As the days get longer and the weather warms up, it's time to embrace the spirit of spring cleaning! One essential area to focus on is the refrigerator, which can be a bit of a challenge for seniors with unique concerns and complications. This guide is specifically designed to address common issues, such as hard-to-reach vegetable drawers, deep shelves, and stubborn Tupperware, to help make your spring cleaning experience a breeze.
Gather Cleaning Supplies
Before diving into the reorganizing process, it's essential to gather the necessary cleaning supplies and set aside ample time for this project. You might need some warm, soapy water, a scrub brush, a damp cloth, and a few clean towels. If you feel that some extra help would be beneficial, don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or even to us here at Senior Helpers Phoenixville for assistance.
Empty the Fridge
To begin, you'll need to completely empty your refrigerator. Remove all items, check expiration dates as you go, and discard anything that has expired. This is also the perfect opportunity to clean and sanitize all the shelves and drawers within your fridge thoroughly.
Reorganize
Now comes the fun part – reorganizing! Start by adjusting the heights of the shelves to best accommodate your reach. Frequently used items should ideally be placed at eye level for easy access. Clear, stackable containers are a fantastic way to keep similar items together while providing better visibility and organization.
One common concern for seniors is the placement of vegetable drawers at the bottom of the fridge, which can be too low to reach easily. If this is an issue for you, consider alternative storage options for your produce, such as hanging baskets or countertop bowls. Another helpful tip is to pre-chop your produce before storing it in the fridge. This not only makes it more accessible but also encourages healthy snacking. If cutting up fruits and veggies is difficult for you, opting for pre-chopped produce from the store can be just as effective.
Deep shelves can be tricky, as they tend to swallow items at the back, making them difficult to find or reach. Utilizing turntables or lazy Susans can help remedy this problem by allowing easy access to items with just a simple spin. For further organization, use shelf dividers to prevent items from getting lost in the dark depths of your fridge. Keep similar items together, such as condiments on one shelf and dairy on another, to make locating things even more straightforward.
Clean Out the Tupperware
Tupperware can be both helpful and frustrating. As people age, some containers may become increasingly challenging to open and close due to arthritis or weakened hand strength. It's time to say goodbye to those stubborn containers and invest in easy-to-open ones with large, ergonomic lids. Clear lids make it simple to see the contents without having to open each container, and labeling them with dates can help you keep track of your leftovers.
Create New Routines
Establishing helpful routines can go a long way in maintaining your newly organized fridge. Designate a specific day of the week for maintenance, such as wiping down shelves, checking expiration dates, and discarding any spoiled food. Keeping a running grocery list can also help avoid overstocking your refrigerator and ensure you're only buying what you need. Finally, make it a habit to prep your produce and leftovers before storing them in your fridge, making it a breeze to grab, cook, and enjoy.
Get Help with Fridge Cleaning and Other Basic Household Tasks
Maintaining an organized refrigerator is crucial for seniors' health, safety, and overall well-being. With some careful planning and adjustments, you can tackle your spring cleaning and create an efficient and accessible fridge that makes your daily life easier. If you're living in Norristown, King of Prussia, Phoenixville, Pottstown, Malvern, Collegeville, or Montgomery County, consider reaching out to Senior Helpers Phoenixville for assistance with cleaning and other daily tasks. We're here to help you make the most of your golden years!