How to Organize and Replace Your Refrigerator Drawers and Bins

## **How to Organize and Replace Your Refrigerator Drawers and Bins**

Keeping your refrigerator organized not only makes it easier to find what you need but also helps keep your food fresh longer. However, over time, refrigerator drawers and bins can wear out, crack, or break, leading to disorganization and inefficiency. This guide will help you both organize and replace your refrigerator drawers and bins to maximize space and functionality.

### **Step 1: Empty and Clean Your Refrigerator**

Before organizing or replacing any drawers or bins, it’s essential to start with a clean slate.

1. **Remove All Items**: Take everything out of your refrigerator, including food, drawers, and bins. Place perishable items in a cooler with ice packs to keep them fresh while you work.

2. **Clean the Interior**: Use a mild cleaning solution (such as a mix of warm water and baking soda) to wipe down all surfaces inside your refrigerator. Pay special attention to corners and crevices where spills may have accumulated.

3. **Dry Thoroughly**: Make sure everything is completely dry before moving on to the next steps.

### **Step 2: Organize Your Refrigerator Drawers and Bins**

Organizing your refrigerator drawers and bins effectively can make a big difference in how you store and access your food.

1. **Designate Zones**:

   – **Crisper Drawers**: Use crisper drawers for fruits and vegetables. Most refrigerators have adjustable humidity settings for these drawers—use low humidity for fruits and high humidity for vegetables.

   – **Meat Drawer**: If your refrigerator has a dedicated meat drawer, keep all raw meats and seafood here. It’s usually located at the coldest part of the fridge, ideal for storing perishable proteins.

   – **Dairy and Eggs**: Store dairy products and eggs in the main body of the refrigerator, not in the door bins, as the temperature is more consistent.

   – **Door Bins**: Reserve door bins for condiments, sauces, and items that are less temperature-sensitive, as the door is typically the warmest part of the fridge.

   – **Middle Shelves**: Store ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, deli meats, and beverages here, where they’re easy to reach.

   – **Top Shelves**: Use the top shelves for items that don’t require cooking, such as snacks, prepackaged foods, and drinks.

2. **Use Clear Containers**: To further organize your refrigerator, consider using clear bins or containers. These allow you to group similar items together and quickly see what you have, reducing clutter.

3. **Label Everything**: Label drawers, bins, and containers to make it easier for everyone in your household to put things back in the right place.

### **Step 3: Replace Worn or Broken Drawers and Bins**

If your refrigerator drawers or bins are cracked, broken, or just worn out, replacing them is essential to maintain organization and functionality.

1. **Identify the Part Numbers**:

   – Check your refrigerator’s model number and consult the user manual or the manufacturer’s website to find the exact part numbers for your drawers and bins. This will ensure you order the correct replacements.

   – If you can’t find the part number, you can often search by refrigerator model on parts retailer websites.

2. **Order Replacement Parts**:

   – Once you have the correct part numbers, order the replacements from the manufacturer, an authorized dealer, or a reliable online parts retailer. Make sure to purchase genuine or compatible parts to ensure a proper fit.

3. **Install the New Drawers and Bins**:

   – When the replacement parts arrive, remove the old drawers and bins. Installation is usually straightforward—just slide the new drawers into the tracks or slots and place the bins in the designated areas.

   – If the new parts come with installation instructions, follow them carefully to ensure a secure fit.

### **Step 4: Maintain Your Organization**

After organizing and replacing your refrigerator drawers and bins, it’s important to maintain the system to keep your fridge efficient and clutter-free.

1. **Regular Cleaning**: Clean your refrigerator regularly to prevent spills and odors from accumulating. Wipe down shelves, drawers, and bins as part of your routine.

2. **Rotate Food**: When adding new groceries, place older items in front so they get used first. This helps prevent waste and keeps your fridge organized.

3. **Monitor Expiration Dates**: Keep an eye on expiration dates and toss out expired items to free up space and avoid unpleasant odors.

### **Conclusion**

Organizing and replacing your refrigerator drawers and bins can significantly improve the efficiency and functionality of your kitchen. By designating specific zones for different types of food, using clear containers, and maintaining regular cleaning habits, you can ensure your refrigerator stays organized and your food stays fresh. And when drawers or bins wear out, don’t hesitate to replace them to keep your fridge in top shape.