How to store food so it lasts three times longer (fridge organisation secrets)

• Tomatoes: Never refrigerate. Refrigeration destroys flavour and makes them mealy. Keep on the counter stem‑side down.

• Avocados: Counter until ripe, then refrigerate. A ripe avocado lasts 5–7 days in the fridge, 2 days on the counter.

• Cheese (hard): Wrap in wax paper or baking paper, then loosely in plastic. Never use cling wrap directly — cheese needs to breathe.

• Bread: Never refrigerate (it goes stale faster). Freeze what you won’t eat in 2 days. Toast from frozen.

The one‑minute weekly habit

Every Sunday, check your fridge. Move older items to the front. Eat them first. This “first in, first out” system alone cuts waste by half.

Reader story: “I started storing herbs in water and separating my crisper drawers. My parsley now lasts two weeks. I used to buy new herbs every three days. That’s $20amonthsaved—$240 a year. For one stupid herb.” – Liam, 28, Brisbane.

What about the freezer?

Freeze portions of tomato paste, ginger, garlic, even milk (thaws fine). Put a date label on everything. Use a Sharpie. Your future self will thank you.