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What Is the FIFO Organizing Method?

A woman organizes shelves in a kitchen.
Ann Haritonenko/Shutterstock.com

Most of us long for a well-organized home, and sure, you’ve got to put in a little elbow grease to get there but when it’s done, it’s a beautiful thing. But how do you keep it that way?

The FIFO organizing method is going viral on TikTok, and essentially, it’s a revamp of the classic first in, first out mantra.

TikTok content creator @torok.coupon.hunter has gone viral discussing her own FIFO method. The creator is a couponer and that means she’s typically got a stockpile. To ensure none of her couponed items go to waste, she organizes items so that the most recently purchased items are used last.

@torok.coupon.hunter

Are stockpiles wasteful?! 🫠🤪 #torokcouponhunter #coupontok #couponstockpile #learntocoupon

♬ original sound - Kiersti Torok

According to the creator, couponing is a great way to cut your grocery bill, but not if you end up with a mountain of expired goods due to a lack of organization. When implementing FIFO, you eliminate waste by keeping the oldest items in the front and placing the newest items in the back. When you need to open a new product, take it from the front (the oldest item), and move your stock forward to make room in the back (for the newest item when you have a coupon to replenish).

Amazon Basics 6-Cube Wire Grid Storage Shelves

These 14 x 14 Stackable Cubes in black will keep your goods organized.

And this method doesn’t just work for those who use coupons. You can implement FIFO in your fridge by moving up produce that’s soon to expire and bringing leftovers to the forefront of your fridge. Your pantry is the same way. Your most recent canned goods or dry good should be placed in the back so that you’ll use the older items first.

Essentially, when you use FIFO, you always have a plentiful supply of all your favorite products without overspending or wasting goods. Need a little help keeping your things in order? Be sure you consider the best organizers for your home.

Abbey Ryan Abbey Ryan
Abbey Ryan is a storyteller, preferably of stories in written form. Across the 5 years of her professional writing career, her work has been featured in The Chicago Tribune, Amazon, The Medical News Today, and more. When she's not writing (which is rare), she's likely traveling, painting, or on the hunt for a good snack. Read Full Bio »
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