Wasting Food? Here’s The Best Storage Hacks (with Printable Guide!)

Refrigerator Storage Tips

Did you know that there is an ideal fridge temperature to keep all your food in the safe zone and to postpone (or slow it down) food spoilage?

Optimal Temperature: Keep your refrigerator at or below 40°F (4°C) and your freezer at 0°F (-18°C) to slow bacterial growth and maintain food quality.

Organizing by Food Type

• Top Shelves: Store ready-to-eat foods like leftovers, cooked meals, and drinks.
• Middle Shelves: Place dairy products such as milk, yogurt, and cheese.
• Bottom Shelf: Keep raw meats in sealed containers to prevent cross-contamination.
• Crisper Drawers: Store fruits and vegetables separately to prevent ethylene gas from ripening produce too quickly.
• Door Storage: The door experiences temperature fluctuations; store condiments here rather than milk or eggs.

Crisper Drawer Humidity Settings

Many refrigerators still have adjustable humidity controls in crisper drawers. These settings help extend the freshness of produce by controlling moisture levels:

• High-Humidity Setting (Less airflow) → Best for moisture-loving veggies
  • The vent is mostly closed, trapping moisture inside the drawer.
  • Ideal for: Leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, cucumbers, peppers
  • Prevents wilting by maintaining moisture.
• Low-Humidity Setting (More airflow) → Best for ethylene-producing fruits
  • The vent is open, allowing gases to escape and keeping food fresher longer.
  • Ideal for: Apples, pears, peaches, avocados, melons, tomatoes
  • Prevents quick ripening and spoilage.

Some modern fridges now use preset humidity zones instead of manual controls, labeling crispers as “Fruits” and “Vegetables” for convenience.

Best Containers for Refrigerator Storage

• Glass Containers with Airtight Lids – Ideal for storing leftovers without absorbing odors.
• Stackable Plastic Containers (BPA-free) – Saves space and keeps food organized.
• Silicone Bags – Reusable, eco-friendly, and great for storing pre-cut fruits and vegetables.
• Mason Jars – Perfect for liquids like soups, sauces, and dressings.

Additional Tips:

• Allow hot foods to cool before refrigerating to prevent raising the fridge temperature.
• Store leftovers within two hours of cooking and consume within 3-4 days.
• Label and date containers to track freshness and reduce waste.

Freezer Storage Guidelines ❄️

Let’s talk about prepping your food for long-term freezer storage.

Proper Packaging for Freezing:

• Souper Cubes – Great for portioning soups, broths, and sauces.
• Vacuum-Sealed Bags – Prevents freezer burn by removing air.
• Glass Containers (Freezer-Safe) – Best for storing soups and casseroles, but leave space for expansion.
• Plastic Freezer-Safe Containers – Ideal for solid foods like meats and leftovers.
• Heavy-Duty Freezer Bags – Good for vegetables, fruits, and bread.

Storage Times for Common Foods:

• Raw meat (beef, pork, poultry) – Up to 12 months
• Cooked meats – 2-6 months
• Soups and stews – 2-3 months
• Vegetables (blanched) – 8-12 months

Additional Freezer Tips:

• Label everything with a date to track storage times.
• Freeze foods in smaller portions for easier defrosting.
• Use a freezer inventory list to keep track of stored items.

Pantry Storage Guidelines 🥜

Here are some best practice guidelines to keep all your pantry staples fresh-tasting and prevent them from going stale.

Pantry Storage Best Practices

• Cool, Dry, and Dark: Store dry goods in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight.
• First In, First Out (FIFO): Rotate products to use older items before newer ones.
• Sealed Containers: Keep dry goods like flour, rice, and cereals in airtight containers to prevent pests.

Best Pantry Storage Containers

• Glass Jars with Lids – Perfect for storing grains, beans, and pasta.
• Plastic Airtight Containers – Keeps cereals and baking ingredients fresh.
• Stackable Can Organizers – Maximizes shelf space.

Common Pantry Storage Times

• Flour – Up to 8 months (longer if refrigerated/freezer-stored)
• Rice (white) – Up to 2 years
• Canned goods – 1-5 years (check for dents or swelling)
• Nuts and seeds – Up to 6 months (longer in the fridge)

General Food Storage Tips 📜

• Avoid Using Foil for Leftovers: Aluminum foil doesn’t create an airtight seal, which can lead to bacterial contamination. Use airtight containers instead.
• Regular Cleaning: Clean your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry regularly to prevent mold and bacteria buildup.
• Monitor Expiry Dates: Check and discard expired food to prevent spoilage and foodborne illnesses.

Printable Food Storage Checklist 📃

To make your food storage journey easier, download The Salty Pot’s Printable Food Storage Checklist for quick reference: