My Sister's Clean Fridge Trick Is Brilliant, So I Had to Steal It

"I've always had a tough time organizing my refrigerator, including the freezer. It's usually a jumble of forgotten leftovers, half-used condiments, and produce on its last legs. And somehow, even with a fridge that looks "full," my husband and I often struggle to piece together a complete meal, which leads to more takeout and random leftovers piling up. I thought this cycle was unbreakable until I discovered my sister's brilliant fridge hack that completely changed the game."

"While visiting her, I was struck by how calm and uncluttered her fridge looked. Instead of the overstuffed chaos I was used to, hers was neatly arranged and nearly empty. At first, I thought she must be leaving town. But when I asked, she explained: At the start of each week, she pretends she's leaving for a trip at the end of it."

"At the start of each week, she pretends she's leaving for a trip at the end of it. This simple mindset shift pushes her to use up what's already in the fridge instead of stockpiling more. The mission becomes the following: Finish all perishable ingredients before "departure." That means turning wilting strawberries into a smoothie, folding the last of the spinach into an omelet, or pulling together a "clean-out-the-fridge" pasta. Nothing gets left behind."

A weekly 'pretend trip' mindset encourages using perishable ingredients before the end of the week. Treating the week as if leaving on a trip motivates finishing strawberries, spinach, and other perishables rather than stockpiling new groceries. Planning to shop only on weekends forces creativity during weekdays, combining leftovers, frozen items, and small ingredients into complete meals. Simple strategies include turning wilting fruit into smoothies, folding greens into omelets, making clean-out-the-fridge pastas, and pairing proteins with dips and frozen sides. This approach reduces food waste, clears fridge clutter, and minimizes midweek takeout by turning stray containers into intentional meals.

Read at Apartment Therapy