by Fan Winston - December 19, 2022

Steal This Look: An Organized Refrigerator, Plastic-Free Edition

Refrigerator Interior from Organized Home Book, Image by Matthew Williams

You’ve overhauled your pantry, organized your closet, and decluttered your junk drawer. Now you’re jonesing for a new clean-out. What next? Go back into the kitchen, open the refrigerator, resist the urge to make yourself a little snack (focus!), and take a long, hard look. Chances are, there’s room for improvement.

Welcome to your next project—transforming your refrigerator shelves into a plastic-free, well-organized, and eye-catching storage zone.

Photography by Matthew Williams, styling by Alexa Hotz, for Remodelista: The Organized Home.

Refrigerator Interior from Organized Home Book, Image by Matthew Williams — Above: This image appears in our book, Remodelista: The Organized Home, in the chapter on kitchens. A tip for keeping things neat and uncrowded in your refrigerator: Commit to a weekly clear-out of your fridge, throwing together a meal of whatever is left at the end of your shopping week.

Steal This Look

Weck Mold Jars as part of the Remodelista Storage 75 Series — Above: You can source Weck Canning Jars practically anywhere these days. Crate & Barrel carries them in these three sizes; $3.95 to $5.95.

Kaico Canisters — Above: The Japanese-made Kaico Canister Set features scratch-resistant enameled steel and vacuum seals; $135 for the set at Nalata Nalata.

Glass Refrigerator Containers as part of the Remodelista Storage 75 Series — Above: Search for “Vintage Glass Refrigerator Jars” on Etsy and eBay, and you’ll find a trove of good-looking options.

Stainless Steel All-Clad Colander — Above: The small Stainless Steel All-Clad Colander is great for storing berries in the refrigerator; 1.5 quart is $49.95 at Williams Sonoma.

Reusable Organic Cotton Mesh Produce Bags as part of the Remodelista Storage 75 Series — Above: Use Mesh Reusable Produce Bags instead of disposable plastic versions; from $3.75 at Simple Ecology.

Bees Wrap — Above: Bee’s Wrap is, well, the bee’s knees. A superb alternative to plastic wrap; $18 for an assorted three-pack (in each size) at Amazon.

Ambatalia Linen Bowl Covers as part of the Remodelista Storage 75 Series — Above: Another replacement for plastic wrap—Cloth Dish Covers. We like the ones from Ambatalia best; they’re reversible, have two layers to contain odors; $65 for a set of five sizes.

Yellow Washi Tape — Above: Why use boring masking tape to label your food containers when you can use Solid Color Washi Tape[/product] in a fun color? $1.34 at Papermart.

Small Metal Clips as part of the Remodelista Storage 75 Series — Above: It’s the little things that count—like good-looking clips to ensure a tight seal. Pictured are versions from (from left) Labour & Wait, Museum of Useful Things, and Present & Correct. In the featured image at top, an Aluminium Peg from Labour & Wait keeps the paper bag sealed tight; £8 for a bag of 24.

For more eco-friendly solutions in the kitchen, see:

For more tips on how to organize your refrigerator, see:

N.B.: This post has been updated with new prices; it was first published July 2020.

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