This $18 Storage Hack Creates Fridge Space Out of Thin Air

When we remodeled the kitchen in our Tennessee home, in order to keep the fridge from sticking out into the main space of the kitchen, we opted for a counter-depth refrigerator. This felt like a bit of a risk, given our large family of seven — but with the refrigerator’s smart configuration and organizing hacks that make the most out of the limited space, the smaller fridge has been great for us. But this isn’t to say that we aren’t perpetually on the lookout for ways to maximize the fridge — limited fridge space is never convenient (especially around the holidays!) and I’m always seeking solutions that make our fridge space more efficient and functional. And I think I’ve found the golden ticket.

When I came across the Joseph Joseph FridgeStore Under-Shelf Storage Drawer, I knew I had to try it. It’s a drawer that attaches to the underside of a fridge shelf, making use of otherwise wasted vertical space and, similar to these refrigerator door storage bags, creates storage space out of thin air. 

While stacking items in the fridge also makes use of vertical space, retrieving items from underneath each other is not the most efficient (or frustration-free) process. The Joseph Joseph drawer, on the other hand, allows you to keep stacking to a reasonable level while maximizing the available vertical storage space.

The design of the unit is super smart — I love that there are two ways that the unit attaches to the underside of the fridge shelf: two strong suction cups in the back, and two perfectly sized and secure hooks in the front. Even the color of the suction cups is strategic: They are blue, which makes them easy to spot when you are checking to make sure the unit is securely attached.

In addition to thoughtful details that firmly secure the drawer in the fridge, the functionality of the drawer is impressive. Not only does the drawer pull out, but it tilts downward a significant amount, offering a clear view of the contents and extremely easy access. I’ve found that, especially with fridge drawers, it’s easy to lose contents in the back and, too often, forgotten produce or cheese goes bad. Not so with the Joseph Joseph drawer; you can readily see everything you have, and grab them without moving dozens of bottles and Tupperware containers. These in-drawer contents aren’t going to go missing!

Along with increasing vertical storage options and a design that ensures this increased storage makes items more visible and accessible than before, I also appreciate that the under-shelf drawer offers another way to separate and categorize fridge contents. I already use bins to categorize items such as food for school lunches or “special” cheeses, and I stash round condiment containers on a rectangular lazy Susan for easy access. I haven’t yet decided whether I’m going to put already-washed or partially used produce in the drawer, or whether it would be a good place for lunch meat and sliced cheese for sandwiches. Only time will tell!

Our usage of the newly added space will definitely evolve as we try out various things, but having them only increases our fridge organization options. I love this under-shelf fridge storage drawer so much that I’m already tempted to buy one or two more! 

Buy: Joseph Joseph FridgeStore Under-Shelf Storage Drawer, $17.99