Organize your pantry and fridge efficiently by using the ‘FIFO’ method for better management.

If you find yourself constantly digging through expired food at the back of your cupboards or fridge, it’s a sign your kitchen organization needs improvement. The solution is simple: forget your old food storage habits. It’s time to give your kitchen a makeover, and the FIFO method is the perfect way to get started.

What does the FIFO method for food storage mean?

FIFO stands for 'first in, first out'—a straightforward principle. You may recall your mom reminding you to finish the first cereal box before opening a new one. This method ensures that older items are used before newer ones. To make it work, the oldest items should always be the first ones you encounter when opening your pantry or fridge. It’s the same approach stores use to display their oldest stock at the front, and why professional kitchens date and label everything so it’s easy to access.

How do you implement the FIFO method in your kitchen?

For some home cooks, FIFO is closely linked to the practice of labeling everything in your fridge. While it’s a great way to track leftovers and reduce food waste, FIFO extends far beyond just fridge organization.

Your entire kitchen should be organized around the core FIFO principle: 'If you can’t see it, you won’t use it.' Keeping this in mind while reorganizing makes your kitchen more functional, no matter how small or poorly arranged it may be. Best of all, FIFO helps you use up what you already have without needing to purchase anything new.

The specifics of applying FIFO will vary from kitchen to kitchen, but the ultimate goal remains the same: Arrange your kitchen items in a way that makes them as visible as possible. There are four main strategies to achieve this, beginning with how you handle containers.

Simplify your pantry organization

The first step in organizing your pantry is tackling the clutter that hinders a proper FIFO (First In, First Out) system. You may think that the solution is buying a bunch of identical glass jars for better visibility—after all, glass is transparent—but it doesn't have to be that way. Instead, focus on arranging containers of varying sizes but similar shapes to make everything easily visible at all times.

A disorganized mix of mismatched food containers won't work either. Go through your collection, set aside matching sets, and get rid of the ones that don't have a pair. Then, fill in the gaps with what you already have. Repurposed food packaging is a great option for pantry storage, especially if you're loyal to certain brands and already have multiple matching containers. For instance, my pantry holds a lot of glass jars that once contained Adams peanut butter or Bonne Maman jam. If you need to buy new, soup containers are an excellent choice for small-volume storage, as they come in various sizes and feature universal lids.

When it comes to bulk food storage, avoid spending too much on pricey bins marketed as 'bulk storage' options. Instead, head to a hardware store or a restaurant supply shop for practical solutions. I purchase flour in 50-pound bags, and I find that nothing beats the durability and affordability of a five-gallon plastic bucket with a twist-off lid, which costs less than $20 and lasts a long time. While these buckets are bulky and not stackable, they get the job done. If space is tight, check out Cambro containers at restaurant supply stores. They're pricier than plastic buckets but come in stackable square or round shapes, making them more space-efficient.

Be sure to label everything.

Labeling perishables is a cornerstone of any FIFO system, and for good reason. Clear labels allow you to easily identify what's inside each container and how old it is—FIFO wouldn't work without them.

If you’re already labeling the items in your fridge and freezer, that's fantastic—but don't stop there. You should be labeling most things in your kitchen. While opaque containers holding bulk pantry items are an obvious example, labels can also be applied to DIY cleaning solutions, countertop fermentation projects, and even the shelves in your pantry. This makes your kitchen much easier to use. No more guessing where the coconut milk is or losing track of sourdough starter feedings—you can quickly check the label and keep moving. Just make sure the labels are facing outward. A label maker is great, but masking tape and a Sharpie will work just as well.

Consolidate, consolidate, consolidate.

Labels are helpful, but they won’t do much if they’re hidden. This is especially a problem in the fridge: If last night’s takeout gets buried under a pile of half-empty soup containers, it’ll go bad before you even remember it's there.

The secret second step after labeling is consolidation. It’s simple: just transfer contents from larger containers into smaller ones as you use them up. Universal lids are particularly useful here since they allow you to downsize without needing new lids. By consolidating leftovers and pantry items, you free up storage space, making it easier to see what you have. It also helps you recognize when a new package is necessary or when you're running low on something.

Bonus round: Take inventory.

The final hurdle in FIFO is tracking inventory. Honestly, I don't bother keeping an inventory of my kitchen, and I don't plan to—since I only cook for myself and one other person. But if you're cooking for a large family, a detailed inventory can make things much easier.

Inventorying is all about knowing exactly what you have so you can buy what you need when you need it. If you're new to it, start with a small area like your pantry, fridge, or freezer. Write down the name of each item, the amount you have, and its expiration date. You can use spreadsheets, paper lists, dry erase boards, or even a notes app—each has its pros and cons, so use whichever works best for you. Update the list as you use things. When it's time to make a grocery list, refer to your inventory to see what's truly needed and what can wait. There’s no perfect system, so experiment to find what fits.

If this all sounds like a lot of work, that's because it is. Managing a kitchen is a big job, and doing it on top of your regular work can quickly become overwhelming, even if you're passionate about cooking. While FIFO won’t stop the daily grind of cooking and cleaning, it can make it easier to actually use your kitchen.