Saks Fifth Avenue opened its doors at CF Toronto Eaton Centre and CF Sherway Gardens to eager luxury customers in 2016. Just a short while later, discount shoppers rejoiced with the opening of three Saks OFF 5TH locations at Vaughan Mills, Toronto Premium Outlets and the Outlet Collection at Niagara.
If you’ve never ventured into a Saks Fifth Avenue location, this high-end US department store is synonymous for its designer men’s and women’s fashions and prestigious customer service programs. Saks Off 5TH outlet stores, while not nearly as glamorous as full-priced locations, offer a wide-variety of brand name fashions at deep discounts of up to 70 percent off retail prices!
One brand. Two concepts. What is a shopper to do? Trying to decide whether you should plan a shopping trip to Saks Fifth Avenue or Saks OFF 5TH?
We’ve got a rundown of the differences you can expect to find when shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue versus Saks OFF 5TH.
Store Design & Layout
We would be lying if we said that the atmosphere at Saks Fifth Avenue was anything short of breathtaking. The store’s design is modern, spacious and glamorous. Here, you will not find a single broken mannequin, mismatched shoe or unfolded shirt. The store is perfection, not to mention the lighting fixtures. When in doubt, look up!
On the flip side, the store environment at Saks OFF 5TH is bright, trendy and organized, but not at all intimidating. Departments are clearly labeled with hanging signs and cute neon quotes. Don’t forget to take a peak at the items lining the checkouts. Similar to a Winners store, this is where you’ll find unique trinkets and small gifts.
Customer Service
Need assistance? Saks Fifth Avenue is here to help. There are sales associates at every corner of the store waiting to serve you. We dare you to try picking up an item without having someone dart over to assist you.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, we found that the availability of sales associates at Saks OFF 5TH locations were few and far between. While it’s understandable that not much employee assistance is required on the sales floor, we would expect to find all cashiers on deck to accommodate customers looking to speed through the checkout process.
The Perks
Being a luxury shopper of Saks Fifth Avenue does have its perks. This department store’s laundry list of premium customer services does not fall short. As a Saks Fifth Avenue shopper, expect to benefit from perks such as personal shopping and tailoring services. Visiting the CF Sherway Gardens location? Add some decadence to your shopping trip with luxury dining and the convenience of elevated grocery shopping.
Unfortunately, the shopping experience at Saks OFF 5TH does not hold a candle to the value-add you receive from shopping at the full-price department store. However, what Saks OFF 5TH lacks in perks, they make up for in price savings. You really do get what you pay for.
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At StyleDemocracy, we know shopping! We deliver the scoop on all things retail related including how to get the best value at your favourite stores and online retailers. Hidden offerings, insider secrets and the ultimate savings… we’ve rounded up the things every HomeSense shopper needs to know. Keep reading for the top tips for shopping at HomeSense.
New Product Shipments
Looking for the latest and greatest inventory at HomeSense? Ask a store associate which day of the week their location receives new shipments and plan your next shopping trip accordingly. Most staff will be happy to share with you their store’s delivery days as well as which day of the week they mark down the prices on older inventory.
Where to get the best selection
No two HomeSense locations are alike. We’ve rounded up the top 5 HomeSense locations to shop from across the GTA for the best inventory selection and service.
Shop Often
The inventory at HomeSense is always changing. The stores typically get several deliveries a week, which means more goodies for you to browse through!
There Aren’t Any Stock Rooms
What you see is what you get. At HomeSense there are no stock rooms for excess inventory, so if you can’t find sizes or other options on the floor, unfortunately, that’s all that hey have. But since the inventory is so plentiful and such a variety, you’re sure to find items you love regardless.
Know Your Inventory
Still can’t find the product you’re looking for? Don’t forget to check out TJX sister brands Winners and Marshalls for hearty selections of off-price home decor. Both stores have sizeable home furnishings departments with overlapping items also sold at HomeSense.
Return Policy
HomeSense offers a generous 30 day return policy for members of the TJX Canada Style+ loyalty program. If rushing back to a HomeSense location for a return isn’t convenient, you can always head over to sister stores Winners or Marshalls, who will gladly accept returns of HomeSense merchandise.
Ask About Delivery
No access to a vehicle? Most HomeSense locations partner with a local delivery service to make getting items to your home easier. Fees start at $45 and are coordinated with the delivery service directly, not HomeSense.
Get The Right Size Furniture for Your Space
HomeSense makes getting the right size easy! We love the handy paper measuring tapes hanging throughout the store. Grab one to make measuring easy and take tons of photos of an item to bring home and determine if an item will work within your space.
Seasonal Inventory
One of the best departments at HomeSense is the seasonal items. There’s always a ton of choices at really great prices. So be sure to head out to your favourite HomeSense and check it out each season for some awesome decor.
Buy it or Regret it
When shopping at discount department stores like HomeSense, it’s safe to say that if you see an item you like, grab it before someone else does. We’ve made several trips to HomeSense in the hopes of picking up that one item that we saw that one time and never purchased… Take it from StyleDemocracy, buyer’s remorse is always safer than buyer’s regret!
Clearance Items
We love spotting those little red stickers on items. For the best deals at HomeSense, check the back of each aisle for a ton of discounted merchandise. See an item with a damage that you feel should be on clearance? Don’t be afraid to ask a store associate. They will likely be happy to mark down an item for you on the spot if there is an irreparable damage.
Goodies by the Checkout
Gift giving made easy! We are suckers for all of the items lining the checkout lines at HomeSense. If you’re in need of a last-minute holiday or housewarming gift, here’s where you need to start looking. Find the cutest candles, glasses and kitchen towels – the perfect little addition to a nice bottle of wine!
Get Social for Gift Cards
HomeSense is constantly running contests on social media to give away gift cards. Entering to win is easy – just a post a photo on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram of your most recent HomeSense purchase and tag your photo with the hashtag #MyHomeSense. Regardless if there is an active contest at the time, publishing your photo on social media will prep your entry for when the contest period opens up again.
Featured Image: Instagram:@the.property.stylist
Is there anything else that every HomeSense shopper needs to know? What would you add?
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With retailers going out of business and liquidating merchandise weekly, you might be inclined to check out some store closing sales in your area.
Liquidation sales are a great opportunity to score deals on discounted items that you can give as gifts during the holidays.
But buyers beware: before you begin crossing gifts off of your shopping list, be sure you’re not overspending on liquidation merchandise… Don’t be fooled by “store closing” sales. Here’s how to spot a “real deal.”
Check Prices Online Before You Buy
Stories of retailers jacking up prices before putting them on markdown are becoming all too familiar… While we hate to think that liquidators would do such a thing, it is completely possible. Remember: stores under liquidation are trying to pay their creditors back during these tough times. Therefore, always be aware of the original retail price of an item (before markdowns,) to understand if after the markdowns you’re getting a “real deal.” A quick search using your smartphone on Amazon or the retailer’s e-commerce site can quickly help to clarify the pricing of an item before you buy it.
Avoid Buying Major Appliances, Electronics, and Warranties
During liquidation sales, return policies and warranties become void almost immediately. Rather than dealing with the hassle of damaged or faulty electronics and major appliances after you’ve brought them home, we recommend avoiding buying these types of items altogether.
Pay Attention To Dates
Typically when a store files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy and liquidates its stores, the liquidations are handled by an outsourced company. These companies will lay out all of the ground rules for shopping the sale, including when gift cards will stop being accepted and approximate end dates for the sales.
By paying close attention to these important dates, you can ensure you don’t get stuck with a useless gift card and you’ll get a better idea of when the big discounts are coming, which leads us to our next tip…
Wait until the Last Few Weeks Before Closing to Shop
Most liquidation sales follow a staggered discount format. Week 1 of liquidation sales will see shelves stocked with merchandise and only a 10-20% price reduction. While several weeks later, the discounts will increase closer to 50-70% off, however, the quantity and quality of merchandise remaining in-store will dwindle.
With that being said, you get the very best liquidation sale deals in the 1-2 weeks before an actual store closes its doors. While most stores won’t tell you the exact date they are closing — as it depends on leases and how quickly stock is sold — you can usually find approximate dates. It’s also always worth asking an associate in-store in order to coordinate the best time to make a return trip back to the store to take advantage of the biggest markdowns.
Visit multiple store locations and visit often
If a big chain is liquidating its stores, it’s worth it to visit multiple locations if you have the time. Sometimes leases of stores will end earlier than others, which means product can get consolidated with other stores. Plus, each store will have varying inventory and selection, so you never know what you could find at a discount. Not to mention, if the store closing is a store you loved, it’ll likely be your last chance to shop it!
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StyleDemocracy challenged me with the task of investigating a Zellers store that I drive past nearly every day, just West of Toronto. Yes, you read that correctly…a ZELLERS STORE! This appears to be one of the last Zellers stores in Canada, in fact.
It’s soon set to be the last Zellers store in all of Canada, with one shopper in Ottawa noting that the city’s last Zellers is gearing up to close its doors soon.
You may have spotted the dated, red Zellers logo from the highway if you’re a frequent QEW commuter.
I noticed it every now and again, but have never given it a second thought (it wasn’t a Target after all). When I ventured over to the abandoned looking Kipling Queensway Mall, I was surprised to find what I (and many others online,) would describe as a Hudson’s Bay Outlet, disguised as a Zellers store.
Note: all items are labeled with Hudson’s Bay price tags.
Located at 1255 The Queensway in Etobicoke sits a large Zellers store carrying discounted items by mid to high-end designer brands typically sold at Hudson’s Bay.
I was pleasantly surprised and impressed by the clearance selection of handbags by Nine West, Ralph Lauren, Dooney & Bourke, and Kensie all right at the entrance.
Note: all items were still in great condition without any rips or tears.
In addition to a hearty accessories department at this Zellers store, I found footwear, home décor, family apparel, and a big furniture department.
Note: if you’re looking for a discounted mattress or couch, try here!
Despite this Zellers store appearing fully stocked, I have to pre-warn you about the inventory selection (it’s nothing to get excited about).
After finding a rack of long, summer BCBG dresses for only $8, I was disappointed to see that all twenty dresses on the rack were either a size XS or XXL. The same large quantities of identical apparel filled other racks and the size selections were either one extreme or the other.
Then there’s pricing… After a quick lap around this Zellers store, I was confident that I was shopping in a full-fledged clearance or liquidation store.
Until I picked up a pair of Nike runners in the shoe department and asked a sales associate to clarify the sale price for me. That’s when I learned that the shoes I was holding were not in fact on sale, but regular price because they were new spring merchandise. “Huh?” The price tag clearly looked as though a sale sticker had been ripped from over top of it.
Tip: Know your pricing and don’t get fooled by “XX% off” stickers! Not everything at this Zellers is a deal.
If you haven’t had a chance to stop by, the location is set to close its doors in January 2020, so be sure to stop by before it’s too late.
All image by Cristina Avila
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10 Things Every Hudson’s Bay Shopper Needs to Know
Retailers be warned: poor customer service does not go unnoticed by shoppers! Today’s consumers are more informed, have more choices and are more vocal when it comes to experiencing service dissatisfaction with a retailer. As more big-box and department stores focus on developing other areas of their business (from rebranding to expanding), customer service becomes an afterthought and suffers.
From the unknowledgeable staff to long checkout lines, we’ve compiled our list of the top retailers with the worst customer service.
Hudson’s Bay
Instagram/ @jfleming77
We love Hudson’s Bay for their eye-catching window displays and iconic HBC blankets. However, when it comes to in-store service, Hudson’s Bay is far less than impressive. Hudson’s Bay is synonymous with unclear in-store pricing (think items that indicate ‘on sale’ but are really excluded,) and sales associates that aren’t empowered to make a pricing correction on the spot.
Outside of the beauty department, you’ll be hard pressed to find a sales associate on the floor available to assist you with a size or direct you to a product. We’ve also encountered issues with attempting to pay for an item at another department’s checkout and being turned away because the POS systems won’t process the sale – aren’t we in the same store?
Canadian Tire
Instagram/ @canadiantire
Canadian Tire’s greatest flaw when it comes to customer service is that not all stores operate equally. Canadian Tire locations are each independently owned and operated; this means that inventory, pricing, policies and service levels can greatly vary by store.
We noticed a significant difference in the pricing structures and return policies at several Canadian Tire locations (with Toronto stores being more flexible than GTA stores). Furthermore, Canadian Tire fails when it comes to overall store layout and flow– being packed to the brim with too much merchandise and providing sales associates that can’t locate an item on the spot.
Zara
Instagram/@ashleighhjoness_
We absolutely love Zara for their fast fashion and affordable knockoffs of luxury accessories. However, shopping in-store at a Zara location isn’t nearly as desirable as the merchandise. In the past, we’ve experienced unfriendly sales associates, messy stores and damaged clothing on the sales floor.
Customer service in this European retailer is nearly non-existent: you don’t receive a greeting upon entering, sales associates look frustrated sorting piles of clothing on tables and fitting room lines are larger than life. Our recommendation is to utilize Zara’s online shopping service – they appear to have all of the kinks worked out for an enjoyable customer service experience.
Walmart
Instagram/@neileshdaji
This list would not be complete without a mention of Walmart. This big box leader delivers on pricing but falls more than short on quality customer service. From rude and unknowledgeable sales associates to limited checkout lines, be prepared to have your customer service expectations unsatisfied.
The worst part about Walmart is that this retailer does not seem to care about disappointing shoppers. Since Target’s Canadian exit, Walmart has monopolized the discount department store category and has provided the worst customer services levels in retail.
Featured image: Instagram/ @zara_globalf
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Located in Mississauga at Dixie Road and the QEW, Dixie Outlet Mall is home to over 135 retailers including brand name outlets like Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Boathouse, Journeys and Puma.
While Dixie Outlet Mall may not be in the limelight like other neighbouring shopping centres, this outlet mall is a staple for Mississauga residents and bargain hunters across the GTA. Formerly Dixie ‘Value’ Mall, this Mississauga shopping centre (just 20 minutes West of Toronto,) is Mississauga’s best-kept secret for saving up to 70% off on fashion, footwear and accessories daily.
Think you have the skills to score the best deals at Dixie? Here are our tips and tricks for shopping at Dixie Outlet Mall like a PRO!
Shop Weekdays
Like most malls, Dixie Outlet Mall is swarmed on Saturdays and Sundays with eager shoppers. We recommend hitting up this mall on weekday mornings and afternoons for ample room to shop, the best selection of new merchandise and plenty of parking spots.
The Dixie Outlet Mall Winners
The Winners at Dixie Outlet Mall is AMAZING! It’s a hidden gem with reduced Kate Spade purses, Ray-Ban sunglasses and Nike athletic apparel for the whole family. This Winners location opens half-an-hour earlier than the rest of the mall so head there first!
Shop at the Back of the Store
Don’t be fooled by seasonal window displays. Just like full-price retail stores, outlet stores house the merchandise with the deepest discounts at the back of the store.
Cinnabon!
Need we say more? Every shopper needs their sugar to track down deals. For Toronto residents, Cinnabon Bakeries are few and far between. When visiting Dixie Outlet Mall, be sure to stop by Cinnabon for a coffee and delicious cinnamon treat for added fuel.
The Dixie Outlet Mall Footlocker Outlet
Are you a shoe fanatic? The selection and pricing at Dixie Outlet Mall’s Footlocker Outlet is INSANE! Here you’ll find reduced men’s athletic apparel and footwear from Adidas, Under Armour, Converse, Puma and more at up to 90% off! We spotted Lacoste sneakers for $19.99 at this outlet. Make sure your arms are free for all of the bags you’ll be walking out with.
Try on Everything and Beware of Return Policies
Before handing over your money, be sure you’ve tried on your purchase. Most outlets and factory stores are able to offer such amazing markdowns because items are priced at Final Sale.
Carry Cash
In addition to brand name outlets, Dixie Outlet Mall is home to a few specialty and independent retailers who have more flexible pricing structures. Similar to a flea market, you can try negotiating with these business owners and offer to pay cash for a better price.
Free WIFI
Every deal hunter knows the value of comparison shopping. Be sure to take advantage of Dixie Outlet Mall’s free mall-wide WIFI to trail the Internet for better deals while you shop. We doubt you’ll find them!
Have any more tips on how to shop Dixie Outlet Mall like a pro?
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All images via Dixie Outlet Mall
I love airports! Once I’ve made it past the hassles of baggage check and customs, my excitement to board the plane can only be calmed by a quick trip to The Duty-Free Shop for some pre-flight deals. Known for deep discounts on goods like alcohol, tobacco, and cosmetics, Duty-Free shops remove local and national taxes and duties on goods based on the premise that they will be taken out of the country by travellers.
At Duty-Free, you can encounter major price reductions on everything from decadent chocolates to luxury handbags. With the promise of big savings, it’s easy to overspend in a hurry, however, are you really getting a deal at Duty-Free? Keep reading for tips on what items to steer clear of and which to save on at Duty-Free.
Alcohol and Tobacco
Buy! This deal is a no-brainer. You won’t find better prices on alcohol or tobacco products than at The Duty-Free Shop. If you’re unsure about liquor prices, I recommend downloading the LCBO app on your smartphone. The handy barcode reader will allow you to compare prices on the spot and reassure you of a great deal.
Designer Fashions and Accessories
Do your research! My weakness is luxury handbags and when I reach The Duty-Free Shop, I instantly begin to rationalize large designer purchases. However, purses, jewellery, and sunglasses are not always the best bargain when travelling. If you have a fashion or accessory purchase in mind, know your prices before travelling and always travel with a currency converter app on your smartphone for quick calculations on the go.
Electronics
Don’t buy! I always recommend passing on electronics at the airport. Most items are poor quality and won’t last you the duration of your trip. Forgot to pack your headphones? Purchase a $5 pair on your flight rather than taking a chance on a high-end pair at Duty-Free. Remember: making an exchange or return on a Duty-Free item after you purchase it will be next to impossible; you’re safer buying electronics at home before your trip.
Cosmetics and Beauty Products
Don’t buy! In my experience when it comes to duty-free cosmetics, if you needed the item, you probably would have purchased it at home already. There are so many ways to score discounted brand name cosmetics in stores and online; there is no need to waste time calculating if a 3-pack of mascara is worth the price in the middle of a busy airport.
Know your prices before indulging at Duty-Free rather than making a large impulse purchase on something that you can probably buy at home. Be a smart shopper – ‘Duty-Free’ does not always mean ‘Deal’.
Want to see more posts like this? Get your fix of news, shopping tips, sales and event information on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sign up to be a StyleDemocracy Insider here.
Moving into a new space can be exciting, liberating and a bit overwhelming – especially when you begin to add up all of the expenses! Decorating your new home is best done on a budget, especially when you’re making a lot of purchases all at once. When it comes to new home décor, you’ll often find that you either don’t have a defined style yet or that your finances limit your tastes. Therefore, when you’re furnishing your home for the first time, shop at budget-friendly home décor retailers.
Here’s our list of where to shop for home décor on a budget:
Factory Direct
Factory Direct is your best bet for discounted electronics, outdoor items and miscellaneous, “As Seen on TV” products. This catchall for discounted home décor and appliances is pretty incredible. Factory Direct is the place to go for larger purchases when you’re not concerned about having the latest model but are looking to buy a brand that you recognize (think TVs, window air conditioners, and microwaves). 
Image via Cristina Avila
Walmart
Have you checked out the home décor section at Walmart lately? Here you’ll find trendy, well-priced home décor and accessories specific to the season. We especially love Walmart’s private label brand hometrends for table accents that knock-off the likes of Urban Barn. Be warned: we’ve found that Walmart’s décor is not necessarily made to last. Furniture pieces should be purchased sparingly and to hold you over until you can invest in long-term pieces.
Real Canadian Superstore
If you’re a fan of President’s Choice products (food or otherwise), Real Canadian Superstore is here to serve all of your kitchen needs. We found that PC really delivers on quality and a great price point whether you’re buying anything from wine glasses to kitchen towels. You can find a bunch of PC home décor at Loblaw stores across the city, however, you’re going to get the largest variety of kitchen tools, appliances, and accessories when you visit a Real Canadian Superstore.
Image via Cristina Avila
JYSK
With 20 locations across the GTA, JYSK is a great source for all things home organization. JYYK has amazing prices on all of those tedious but necessary, home storage solutions like hangers, shelving systems, baskets and shoe racks. While you can shop online, we recommend making a trip to one of their stores – not only will you save on shipping costs, but you can browse through the clearance sections unique to each location.
Kijiji
Kijiji is a great source for purchasing unique art and collectibles on a budget. It’s amazing how many new and interesting items you can find for sale on Kijiji by just changing your keywords in the search bar. Often times, sellers are looking to get rid of items quickly so you can easily haggle them down by a few dollars off of their asking price. Tip: When contacting a seller, see if they’re interested in a product swap instead of cash. Offer up a trade of your oversized mirror in exchange for their dining room table and save yourself the cash.
Image via Cristina Avila
HomeSense
HomeSense is every homeowner’s guilty pleasure. The savings on home décor and accessories storewide can get a little out of hand when you start to justify purchasing every single item. Stick to the ends of each aisle for the clearance sections. Here you’ll find red stickered items that are reduced an additional 20-50% off the already low price. Tip: look out for damaged pieces marked “AS IS” on the sticker. If you’re crafty, you may be able to utilize these items for a DIY project, otherwise, be careful – these items can be dangerous with broken glass and sharp edges.
Where do you shop for home décor on a budget?
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Featured image via
It’s that time of year again: wedding season! If you’re like me, every other weekend in your calendar is booked with an engagement party, bridal shower or wedding. While I couldn’t be happier to celebrate the nuptials of my nearest and dearest, wedding season sure can get expensive for a guest (not to mention the happy couple).
Follow these simple steps for how to tackle wedding season on a budget:
Outfits
There’s no need to splurge on a new outfit for every occasion. Take one quality basic from your wardrobe and dress it up differently for multiple occasions (this is where a LBD comes in handy!). Play around with different jackets, shoes and accessories to change up your outfit for each event. When in doubt, go with black – it’s classic, flattering and doesn’t stand out in photos as looking like the same outfit twice. If you insist on a new outfit, try renting a dress from companies like Fitzroy Boutique or Rent, Frock, Repeat instead.
Tip: Skip the expensive salon bill by asking a friend to do your hair and make-up. Tag them in a photo of your look on social media to give them a shout-out for a job well done!
Transportation
When attending a wedding out of town, there’s always travel and accommodations to coordinate in advance. Whenever possible, plan as a group; the more people you can travel with, the more wiggle room you’ll have for splitting larger expenses (like a car service or Airbnb booking).
Tip: Traveling by plane? When booking your flight online, clear your computer’s cache before searching. If a website detects that you’ve been searching for a specific flight frequently, they may raise the prices on your search.
Gifting
Whenever possible, I always recommend purchasing a gift off of the couple’s registry. Always buy the item online when the retailer is having a sale. You can often double your discount by signing up for the retailer’s e-newsletter (this will typically get you an instant 10-15% off coupon code towards your first online order). Many online retailers like Hudson’s Bay will ease the gift giving process even further by gift wrapping the item, adding a greeting card and shipping it directly to the couple’s home. Talk about efficient.
Tip: Redeem your credit card points or AIR MILES rewards for kitchen appliances, electronics, gift cards or travel vouchers to give as gifts.
As a guest, I like to approach wedding season worry-free and ready to party. This means not stressing over the expenses that can pile up from fussing over new outfits, accommodations, and gifts. I recommend setting a budget at the start of wedding season to support all of the events you plan to attend. Remember: It’s perfectly acceptable to decline an invite, especially if you can’t afford it.
How do you tackle wedding season on a budget?
Want to see more posts like this? Get your fix of news, shopping tips, sales and event information on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Sign up to be a StyleDemocracy Insider here.
Featured image via Pexels
As someone who is constantly on the lookout for a deal, I recently examined my kitchen for some practical ways to cut down on my day-to-day expenses. After swapping my kitchen lighting for LED bulbs and purging a few too many expired items in my pantry, I turned to my refrigerator for some big savings! With a bit of research, I uncovered some simple ways to improve my fridge’s efficiency and increase the lifespan of my perishables (in turn, saving me money). Talk about adulting – I honestly didn’t think it would be so easy to save some quick cash in my kitchen. Here’s how to save money by reorganizing your fridge.
Check your fridge’s temperature settings
The next time you’re restocking your refrigerator, be sure to review your fridge’s manual for the recommended temperature settings. This will ensure that your fridge is working at optimal efficiently (and not overworking) to maximize the freshness of your food. Can’t find your refrigerator’s manual? Peek inside to find the make and model number on the top shelf of your fridge, then search Google for a PDF version.
Use your fridge drawers for what they’re designed for
Your fridge’s crisper drawers are designed specifically to store your produce items. The tabs at the top of each drawer help to control the amount of humidity within each drawer. Items best kept in your low-humidity drawer are: apples, grapes, mushrooms, peppers, ripe avocados, peaches, pears and melons. Items best stored in your fridge’s high-humidity drawer include: broccoli, carrots, leafy greens and cauliflower. Tip: The bottom drawer of your fridge is best left for meat, fish and deli items – I originally thought that this drawer would make great wine storage!
Understand your fridge doors and what to store in them
Refrigerator doors are slim and typically designed to store items like milk and eggs. However, since your fridge’s doors are regularly swinging open and shut, the temperature gets too warm for dairy items. Instead, store not-so-perishable items like condiments, juice, soda and water in your fridge doors. Increase the lifespan of your eggs by keeping them in their original container (to be reminded of their expiry date,) and store milk, yoghurt, and butter towards the back of your top shelf. Tip: Place these items on a Lazy Susan so that you’re not struggling to reach for them behind taller items.
Embrace handy containers and storage solutions
The best way to stay organized (and save money,) is by seeing exactly what’s in your fridge at all times. There are plenty of clear storage containers to help with this available at the dollar store. Use a dry-erase marker to note the item’s expiry date on each container. Storing items in multiple separate containers also helps to ensure that there isn’t any cross contamination – this is especially helpful for items that tend to leak.
Know which items DON’T belong in your fridge
The quickest way to throw money right out the window is by storing items in your fridge that don’t necessarily belong there. These items should never be kept inside your fridge: Bananas, bread, coffee, garlic onions, potatoes and tomatoes.
Do you have any other tips for reorganizing your fridge? Leave a comment down below.
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