Precariously balancing your pan of leftover stir-fry atop the jug of milk in the only available refrigerator space can seem like a success, until it comes crashing down. Fast forward to the next morning when you're scrubbing sticky broccoli and rice off the kitchen floor.

Organizing your refrigerator can be both rewarding and a huge timesaver. And, it can save you money when done correctly. If you're constantly searching for that certain condiment or always forgetting about your produce, it's time to rethink where and how you're storing food items.

It's easy to overlook your fridge organization, even when you know something isn't working. Just remember that not everything needs to take up the valuable real estate in your fridge.

Accessibility:

• Label your foods and designate certain shelves or drawers for fruits, veggies, cheeses, meats, and leftovers.
• If you need more drawers, add sliding bins to your shelves to make things more accessible.
• Store tall, unopened cartons on the sides, rather than standing up, for more vertical space.
• Add your own wire shelving.

Less waste:

• Repurpose six-pack beverage containers to organize condiments.
• Use chip clips to secure bags of salad or cheese that may spoil if not sealed tightly.
• Use a list on your fridge to keep track of leftovers or other foods with short expiration dates.

Rethink where:

• Try to store thawing meat on the bottom shelf to protect against any drips or leaks that could spoil other foods.
• Potatoes, onions and tomatoes can all be stored in a wire basket in your pantry. Some nut butter will do well in your cupboard, and apples are happy to hang out in a pretty bowl on your counter.
• Be sure to read the packaging on foods for specific storage instructions.