How to Organize Your Fridge With a Tension Rod

Danielle
by Danielle

Maintaining a well-organized fridge isn't just about playing Tetris with your groceries; it's a game-changer for both efficiency and freshness.


Think about it: a tidy fridge not only makes it easier to locate what you need (no more spelunking for that elusive jar of pickles), but it also helps reduce food waste. When items are neatly arranged and visible, you're less likely to forget about that bunch of kale hidden behind the yogurt.


And don't even get me started on leftovers. An organized fridge means you'll actually see that container of lasagna from two nights ago. No more science experiments growing at the back.


So, here's a glimpse of how I've transformed my fridge, to ensure every item finds its place, making my daily kitchen routine a breeze.

Tools and Materials:

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Tension rod ideas for the fridge

Best heavy duty double sided tape!

A heavy duty double sided tape is the key to this organization hack, and EZlifego tape is the one that Amazon reviewers swear by!


These are a few budget-friendly essentials I'll be using to tidy up my fridge.

Hang a tension rod in the refrigerator

Don't hesitate to rearrange your shelves and set them at varying heights. Consider the types of groceries and leftovers you store, and determine the optimal shelf height for each.


I wanted an additional, smaller shelf, but I still needed the two existing shelves in my fridge. That's where tension rods came to the rescue.

Clear double sided tape being placed at the end of a tension rod

I kicked off the process by positioning the first rod towards the back of the fridge. I hung it over the brackets that securely hold the shelves, providing a reliable ledge to prevent slipping. If this setup isn't available to you, consider using clear double-sided tape at the ends of the tension rods to keep them firmly in place.

Tension rod tricks

Next, a second tension rod was added, parallel to the first, towards the front of the refrigerator.

How to use a tension rod

Now, I slid in my 3 plastic trays.


You can stick them down with double-sided tape, but I liked being able to slide them out.

Hang a sink caddy in the fridge

I added a sink caddy to the inside of the door as well.

Cut an egg container

Now for some upcycling.


I cut the lid off of an egg carton.

Organize a refrigerator

The lid was placed in one of the trays in the door.

Clever uses for an egg carton

The bottom of the tray, I slotted into a plastic basket.

Upcycle food containers

I also placed a few old packaging containers into another section of the door.

Organize the fridge door

All the sauces went into the upcycled trays to keep the fridge clean in case of spills.


Additionally, a new plastic basket found a place for butter, and the sink caddy was filled with sauce packets.

Eggs in a basket

The basket, with the egg tray at the bottom, was filled with eggs, the tray provides added protection.


More Tension Rod Ideas

Psst... wondering if tension rods work wonders elsewhere? Check out our guide on How to Organize Your Under Sink Cabinet for more clever hacks.

Well organized refrigerator

Check out the finished fridge! I used some cheap plastic baskets to keep different foods separate, and I saved the bottom shelf mostly for leftovers.


That extra shelf I created with the tension rod worked out perfectly. It's just the right size for sliding in all my thinner containers of cold cuts, smoked salmon, and different hard cheeses.

Organize a fridge with a tension rod

How to Use a Tension Rod to Organize Your Fridge

I have had this set-up in my fridge for a few weeks now and it has worked wonderfully.


In essence, a well-organized fridge isn't just a testament to your domestic prowess; it's a practical approach to keeping things fresh, minimizing waste, and ensuring your fridge is a beacon of culinary order in the chaos of daily life.


Share your own tension rod tips in the comments below.

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  • Jaswan Jaswan on Jun 11, 2025

    - I do it because my mom told me too !!!! But here is what Google AI supports it...



    Storing eggs with the pointed end down helps keep the yolk centered and prevents the air cell from being squished. The air cell, located at the blunt end, expands as the egg loses moisture over time. By keeping the pointed end down, the air cell is at the top, preventing the yolk from settling towards the bottom and potentially causing the egg to spoil prematurely.


    Here's a more detailed explanation:

    1. The air cell:
    2. Every egg has a small air pocket, or air cell, at the blunt end. This air cell is vital for the chick's breathing during incubation.

    3. Moisture loss:
    4. As an egg is stored, it gradually loses moisture through the porous shell, which causes the air cell to expand.

    5. Yolk position:
    6. If the egg is stored with the blunt end down, the yolk can settle towards the bottom, potentially getting stuck and breaking the air cell, which can lead to the egg spoiling faster.

    7. Preventing spoilage:
    8. By keeping the pointed end down, the air cell stays at the top, allowing the yolk to remain centered and preventing the air cell from being damaged or squished, which helps to maintain freshness for a longer period.
  • Dondi Dondi on Jun 11, 2025

    My fridge luckily has plenty of room for 2 people,it's counter depth which is great for a small kitchen.

    I love reading all the organization ideas but I would want something sturdier. 💪


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