22 Things You Never Knew
You Could Store In Your Refrigerator

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Your refrigerator is not just for food anymore!

In every home there is a refrigerator. But did you know that you can store more than just food (or mold) in your refrigerator?

The refrigerator has a regulated temperature and is slightly air tight; it makes a great place to store things. If you have teenagers, you know that the refrigerator is the one thing in the house that they will be able to find—wind, rain, sleet or snow will not slow them down.

  1.  Spices. They keep longer if stored in a cool place.
  2.  Breads. Keep longer if stored in the meat keeper.
  3.  Candles. When lit, they burn slower (if not at room temperature).
  4.  Coffee. Many people feel that the freshness of coffee lasts longer if it is stored in the refrigerator. After visiting a coffee farm, they said that this is not true. The coffee needs an air tight container. However, storing it in the refrigerator or freezer won’t hurt it.
  5. Vegetable and olive oils.
  6. Batteries. The kind in your clocks, flashlights, and electronic toys. The environment of the refrigerator extends the shelf-life of the battery. The freezer can also be used.
  7.  Angora sweaters. Reduces their shedding.
  8. Underwear. In NY during the hot summer months, people put their underwear in the refrigerator before putting it on.
  9. Cosmetics. Aloe Vera, body sprays, facial masks, creams, expensive lotions or anything made out of natural vegetables.
  10. Dirty dishes. The temperature and lack of air slows down the decaying process. However, my first suggestion would be to wash them. Freeze bones and anything that would attract ants or other animals, and then put them in the trashcan on trash collection morning. Your refrigerator is not just for food anymore
  11. Fingernail polish.
  12. Herbal remedies.
  13. Medicines. Both human and pet medicines.
  14. Photo printing paper.
  15. Rubber bands and vacuum cleaner belts. Slows the deterioration.
  16. Flowers. If you’re not home, just place them in the refrigerator which you’re gone.
  17. Cigarettes. Not as often these days as in the past.
  18. Film. Your camera film lasts longer if stored in the refrigerator. With more and more digital cameras, don’t forget that you still have film in the kitchen.
  19. Flour, cornmeal, nuts and seeds. They are less likely to go rancid when kept cold.
  20. Husband’s birthday present (if small enough), he will never look there.
  21. Last will and testament (so they’ll survive a fire!).
  22. Vial of Life—many communities use this as a means of communicating vital information about a home’s residents should it be needed in a health emergency. Stickers in the home let fire or EMT personnel know to look for it in the freezer.

 If you store all this stuff in the refrigerator, you’ll have to go out and get a bigger unit.
Copyright 2013 Nancy Miller
This article is free for reprinting provided terms and agreements are followed.
Nancy Miller, a professional organizer with over 20 years of experience coupled with a Certified Professional Coaching credential offers both personal and business consultation. Nancy’s credentials include past membership in the National Association of Professional Organizers and the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. She delivers over 100 programs nationwide each year. Her book, Clutterology® Getting Rid of Clutter and Getting Organized is in it’s 4th Edition

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