You’re Just 20 Minutes Away from a Less-Cluttered Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry

Taryn Williford
Taryn Williford
Taryn is a writer, editor, content strategist, and homebody from Atlanta. I might have helped you declutter your apartment through the magic of a well-paced email newsletter. Or maybe you know me from The Pickle Factory Loft on Instagram.
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updated Oct 21, 2019
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Credit: Minette Hand

There’s a category of cleaning I have begun to call fauxcrastinated chores: They’re those tasks we put off for way too long because we think they’re going to take forever when they really only take two minutes, in real life. Doing the dishes is like that, and so is breaking down boxes for the recycling. Truly you could play Bohemian Rhapsody (the song, never the film), do the damn chore, and still probably be done in time for headbanging.

Cleaning out the fridge is like that, too. In just a few minutes you could have the spacious, clean and clear fridge of your dreams — you just have to start.

Credit: Joe Lingeman/Kitchn

The Fastest (And Easiest!) Way to Clean Out Your Fridge, Freezer, And Pantry

I normally love the laundry basket method for these room sweeps, but because your food storage is probably pretty centrally located (and most things are probably destined for the trash), I think it’s best to change up your strategy.

First, bring your trash can close to the refrigerator, start a 20-minute timer, and spend your first chunk of time sorting through the fridge and freezer for things you no longer need:

Fridge

  • expired condiments
  • mystery leftovers
  • anything really old and unlikely to be used
  • anything you have multiples of
  • anything you tried and didn’t like

Freezer

  • anything freezer burned
  • anything really old and unlikely to be used
  • anything you have multiples of
  • ice trays or frozen tools that aren’t being used (looking at you, KitchenAid ice cream attachment)

Then, if there’s time, head towards your pantry, cabinet, or wherever you keep your dry food goods. Bring the trash can with you, but also grab a box or grocery bag where you can collect food (like canned goods) that can be donated.

Pantry

  • expired condiments
  • unneeded canned goods
  • old, stale food
  • anything you have multiples of
  • anything you tried and didn’t like

Take out the trash, set aside your donations for a food bank, and enjoy your enviously empty new spaces.

This post originally ran on Apartment Therapy. See it there: You’re Just 20 Minutes Away from a Less-Cluttered Fridge

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