Organizing your space can sometimes feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. When you know which items belong together, you can save time, reduce clutter, and make your daily routines easier.
Storing certain things together helps you stay organized and ensures you always know where to find what you need. This simple strategy works well in any room and can make a noticeable difference in how smoothly your day goes.
Tomato ketchup and mustard
You can keep ketchup and mustard together because they’re both common condiments that pair well. Ketchup has vinegar and sugar that naturally help preserve it, so it’s often safe at room temperature before opening. Mustard also contains vinegar, which acts as a natural preservative.
After opening, it’s best to refrigerate both to maintain freshness and slow spoilage. If you have natural or organic versions, refrigeration becomes even more important since they usually have fewer preservatives. Storing ketchup and mustard together in your fridge keeps them easy to find for all your meals and barbecues.
Carrots and celery sticks
You can store carrots and celery sticks together because they have similar requirements. Both stay fresh longer when wrapped in paper towels to absorb moisture and then placed in a container or a drawer in your fridge.
If you cut them, try placing the sticks in a jar filled with water. This helps keep them crisp for up to two weeks. Just remember to change the water regularly to keep things fresh.
Keeping them properly stored means you’ll have crunchy, ready-to-eat snacks whenever you want. It’s an easy way to save time and avoid waste.
Onions and garlic bulbs
You can store whole onions and garlic bulbs together as long as the spot is cool, dry, and dark. A well-ventilated container like a mesh bag or basket works well to keep air flowing and prevent moisture buildup.
Avoid storing peeled or cut bulbs together since they absorb moisture easily and can spoil faster. Keep an eye on them for any soft spots or sprouting, which means it’s time to use or toss them.
Keeping the temperature steady helps too, because fluctuations can cause sprouting or rotting. With simple care, you’ll have flavorful onions and garlic ready when you need them.
Basil and tomatoes
You should always store basil and tomatoes together when possible. Basil’s aroma can help keep pests away, which benefits your tomatoes.
Keeping them close also makes meal prep easier, especially for dishes like caprese or fresh salsa. Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes stored side by side stay flavorful longer.
Storing basil with tomatoes also helps maintain moisture for the basil, so it lasts better than when stored alone. This simple combo can make your cooking and gardening experience more enjoyable.
Cheese and cured meats
You can store cheese and cured meats together, but it’s important to keep them properly wrapped to avoid flavor mixing. Use separate airtight containers or wrap each item well with wax paper or plastic wrap.
Keep both in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. Make sure cured meats are stored at the right temperature to prevent drying out or spoilage.
Avoid placing strong-smelling cheeses directly next to milder meats, as the flavors can transfer. Proper storage helps you enjoy your cheese and meats at their best.
