very easy ways. Read on!
Use Magnetic Spice Racks on the Fridge Door
Install magnetic spice racks on the side or door of your garage fridge to free up shelf space. This trick is particularly useful for storing small items such as condiments, sauces, or jars that don’t require refrigeration.
Magnetic racks take advantage of otherwise unused space on the fridge door and are easy to install without causing damage. They help keep frequently used items readily accessible, preventing clutter from taking over your fridge’s interior.
Establish a FIFO System
A “First In, First Out” system needs to be implemented to handle food in the refrigerator efficiently and effectively. This system guarantees that older foodstuffs will be used before fresher ones.
The organization of foodstuffs should ensure that the older ones are taken forward and new lots are pushed behind, thus achieving the fullest utilization of refrigerator space. Michigan State University recommends FIFO systems for better organization and minimal food spoilage. This hack is especially effective for dairy, meat, and prepared meals with expiration dates.
Maximize Door Storage
The door of a garage fridge is one space that is never used enough. Sure, it’s good for beverages and condiments, but it can also hold eggs, butter, or even opened jars of pickles and sauces.
You can also add extra space by adding more shelves or bins on the door to hold items you use, as it is the warmest part of the fridge. The NSF recommends that the door hold only condiments and beverages for efficiency and safety.
Organize with Clear Bins
“A clean, organized fridge is like a reset for the mind every time you open it,” says chef and influencer Catherine McCord. These allow the contents to be seen on sight, meaning you will not need to rummage through every time you look for something.
Label each bin by the type of food or drink inside, such as dairy, snacks, and frozen foods. This will save you time and reduce food waste. These bins will also give value for space vertically, making use of the available space without overcrowding.
Adjust the Temperature for Long-Term Storage
Setting the right temperature in your garage fridge can extend the shelf life of your food and make it more efficient overall. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), your fridge should be at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
If you’re storing meat, dairy, or other perishable items, ensure the temperature is adjusted to meet their specific requirements. Your freezer should be set at 0°F (-18°C) for frozen items.
Utilize Vertical Storage
Maximize your refrigerator’s storage capacity by using vertical space. You can do this by installing adjustable shelves, stacking storage containers, or using wire racks.
Vertical storage allows you to arrange items in your fridge in layers for maximum utilization of the available space without clutter. For instance, you can store containers of frozen vegetables on top of each other or place taller jars behind shorter ones to keep everything accessible.
Use Baskets for Grouped Items
Group similar items in baskets for easy access and organization in your garage fridge. For instance, you can place all your fruits, vegetables, or kinds of cheese in different baskets. This keeps things from rolling around or getting lost deep in the fridge.
The baskets can easily be pulled out for access, ensuring you don’t have to rummage through your whole fridge.
Store Seasonal Items in Separate Bins
It is best to assign a separate storage area in your garage fridge for seasonal items like holiday leftovers, summer fruits, or winter beverages. Use labeled bins for these items, making access easy when the time arises and avoiding mix-ups with everyday items.
Once the season has passed, you can remove the bins from the fridge and prepare for the next batch of goods in season. This way, your fridge does not become crowded, and everything stays organized throughout the year.
Install Organizers in the Fridge
You can get refrigerator organizers like drawer dividers or tiered shelving units from a commercial enterprise or build/make them yourself to help increase your refrigerator’s working capacity. Such a tool will make separating and storing vegetables, fruits, and meat easy and prevent their mixture.
This approach maximizes space and helps reduce contamination and cross-contact between raw and cooked foods.
Freeze Items in Portion-Sized Containers
Freezing in portion-sized containers is an easy way to save space in your garage fridge while continuing to maintain it neatly. Small and stackable, these can be used for freezing meals or ingredients in portions, which one would reheat whenever needed.
This also allows one to easily track what’s in the freezer and use everything before it expires. According to the USDA, the average family of four in the US loses $1,500 annually to food waste. Portioned well meals can reduce food waste and speed up food preparation.
Add a Fridge Light to See Everything More Clearly
A simple yet often overlooked feature is the fridge’s good interior lighting system. Add another light or LED strip, and you’ll be able to see what you’re looking for much faster in deep or crowded areas of the fridge.
This ascertains efficiency by reducing time spent peering for ingredients and makes it easier to notice expired items.
Store Bottled Drinks in a Rolling Cart
Store bottled beverages on a rolling cart to save space in the fridge, but keep drinks within easy reach. The cart can house all cold beverages without cluttering the fridge’s shelves.
The contents are easily mobile both in and out of the refrigerator, allowing you to restock and draw items out as needed. This storage hack is great in garages that are usually small and also maximizes fridge efficiency without sacrificing convenience.
Keep the Freezer Section Organized
The freezer section is one of those places where everything gets thrown into most garage fridges. To avoid this, organize your freezer with clear bins and labels for different categories, such as frozen vegetables, meats, and meals.
This prevents food from becoming lost or forgotten and makes it easy to see when you’re running low on something. According to the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), the freezer organization not only helps preserve the quality of your food but also saves time when preparing meals.
Take Advantage of Overhead Space
If you have a garage fridge with extra vertical space above it, consider installing shelves or hanging storage baskets for additional storage. Overhead spaces can be great for storing items that don’t require refrigeration, such as bottles of wine, jars, or seasonal beverages.
Make sure your fridge’s weight capacity can handle additional items. This space can keep your fridge neat while freeing up more room for perishable goods.
Perform Regular Maintenance and Cleanings
Keeping your garage fridge functioning at its best involves regular maintenance and cleaning. Clean the condenser coils every six months to ensure the refrigerator runs efficiently and remove dust or debris from the back and sides. It’s also very important to defrost your freezer from time to time if it starts building up ice.
Maintenance also includes keeping the door seals in good condition so cold air doesn’t leak out, leading to higher energy consumption. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends routine maintenance to extend the life of your refrigerator and keep it at its best performance.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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