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Thanksgiving Countdown: Cleaning Out the Fridge
It’s not the most glamorous task, but it’s one of the most important parts of Thanksgiving prep: cleaning out the fridge. If you’re anything like me, this is a chore that tends to get pushed aside, but with Thanksgiving just days away, it’s time to tackle it. Making space for the turkey, side dishes, desserts, and all the extras that come with hosting a holiday meal is non-negotiable.
Here’s how to make the most of your fridge space, manage those pesky leftovers, and get your fridge ready for Thanksgiving storage.
What Should We Do With the Leftovers?
Leftovers are one of the biggest culprits of fridge clutter, but they don’t have to take over. Here are a few tips to keep them manageable:
Plan for leftovers ahead of time. Assign a few days in your meal plan to use them up or transform them into new dishes. A pot of soup, a casserole, or even quick lunches can work wonders.
Invest in clear, stackable storage containers like these airtight glass food storage containers to easily see what’s inside. No more mystery containers!
Freeze what you can’t eat within a few days. Use freezer-safe reusable bags to save space while keeping food fresh for later.
How Long Are Leftovers Good For?
Knowing how long leftovers are safe is essential for both your health and fridge space. As a rule of thumb:
- Most cooked foods are good for 3–4 days in the fridge.
- If you can’t use them within that time frame, freeze them instead.
- Label everything with removable fridge labels to track expiration dates quickly.
How to Clean Out Your Fridge for Thanksgiving
Now that you have a plan for leftovers, let’s get to cleaning:
- Empty it out. Pull everything out of the fridge so you can work with a clean slate.
- Toss what’s expired. Check condiments, sauces, and anything questionable. If it’s past its prime, let it go.
- Wipe down the shelves and drawers. Use a mix of warm water and a few drops of natural dish soap, and a few cleaning rags (have you tried Swedish Dishcloths?).
- Organize your fridge. Designate areas for beverages, produce, condiments, and those soon-to-arrive Thanksgiving foods. Consider adding adjustable fridge bins to maximize vertical space.
Taking the time to clean your fridge now will save you so much hassle on the big day. Plus, your future self will thank you when you’re putting away leftovers with ease after the meal.
Do you have any tips for keeping your fridge holiday-ready? Let me know in the comments!
