Photography by Joyelle West and styling by Justine Hand and Kaylei McGaw unless noted otherwise.

For whatever reason, the fridge always seems to get neglected during deep house cleans. And a dirty fridge doesn't just look unappealing: it's much easier to lose track of produce and perishables, contributing to food waste. Here are lessons we've learned on how to maintain an orderly and clean refrigerator.

Photo by Matthew Williams 

1. An empty fridge is bad, but an overfilled one is even worse.

2. Adjust your shelves

3. Use glass containers for maximum visibility

4. Invest in reusable, eco-friendly wrapping

5. Stack and layer to maximize space

6. Prolong the shelf life of food by storing it in the correct habitat

7. Paper towels and cloth napkins can help keep your fridge clean

7. Reserve the door for items with the longest shelf life