One thing that my family does to help prevent food waste is a “starve” at the end of each month. We don’t buy any groceries the last week of the month to use up everything that we have! It’s a great way to keep your fridge and pantry in check and also helps you to be mindful of what you are bringing into the house. If something is always leftover then you know you are buying too much. Great job Mrs. Heart ❤️
This is a great idea! I think it’s also good to do a fridge clean out before you go grocery shopping. Make sure you use up your groceries every week before buying more and if you didn’t use it maybe don’t buy as much. Don’t be too hard on yourself! Fact of life is we get busy and order takeout when we should have made that salad. As long as we are always trying 💜
That is the way to do it. Foodwaste while others are starving isn't very christian a habit... I had to learn that, too. Ever since, I waste almost nothing.
Lesson is , I think, to never open someting before you can trow an empty jar, empty bottle or empty package away. That prevents you from having lots of dressings and lots of meat and muttiple salade bags open and turning bad. And prevents the fridge from becomming to full to see the stuf. And that helps with preventing and so on....
You are doing SO AMAZING! I recall a pretty lady in sunglasses who was paralyzed hemming and hawing over each decision. You are so strong! Thank you for blessing us with joining you during this journey!
What helps me is to open the fridge every trash day and give every shelf a quick look to see if anything needs to go. I also open it (and my pantry) before finalizing my grocery list. it helps me to see what I may or may not need, or to see that I already have enough ingredients for a meal (maybe minus one item)
I check my fridge once a week when it is trash day too. That way nothing gets pushed back so I can’t see it! When I have company I try to eat the leftovers as soon as I can so I don’t have much waste. Salad goes bad fast so we have to eat it first before that happens!
You can actually freeze Butter and use it, when you need it:) Maybe try one bin with stuff that needs to be eaten first:) you could make a meal out of it one day a week:)
Yes, and you can also freeze half of that big packet of lunch meat if you know it's not gonna be eaten in a few days- ham and salami holds up on frozen pizza for month, so exept for a bit of water in the tupperware after defreezing, it's perfectly fine. Same with hard cheese. If I go on a vacation I just stick these odds and ends in the freezer and it even has the bonus to have something to eat if you come home from the holidays. And the best tip to get rid of food that has to go but I don't like, is reminding a family member explicitly to eat it. The human garbage can method lol (I have 2 brothers..)
I bought several very small glascontainers and divide margarine in 4 portions. I put each in one seperate container and into the freezer. So I don't have to use ziplocks and can reuse the containers. It helps a lot and I don't waste my margarine anymore. I love watching this channel😘
Really? I’ll have to try that. I just discovered freezing peeled bananas! They come out different (& delicious), but sure is better than wasting them when there is no time for banana bread! 💛🍌
I'm a new subscriber from the UK I just want to say what an inspiration you are to me. I would like to thank you for how honest you are and how much your videos have helped me. You have overcome so much and you should be so proud of how far you have come. I'm going to get my house in order I hear myself saying tossy tossy a lot now and that's thanks to you. Much love to you and your wonderful family don't stop doing what your doing xxx
Omg..you've been peeking in my fridge! The habit of going through the fridge the night trash goes out to the curb has made a big difference and morale booster.
i clean the fridge every week before i put in the new groceries. this is so satisfying for me to watch because my fridge never looks like that. love your channel. keep up the good work.
I do almost the same thing. I only shop once a week, and make a menu. So I try to pick recipes that use up opened stuff in the fridge, and I toss out any expired food while I’m prepping for the shop. I totally get the guilt around throwing out food that Ms Heart mentioned. I’m really trying to have less food waste overall.
The golden tip in my house is: buy less, eat it all. And always, when you get something from the fridge or prep meals, do a quick checkup of some stuff to see if its still good. Also, and ADHD tip I saw is to put the condiments on the bottom drawer, cause they take more time to go bad, and put vegetables and things that go bad quicker right in your face (the door or top shelves) so you remember to eat them quickly and prefer them over industrialized foods!
We try to do a fridge clean out every week on trash day so we don't stink up the house with bad food sitting in the trash all week. It helps a lot! Since you just did this clean out, it would be easier for you to form a weekly habit of it now because you know everything that's in there!
I know you’re a busy mama but maybe you could do a once a month video where you put away your groceries and do a quick go through of your fridge and pantry for maintenance. We can help hold you accountable! Share with us some of the meals you have planned for the family and special deals you found at the grocery store.
We have been using a use up basket and sometimes a shelf when we see things needing used up we put it there. We keep fewer condiments in frig and try to wipe it out before grocery shopping. We also limit condiments to the the doors. It isn 't perfect, but sure helps. We are learning here. We also started putting a use up basket on the countertop. Things that are coming close to the best buy date go in there. It is really helping us to not waste food.
It's entirely up to you to do this . I clean and check my fridge and freezer weekly . My food store also . Saves money and waste . Thankyou for all your inspiration. You are definitely one of my favourites.
What helps us with fridge and food things is knowing what we have, and then checking before we buy again. So we don't get multiples and don't have expired food. My husband is also good at throwing out old items.
Your video has inspired me to clean my fridge. I have been putting it off for way too long. I retired last month and I was planning on getting busy cleaning. That has not happened. I haven't cleaned any more that I had to in the last month and a half. I don't understand why I am feeling down. I was eager to retire, I couldn't wait and now I don't know what to do with myself. I'm going to get to the fridge before I lose the motivation I got from the video. EDIT: The fridge is clean! Defrosting the freezer is for another day
Too much time at home can feel isolating, many times subconsciously. Try volunteering somewhere that sparks passion at least one day per week (I volunteer at my local animal control and its extremely rewarding). Best of luck to you and I hope you find a way to enjoy your retirement
So the best thing about this channel is you openly admit you are a hoarder - and yet look at you getting all cleaned out and organized! I watch other decluttering videos of folks who do not say they are hoarders - and yet part with very little!
We would always eat up food in the frig before going on vacation. Also the day before garbage pickup we'd toss anything that was bad. The number one thing is don't buy so much food that you can't realistically eat up, minus condiments, within 2 weeks. Also, don't have more than 1 product, condiment, opened at the same time....butter, syrup, etc.
Yesss! That’s what make me want to clean out my fridge too! But I didn’t have time before vacation because I worked up until the day we left! So I cleaned it the day we came home!! Lol
This may be my favorite of your videos to date because what you say is so positive and insightful. I also love how you date when you open things. This is especially helpful if you have duplicate items in the fridge or more then one person shopping.
Thank you for being you!!! I am finally taking care of myself and my home. I’m decluttering one space at a time and putting my sentimental items in a space of their own until I can let go. Thank you for your encouragement 💖
Great job! I use the last bits of salad dressing as a marinade . Ranch, italian..doesnt matter put in a freezer bag with your chicken or pork and freeze. Then it marinates when defrosting!
my mom always said "when in doubt, throw it out!" not worth eating expired food :) so satisfying to see the clean fridge at the end, I need to clean mine!
🥪 I worked in a cafe MANY years ago, then in an elementary school kitchen. I remember measuring and portioning lunchmeats for salads and sandwiches. We’d freeze the potions and just take out what we needed for the day. I totally need to so this at home. The kids just don’t eat lunch meat like they used to. Also, I’ve thought about using press and seal plastic wrap on the bottom of my fridge. We’ll see if I get around to trying it. 😆
I used to have a big problem not seeing & using everything when I had a fridge just like yours! Now we have a fridge with the frozen section on the bottom ~ and it has made such a difference! I think monitoring everything would be a whole lot easier for you if you didn’t have to bend over to look into your fridge! Same with your pantry (though that looks great). I just love having things at waist or higher height! 🥰 Great job! 🧡🎉
Good job on the clean fridge!! I’ve come to realize that I don’t need a full fridge because it gets over cluttered and I waste food. It’s much better for me to shop once or twice a week to reduce food waste, which was a big struggle for me! I also don’t let anything inside my fridge without a food label/ sticker with the date and time it was opened or cooked! That has worked amazing!
Great motivational video like always! I clean my refrigerator two times per month while I make my shopping list to see what’s needed to buy and not buy duplicates. Try the dollar tree plastic cutting boards to put under your produce bins. I have never seen anyone storing medicine in the refrigerator that’s a great idea, but store higher if possible. The end result it’s beautiful!
Look at all these sauceeeees!! x) I'm so glad to see your improvement at deciding what to keep or knowing fast in which category you're going to tidy your stuff!! I've been watching your videos for quite some time and I can clearly see that you're doing so great!!! Can't wait for a new video about decluttering your basement!
I never stock up on many condiments. The only 2 consistent condiments I own is spicy maggi seasoning (can be used for many different dishes including sushi as soy sauce substitue) and mayo. If I cook something that needs a condiment I will buy only the smallest size available so i can use it up quickly. My hoarding problem is books, notebooks, fun nicknacks and handbags.
I love this video! Thank you for sharing your journey. You really are an inspiration and I'm so happy that I found your channel!! Thank you, Mrs. Heart!!
Thank you so much for your videos! I watch some of the other ladies that declutter too, but they always made these big huge strides that seemed overwhelming and got rid of things that made me cringe. After watching your videos, I realized that I have hoarding tendencies and giving yourself permission to hold onto things that you just aren't ready to let go of was a freeing thought for me, but to also keep going after the things that were an easy let go. Also, maybe getting a clear narrow container for butter and margarine for the top shelf might help some of it to not be pushed to the back, and lost.
Hi Dear, there are many great comments and suggestions. Mine would be: Go through you fridge more often. I do it at least two times a month before I go to the store. So you know everything in there is good to go. It saves so much time and stress (and food). Love from Germany ♥
Thank you so much for this video. Such great advice and kind words I needed to hear about giving yourself grace and about doing what you can NOW, without anxiety. Thank You!
Hey I'm thoroughly impressed that you have an empty sink to rinse out the fridge bins in can I tell you how many times I clean up my fridge when my sink isn't empty always That's always when I clean my fridge and then I'm like man I can't even wash the bins out! So that is huge at least in my world I think you get a gold star just for that one!!! I am impressed! 😊
Well done 👏 Is it really a year? I would have said less. Your so right in giving yourself grace if throwing something away and in fairness Miss Heart there wasn’t much left in any of the jars, tubs, bags etc. I love Miss Pepper supervising as well. Stay safe and healthy. Mary, Joes wife 👏👍💪🙏💐🐈⬛🦄
This looks so much better! It´s great how confident and relaxed you are now. I really recommend plastic baskets and boxes for almost everything in the fridge. Since I started using that my fridge is one of the best kept spot in my home and I don´t waste food any more. It´s very comfortable to just pull out a box with for example all the things for sandwiches or one with all the jars for cooking. No bottles and jars falling down every time I try to reach something and no forgotten things in the back. I just bought something cheap and it does the job.
@@shadowprovesunshine Just something cheap I got in a "dollar store" when I lived in Spain. They are white and square looking, with straight sides so they hug everything nicely. They are so perfect that I can´t justify buying a "lazy Susan" which is now available in my country for the first time! I really want one... I have scoured my flat to find a use for it but I am really all set 😆
@@eyrunsigrunardottir6977 Thanks for your reply! I hope to visit the southern coast of Spain someday lol. Yes, I luv my lazy Susan- fits in my small spice cupboard perfectly. Better yet, a friend gave me her used one so it was free!
My meal planning is based entirely on what is in the fridge. Veggies going to go bad soon? We're having salad tonight. Eggs have been in there for a while? Guess what we're having for breakfast. Fruit has been around a hot minute? Time to eat that as a snack. I prioritize fridge foods before making anything else, and plan my meals on what imminently needs to be eaten. It results in some creativity, too. We had some cheese, pepperoni, and eggs sitting in the fridge that needed to be eaten up. So... we had 'pizza omelets' (which were absolutely delicious, BTW). If you prioritize the fridge foods whenever you cook, you won't have to toss as much.
Thank you🥰🥰 was awesome to watch the fridge is definitely not my favorite area to clean out.....well done. Now I'm motivated to take three bins of recycling out! Go Peppar💕🐈
I clean my fridge out each week because I can’t eat anything passed it’s Best by or use by date. I also put my eggs in a bowl of cold water to see if they’re still good - sink = good, float = bad... even if they’re in date. That fear of eating something that’s going to make me sick is so strong. Cleaning the fridge out before the weekly shop means I can see what’s in its date and what I need to buy to make that into a meal the coming week so it doesn’t get wasted.
I am SO IMPRESSED with your progress from when you started! Wow, go you!!!👏👏👏🥳🦄 Your schedule may not permit this, but I go through my fridge once a week the day before garbage day (which is also my grocery shopping day) to check for uneaten leftovers, etc. I usually have what I find for lunch that day. It takes 10 minutes, tops, when I do it weekly, and I find we waste a lot less food. Also, you might be able to use that expired apple sauce to make muffins or a cake. But don’t feel guilty if you don’t want to - just chalk it up to experience, and buy less applesauce next time!😊
We eat leftovers the next day. Anything that isn't eaten after two days is frozen - sauces and tomato paste in ice cube trays; cooked mince, soups and casseroles in silicone muffin trays or rectangular, stackable containers, and deli meats in the containers. I label and date with masking tape and ballpoint pen. I pop out the muffin-sized portions to store in gallon ziploc bags or stackable containers. You still have to remember to use the frozen leftovers, so keeping a running list by your freezer is handy.
Any time i throw out old ranch dressing i will dump it in the sink and wash the bottle container then throw it into the recycling bin nice and clean just like the old salsa glass jars.. and empty milk jugs quick wash so its clean and no spoiled milk inside Tip: do this the night before trash day...
We have a “fend” night every Friday to clean out the leftovers in the refrigerator. Then I go to the grocery on Saturday with a meal plan and a grocery list.
Good job. Fly Lady teaches to weekly menu plan so you only get stuff that has a meal planned for it. Also, trash day I do a quick check of the frig and toss questionable things so I have few items in my frig. Fly Lady has you tackle the kitchen once a month. If you set aside 15 minutes once a month to wipe down everything in the frig, it stays clean. Trust Fly Lady system. She tells you what to do each day, each week, each month. If you need a fly lady buddy, I can help.
I am so happy for you, the transformation is incredible! What works for my household of 5 (three who are 5 years and under) is I freeze all but the current stick (or two if I know I'm baking) of butter because we buy in bulk. In order to keep things from going bad and/or becoming forgotten we plan our menu based on what we have and only buy what we need. Since kids like routine and mine are super predictable I know I need to check our PB and J, fresh fruits and veggies, and cheese stick status because that's lunch in this house as far as the kids are concerned 😂. Also don't forget that things like lunch meats and hot dogs can be frozen so if you, for example, shop once a week you could freeze half to extend the shelflife. If it were me I would also make a house rule about how many different types of deli meats that can be opened at one time. I'm all for variety but with two growing boys, a husband, and of course yourself I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem eating through types fast enough to keep hitting everyone's favorite and you wouldn't be throwing it out. Keep up the great work!
For the butter, FIFO - first in first out, put the new container behind the old container. That makes it harder to leave a half used tub forgotten somewhere. For lunch meat, try keeping it all but the open one in the freezer so the open one gets used first. I knew my schedule and ability to cook this month would be erratic at best so I ate all the stuff that spoils quicker. I'm trying to cook when I can and am choosing things that are healthy-ish but not so leftover heavy that a science experiment will be born. So my convenience noodle mixes are a go to, but I have carrots, potatoes, onions and frozen veg. Last night was frozen fish sticks (not healthy, but it allowed me to get a serving of fish in after a lot of chicken meals 🤷♀️). Tonight I made hamburger patties and frozen peas which the leftovers should hold me over until crazy schedule hits again. My only "concern" is how to use the leftover diced onion.
Also rotting and molding food gives of traces that Will make stuff go bad faster. Also IT can add to the microfilm you can not clean away. Add the fridge to a weekly list.
Hey Ms Heart. ADHD tip. Put the condiments in the salad draws and the fresh salad/veg on the fridge door so you see it and use it. Only buy enough to put one line of food across the shelf, if anything goes behind something its lost forever for me!
The door is the warmest zone of the fridge, because it is exposed to the warm outside air the most. Nothing you want to last long (including eggs) should be kept on the door.
@@RadCenter I know that but adhd makes you forget they exist if you can't see them. If you see them every time you open the fridge they get used before they go bad. The shorter time period helps me to make sure I eat them!
You are doing amazing! Cleaning tip is to go top to bottom so it is less work and mess. I definitely second the tip about cleaning the vents as well to optimize functionality and save energy.
Before going to the grocery store, we look to see what we are low on and what is on sale. If the pantry, frig, or cabinets are full, we don't get that item. We have a small pantry, but with supply change situation, we have it stocked. We use three tiered shelves for canned goods and put oldest in the front. We label the best buy date on top front of can and on the top. That way, food isn't wasted. On the counter in a basket, we put things we find in pantry or cabinets that needs used up soon. We use that to guide what we cook. When the container is full, it is just full. That determines what we buy also. We put canned goods in pantry, baking goods in baskets in cabinets.
Having a designated place in your fridge for all the butter and margarine helps me to know exactly how much I have left in the fridge. Zone the fridge so that each type of item has its designated spot ( sometimes works) or zone so that each meal's ingredients are together.
Cleaning out the fridge is one of those chores that seems so intimidating that I get tempted to put it off over and over. Something that works for me is splitting it up into zones and taking one a day. Four shelves + the crisper drawers + the doors = 6 days with Sundays for a break or catch-up. I'm still growing toward consistency with the habit, but it's been so nice to approach the job knowing I only have to do one shelf. And when I do stick with it, it's great to have a fridge that stays clean!
You are doing great! I try to clean out the fridge now and then and also try to find the hidden treasures at the back of the shelves before they go bad. I don't know why I watch The Home Edit (Netflix), because it's hysterical and includes a lot of buying plastic bins and people with huge walk in pantrys, not my Swedish much smaller kitchen....but the show is quite fun (in smaller chunks at a time) and I understand why they love clear bins. They would definitely take out the apple sauce from the outer packaging. And I would eat the apple sauce and the butter far beyond the exp. date. ;) I hope you had a great Easter! Lots of love. /Rebecka
We do a quick surface clean weekly for meats cheeses fruits & vegetables then week before Christmas I throw all condiments sauces and re purchase them all new for the new year new bottles new year I say 👍🏻👍🏻 plus Sunday night is bake vegetable night then new vegetables in on Monday’s shop 👍🏻👍🏻
Of course its not the best to throw food away, but the most food that is wasted is wasted in over production and wasted in the stores.. So no guilt here.
Those ocd Tik Tok videos with all the clear bins in the fridge are over the top. But I really believe it will help you to keep things organized. One for butter. One for cheese. One for hubby’s prep. Deli meet. Etc.
I think a big way to mitigate food waste in a safer way that’s often overlooked is just freeze more stuff, from bread to half open sauces, a lot of stuff can be frozen and only thawed when needed (or even frozen in portion sizes to begin with) and you usually can’t even taste the difference
This week I’ve come across a new cleaning system, similar to the flylady and clean mama systems, this one is called ‘the organised mum method’ it has an 8 week rotation of ‘deep clean chores’ so you may get round to cleaning the fridge more often like 4 times a year with this method.
If you want to toss less deli meat, you could try this: keep one package in the fridge and the rest on the freezer. When the package in the fridge is finished, pull a new one from the freezer. I live alone and I learned that I cannot have a full fridge, as I will never go through it before it goes bad. I freeze a lot, and if I forget something in the freezer, it might be a little burned, but not bad and moldy.
One thing that my family does to help prevent food waste is a “starve” at the end of each month. We don’t buy any groceries the last week of the month to use up everything that we have! It’s a great way to keep your fridge and pantry in check and also helps you to be mindful of what you are bringing into the house. If something is always leftover then you know you are buying too much. Great job Mrs. Heart ❤️
This is a great idea! I think it’s also good to do a fridge clean out before you go grocery shopping. Make sure you use up your groceries every week before buying more and if you didn’t use it maybe don’t buy as much. Don’t be too hard on yourself! Fact of life is we get busy and order takeout when we should have made that salad. As long as we are always trying 💜
This is a GREAT idea!!! Thank you for sharing!
That is the way to do it. Foodwaste while others are starving isn't very christian a habit... I had to learn that, too. Ever since, I waste almost nothing.
We do that every other week
That’s a really good idea.
Lesson is , I think, to never open someting before you can trow an empty jar, empty bottle or empty package away. That prevents you from having lots of dressings and lots of meat and muttiple salade bags open and turning bad. And prevents the fridge from becomming to full to see the stuf. And that helps with preventing and so on....
You are doing SO AMAZING! I recall a pretty lady in sunglasses who was paralyzed hemming and hawing over each decision. You are so strong! Thank you for blessing us with joining you during this journey!
AWE!! Seriously thank you so so much!! Your sweet message means the world to me!! Thank you for being my friend 💜🦄🙏🏻🌟
What helps me is to open the fridge every trash day and give every shelf a quick look to see if anything needs to go. I also open it (and my pantry) before finalizing my grocery list. it helps me to see what I may or may not need, or to see that I already have enough ingredients for a meal (maybe minus one item)
I check my fridge once a week when it is trash day too. That way nothing gets pushed back so I can’t see it! When I have company I try to eat the leftovers as soon as I can so I don’t have much waste. Salad goes bad fast so we have to eat it first before that happens!
I do the same! ^_^ It works pretty good for us to keep the wilted lettuce and shriveled grapes no one remembered to eat out of there.
Ditto! I've cut food waste down 95%
I love the idea of putting the date on the item when you open it. I’m going to do that from now on. Great tip.
My mother swears by this! Also, knowing the date you bake or make something is handy 🧁🍗
You can actually freeze Butter and use it, when you need it:)
Maybe try one bin with stuff that needs to be eaten first:) you could make a meal out of it one day a week:)
Yes, and you can also freeze half of that big packet of lunch meat if you know it's not gonna be eaten in a few days- ham and salami holds up on frozen pizza for month, so exept for a bit of water in the tupperware after defreezing, it's perfectly fine. Same with hard cheese. If I go on a vacation I just stick these odds and ends in the freezer and it even has the bonus to have something to eat if you come home from the holidays.
And the best tip to get rid of food that has to go but I don't like, is reminding a family member explicitly to eat it. The human garbage can method lol (I have 2 brothers..)
I bought several very small glascontainers and divide margarine in 4 portions. I put each in one seperate container and into the freezer. So I don't have to use ziplocks and can reuse the containers. It helps a lot and I don't waste my margarine anymore.
I love watching this channel😘
Really? I’ll have to try that. I just discovered freezing peeled bananas! They come out different (& delicious), but sure is better than wasting them when there is no time for banana bread! 💛🍌
I'm a new subscriber from the UK I just want to say what an inspiration you are to me. I would like to thank you for how honest you are and how much your videos have helped me. You have overcome so much and you should be so proud of how far you have come. I'm going to get my house in order I hear myself saying tossy tossy a lot now and that's thanks to you. Much love to you and your wonderful family don't stop doing what your doing xxx
This was a very kind post. 🥰
@@heathersmeather thank you I meant every word xxx
Love your comment! 💛✨
@@Cali_Flowers thank you. I love your name xx
Thank you! I completely cleaned and declutter my fridge today because of you!
Omg..you've been peeking in my fridge!
The habit of going through the fridge the night trash goes out to the curb has made a big difference and morale booster.
i clean the fridge every week before i put in the new groceries. this is so satisfying for me to watch because my fridge never looks like that. love your channel. keep up the good work.
I do almost the same thing. I only shop once a week, and make a menu. So I try to pick recipes that use up opened stuff in the fridge, and I toss out any expired food while I’m prepping for the shop. I totally get the guilt around throwing out food that Ms Heart mentioned. I’m really trying to have less food waste overall.
Same. We do a day of leftovers and I clean out the fridge the night before garbage/compost pick up. Keeps it all manageable and waste to a minimum.
The golden tip in my house is: buy less, eat it all. And always, when you get something from the fridge or prep meals, do a quick checkup of some stuff to see if its still good. Also, and ADHD tip I saw is to put the condiments on the bottom drawer, cause they take more time to go bad, and put vegetables and things that go bad quicker right in your face (the door or top shelves) so you remember to eat them quickly and prefer them over industrialized foods!
We try to do a fridge clean out every week on trash day so we don't stink up the house with bad food sitting in the trash all week. It helps a lot! Since you just did this clean out, it would be easier for you to form a weekly habit of it now because you know everything that's in there!
I know you’re a busy mama but maybe you could do a once a month video where you put away your groceries and do a quick go through of your fridge and pantry for maintenance. We can help hold you accountable! Share with us some of the meals you have planned for the family and special deals you found at the grocery store.
We have been using a use up basket and sometimes a shelf when we see things needing used up we put it there. We keep fewer condiments in frig and try to wipe it out before grocery shopping. We also limit condiments to the the doors. It isn 't perfect, but sure helps. We are learning here. We also started putting a use up basket on the countertop. Things that are coming close to the best buy date go in there. It is really helping us to not waste food.
It's entirely up to you to do this . I clean and check my fridge and freezer weekly . My food store also . Saves money and waste . Thankyou for all your inspiration. You are definitely one of my favourites.
I really appreciate your positivity and sense of humor, it's really inspiring. Thank you for sharing
What helps us with fridge and food things is knowing what we have, and then checking before we buy again. So we don't get multiples and don't have expired food. My husband is also good at throwing out old items.
Your video has inspired me to clean my fridge. I have been putting it off for way too long. I retired last month and I was planning on getting busy cleaning. That has not happened. I haven't cleaned any more that I had to in the last month and a half. I don't understand why I am feeling down. I was eager to retire, I couldn't wait and now I don't know what to do with myself. I'm going to get to the fridge before I lose the motivation I got from the video. EDIT: The fridge is clean! Defrosting the freezer is for another day
Too much time at home can feel isolating, many times subconsciously. Try volunteering somewhere that sparks passion at least one day per week (I volunteer at my local animal control and its extremely rewarding). Best of luck to you and I hope you find a way to enjoy your retirement
Thanks Erin. I do have a crochet group that meets weekly. I just have to get up early enough to go.
great video. Is good to remember that cleaning is also a moment to assess how we manage resources.
So the best thing about this channel is you openly admit you are a hoarder - and yet look at you getting all cleaned out and organized! I watch other decluttering videos of folks who do not say they are hoarders - and yet part with very little!
We would always eat up food in the frig before going on vacation. Also the day before garbage pickup we'd toss anything that was bad. The number one thing is don't buy so much food that you can't realistically eat up, minus condiments, within 2 weeks. Also, don't have more than 1 product, condiment, opened at the same time....butter, syrup, etc.
Yesss! That’s what make me want to clean out my fridge too! But I didn’t have time before vacation because I worked up until the day we left! So I cleaned it the day we came home!! Lol
This may be my favorite of your videos to date because what you say is so positive and insightful. I also love how you date when you open things. This is especially helpful if you have duplicate items in the fridge or more then one person shopping.
Thank you for being you!!! I am finally taking care of myself and my home. I’m decluttering one space at a time and putting my sentimental items in a space of their own until I can let go. Thank you for your encouragement 💖
Great job! I use the last bits of salad dressing as a marinade . Ranch, italian..doesnt matter put in a freezer bag with your chicken or pork and freeze. Then it marinates when defrosting!
I clean the fridge out every Tuesday as trash day is Wednesday. Quick and easy
my mom always said "when in doubt, throw it out!" not worth eating expired food :) so satisfying to see the clean fridge at the end, I need to clean mine!
🥪 I worked in a cafe MANY years ago, then in an elementary school kitchen. I remember measuring and portioning lunchmeats for salads and sandwiches. We’d freeze the potions and just take out what we needed for the day. I totally need to so this at home. The kids just don’t eat lunch meat like they used to.
Also, I’ve thought about using press and seal plastic wrap on the bottom of my fridge. We’ll see if I get around to trying it. 😆
I love your voice over. I always love hearing your point of view.
I used to have a big problem not seeing & using everything when I had a fridge just like yours! Now we have a fridge with the frozen section on the bottom ~ and it has made such a difference! I think monitoring everything would be a whole lot easier for you if you didn’t have to bend over to look into your fridge! Same with your pantry (though that looks great). I just love having things at waist or higher height! 🥰 Great job! 🧡🎉
Good job on the clean fridge!! I’ve come to realize that I don’t need a full fridge because it gets over cluttered and I waste food. It’s much better for me to shop once or twice a week to reduce food waste, which was a big struggle for me! I also don’t let anything inside my fridge without a food label/ sticker with the date and time it was opened or cooked! That has worked amazing!
Another excellent video. You give so much hope to everyone.
Great motivational video like always! I clean my refrigerator two times per month while I make my shopping list to see what’s needed to buy and not buy duplicates. Try the dollar tree plastic cutting boards to put under your produce bins. I have never seen anyone storing medicine in the refrigerator that’s a great idea, but store higher if possible. The end result it’s beautiful!
Look at all these sauceeeees!! x) I'm so glad to see your improvement at deciding what to keep or knowing fast in which category you're going to tidy your stuff!! I've been watching your videos for quite some time and I can clearly see that you're doing so great!!! Can't wait for a new video about decluttering your basement!
I never stock up on many condiments. The only 2 consistent condiments I own is spicy maggi seasoning (can be used for many different dishes including sushi as soy sauce substitue) and mayo. If I cook something that needs a condiment I will buy only the smallest size available so i can use it up quickly. My hoarding problem is books, notebooks, fun nicknacks and handbags.
I love this video! Thank you for sharing your journey. You really are an inspiration and I'm so happy that I found your channel!! Thank you, Mrs. Heart!!
Meal plan Mama! I used to randomly walk through Aldi tossing things into my cart with no plan of what I was going to cook - and then throw food away.
So satisfying to see an empty frig 👍
WOW !!! Outstanding !!! Thanks so much for sharing ❤
Yay, perfect timing. I am cleaning my fridge today too. Thanks for the company, lol!
Thank you so much for your videos! I watch some of the other ladies that declutter too, but they always made these big huge strides that seemed overwhelming and got rid of things that made me cringe. After watching your videos, I realized that I have hoarding tendencies and giving yourself permission to hold onto things that you just aren't ready to let go of was a freeing thought for me, but to also keep going after the things that were an easy let go.
Also, maybe getting a clear narrow container for butter and margarine for the top shelf might help some of it to not be pushed to the back, and lost.
Same. Shes waaay more my pace.
Love seeing Pepper with her long whiskers !
I cleaned out my fridge along with you! Thanks for the motivation! - Rachel
Hi Dear, there are many great comments and suggestions. Mine would be: Go through you fridge more often. I do it at least two times a month before I go to the store. So you know everything in there is good to go. It saves so much time and stress (and food). Love from Germany ♥
Thank you so much for this video. Such great advice and kind words I needed to hear about giving yourself grace and about doing what you can NOW, without anxiety. Thank You!
I have mould phobia, particularly of food. Thank you for helping me challenge it this week.
Same. My husband gets to throw it out or clean it😜
Hey I'm thoroughly impressed that you have an empty sink to rinse out the fridge bins in can I tell you how many times I clean up my fridge when my sink isn't empty always That's always when I clean my fridge and then I'm like man I can't even wash the bins out! So that is huge at least in my world I think you get a gold star just for that one!!! I am impressed! 😊
So satisfying to watch❤❤ keep a good job.
We love you! Good clean out!
Well done 👏 Is it really a year? I would have said less. Your so right in giving yourself grace if throwing something away and in fairness Miss Heart there wasn’t much left in any of the jars, tubs, bags etc. I love Miss Pepper supervising as well. Stay safe and healthy. Mary, Joes wife 👏👍💪🙏💐🐈⬛🦄
This looks so much better! It´s great how confident and relaxed you are now. I really recommend plastic baskets and boxes for almost everything in the fridge. Since I started using that my fridge is one of the best kept spot in my home and I don´t waste food any more. It´s very comfortable to just pull out a box with for example all the things for sandwiches or one with all the jars for cooking. No bottles and jars falling down every time I try to reach something and no forgotten things in the back. I just bought something cheap and it does the job.
Great idea! Do you use regular plastic baskets or special fridge ones?
@@shadowprovesunshine Just something cheap I got in a "dollar store" when I lived in Spain. They are white and square looking, with straight sides so they hug everything nicely. They are so perfect that I can´t justify buying a "lazy Susan" which is now available in my country for the first time! I really want one... I have scoured my flat to find a use for it but I am really all set 😆
@@eyrunsigrunardottir6977 Thanks for your reply! I hope to visit the southern coast of Spain someday lol. Yes, I luv my lazy Susan- fits in my small spice cupboard perfectly. Better yet, a friend gave me her used one so it was free!
Another great video! Thank you❤️
Beautiful fridge. You did a great job tossing and cleaning!
Try using a rotation system like a shop shelf, newest dates go to the back of the shelf.
You did an AWESOME Job! 🙆♀️
My meal planning is based entirely on what is in the fridge. Veggies going to go bad soon? We're having salad tonight. Eggs have been in there for a while? Guess what we're having for breakfast. Fruit has been around a hot minute? Time to eat that as a snack. I prioritize fridge foods before making anything else, and plan my meals on what imminently needs to be eaten. It results in some creativity, too. We had some cheese, pepperoni, and eggs sitting in the fridge that needed to be eaten up. So... we had 'pizza omelets' (which were absolutely delicious, BTW).
If you prioritize the fridge foods whenever you cook, you won't have to toss as much.
I've been watching you for over a year now I watch every single video
Thank you🥰🥰 was awesome to watch the fridge is definitely not my favorite area to clean out.....well done.
Now I'm motivated to take three bins of recycling out! Go Peppar💕🐈
I clean my fridge out each week because I can’t eat anything passed it’s Best by or use by date. I also put my eggs in a bowl of cold water to see if they’re still good - sink = good, float = bad... even if they’re in date. That fear of eating something that’s going to make me sick is so strong. Cleaning the fridge out before the weekly shop means I can see what’s in its date and what I need to buy to make that into a meal the coming week so it doesn’t get wasted.
I am SO IMPRESSED with your progress from when you started! Wow, go you!!!👏👏👏🥳🦄 Your schedule may not permit this, but I go through my fridge once a week the day before garbage day (which is also my grocery shopping day) to check for uneaten leftovers, etc. I usually have what I find for lunch that day. It takes 10 minutes, tops, when I do it weekly, and I find we waste a lot less food. Also, you might be able to use that expired apple sauce to make muffins or a cake. But don’t feel guilty if you don’t want to - just chalk it up to experience, and buy less applesauce next time!😊
We eat leftovers the next day. Anything that isn't eaten after two days is frozen - sauces and tomato paste in ice cube trays; cooked mince, soups and casseroles in silicone muffin trays or rectangular, stackable containers, and deli meats in the containers. I label and date with masking tape and ballpoint pen. I pop out the muffin-sized portions to store in gallon ziploc bags or stackable containers. You still have to remember to use the frozen leftovers, so keeping a running list by your freezer is handy.
Don't forget to check the grill on bottom of fridge, can really dusty. Then your fridge will have to work harder.
Any time i throw out old ranch dressing i will dump it in the sink and wash the bottle container then throw it into the recycling bin nice and clean just like the old salsa glass jars.. and empty milk jugs quick wash so its clean and no spoiled milk inside
Tip: do this the night before trash day...
Wonderful job!
Awesome!! Way to go! I have been avoiding my fridge because something sticky spilled in there recently but now I’m motivated to get in there!
Good job cleaning the fridge !
We have a “fend” night every Friday to clean out the leftovers in the refrigerator. Then I go to the grocery on Saturday with a meal plan and a grocery list.
Great work! 💜
Looks so good!
Pepper is so sweet ❤️ 🐈
Prettiest eggs I've seen. Great cake decorating.
Good job. Fly Lady teaches to weekly menu plan so you only get stuff that has a meal planned for it. Also, trash day I do a quick check of the frig and toss questionable things so I have few items in my frig. Fly Lady has you tackle the kitchen once a month. If you set aside 15 minutes once a month to wipe down everything in the frig, it stays clean. Trust Fly Lady system. She tells you what to do each day, each week, each month. If you need a fly lady buddy, I can help.
You should put butter in the little butter thing that closes on the door.
I am so happy for you, the transformation is incredible!
What works for my household of 5 (three who are 5 years and under) is I freeze all but the current stick (or two if I know I'm baking) of butter because we buy in bulk. In order to keep things from going bad and/or becoming forgotten we plan our menu based on what we have and only buy what we need. Since kids like routine and mine are super predictable I know I need to check our PB and J, fresh fruits and veggies, and cheese stick status because that's lunch in this house as far as the kids are concerned 😂.
Also don't forget that things like lunch meats and hot dogs can be frozen so if you, for example, shop once a week you could freeze half to extend the shelflife. If it were me I would also make a house rule about how many different types of deli meats that can be opened at one time. I'm all for variety but with two growing boys, a husband, and of course yourself I'm sure you wouldn't have a problem eating through types fast enough to keep hitting everyone's favorite and you wouldn't be throwing it out.
Keep up the great work!
For the butter, FIFO - first in first out, put the new container behind the old container. That makes it harder to leave a half used tub forgotten somewhere.
For lunch meat, try keeping it all but the open one in the freezer so the open one gets used first.
I knew my schedule and ability to cook this month would be erratic at best so I ate all the stuff that spoils quicker. I'm trying to cook when I can and am choosing things that are healthy-ish but not so leftover heavy that a science experiment will be born. So my convenience noodle mixes are a go to, but I have carrots, potatoes, onions and frozen veg. Last night was frozen fish sticks (not healthy, but it allowed me to get a serving of fish in after a lot of chicken meals 🤷♀️). Tonight I made hamburger patties and frozen peas which the leftovers should hold me over until crazy schedule hits again. My only "concern" is how to use the leftover diced onion.
I'm 73, I do my refrigerator in sections. I take a shelf at a time, a drawer at a time, and toss as I go. Tina, Al's wife
Also rotting and molding food gives of traces that Will make stuff go bad faster. Also IT can add to the microfilm you can not clean away.
Add the fridge to a weekly list.
Hi Great content you did outstanding job anxiety disorders are not good and no one understands unless you have it I do so be happy you had a great day
Hey Ms Heart. ADHD tip. Put the condiments in the salad draws and the fresh salad/veg on the fridge door so you see it and use it. Only buy enough to put one line of food across the shelf, if anything goes behind something its lost forever for me!
The door is the warmest zone of the fridge, because it is exposed to the warm outside air the most. Nothing you want to last long (including eggs) should be kept on the door.
Yes! This is what I do and we actually eat most of the fresh veg now!!
@@RadCenter Better to have veggies in the door that will actually get eaten than to have them rotting in a drawer.
@@RadCenter I know that but adhd makes you forget they exist if you can't see them. If you see them every time you open the fridge they get used before they go bad. The shorter time period helps me to make sure I eat them!
Hello from Germany, Hi Miss Heart, good to See you. Kitchen cleaning or Fritch are so important,... Be safe
You are doing amazing! Cleaning tip is to go top to bottom so it is less work and mess. I definitely second the tip about cleaning the vents as well to optimize functionality and save energy.
Great job 😊❤️
Before going to the grocery store, we look to see what we are low on and what is on sale. If the pantry, frig, or cabinets are full, we don't get that item. We have a small pantry, but with supply change situation, we have it stocked. We use three tiered shelves for canned goods and put oldest in the front. We label the best buy date on top front of can and on the top. That way, food isn't wasted. On the counter in a basket, we put things we find in pantry or cabinets that needs used up soon. We use that to
guide what we cook. When the container is full, it is just full. That determines what we buy also. We put canned goods in pantry, baking goods in baskets in cabinets.
I can so relate with the stopping at the date! I once had mayo that was over and I really didn’t feel too good 😂
Having a designated place in your fridge for all the butter and margarine helps me to know exactly how much I have left in the fridge. Zone the fridge so that each type of item has its designated spot ( sometimes works) or zone so that each meal's ingredients are together.
Cleaning out the fridge is one of those chores that seems so intimidating that I get tempted to put it off over and over. Something that works for me is splitting it up into zones and taking one a day. Four shelves + the crisper drawers + the doors = 6 days with Sundays for a break or catch-up. I'm still growing toward consistency with the habit, but it's been so nice to approach the job knowing I only have to do one shelf. And when I do stick with it, it's great to have a fridge that stays clean!
You are doing great! I try to clean out the fridge now and then and also try to find the hidden treasures at the back of the shelves before they go bad. I don't know why I watch The Home Edit (Netflix), because it's hysterical and includes a lot of buying plastic bins and people with huge walk in pantrys, not my Swedish much smaller kitchen....but the show is quite fun (in smaller chunks at a time) and I understand why they love clear bins. They would definitely take out the apple sauce from the outer packaging. And I would eat the apple sauce and the butter far beyond the exp. date. ;) I hope you had a great Easter! Lots of love. /Rebecka
We do a quick surface clean weekly for meats cheeses fruits & vegetables then week before Christmas I throw all condiments sauces and re purchase them all new for the new year new bottles new year I say 👍🏻👍🏻 plus Sunday night is bake vegetable night then new vegetables in on Monday’s shop 👍🏻👍🏻
Of course its not the best to throw food away, but the most food that is wasted is wasted in over production and wasted in the stores.. So no guilt here.
Just did this. Waited too long. Yuck. LOL Great job my friend. 💜🦄💜
Those ocd Tik Tok videos with all the clear bins in the fridge are over the top. But I really believe it will help you to keep things organized. One for butter. One for cheese. One for hubby’s prep. Deli meet. Etc.
I got rid of a shelf in my fridge to cut down on waste and being able to see everything I have.
Smart
Your fridge came out looking so good. I really need to clean mine. It's been awhile....
Our fridge has shelves like yours and I recently bought an extra shelf on Amazon to help organize it better.
I cleaned my fridge last week. I think it has been almost a year since I cleaned it the last time.
I think a big way to mitigate food waste in a safer way that’s often overlooked is just freeze more stuff, from bread to half open sauces, a lot of stuff can be frozen and only thawed when needed (or even frozen in portion sizes to begin with) and you usually can’t even taste the difference
have a pizza night once a week and use the leftover deli meats and cheese as a topping
The food poisoning was a blessing in disguise! It really got you to embrace a cleaner food environment. Some people never learn that.
This week I’ve come across a new cleaning system, similar to the flylady and clean mama systems, this one is called ‘the organised mum method’ it has an 8 week rotation of ‘deep clean chores’ so you may get round to cleaning the fridge more often like 4 times a year with this method.
If you want to toss less deli meat, you could try this: keep one package in the fridge and the rest on the freezer. When the package in the fridge is finished, pull a new one from the freezer. I live alone and I learned that I cannot have a full fridge, as I will never go through it before it goes bad. I freeze a lot, and if I forget something in the freezer, it might be a little burned, but not bad and moldy.
awesome job!!🙏🏻🤗💗🌼🥀🐑🐈 have a blessed week!