‘Tis the season to be jolly! At dahil Pinoy tayo, ‘tis also the season to get overwhelmed with so much handaan during Noche Buena. Our beloved holiday feasts make it the most wonderful time of the year. But when all is said and done, ang dami-daming tira. Itatapon lang ba ‘yan? Sayang naman! 

But we know the struggle, so we’re here to help you navigate and deal with the post-holiday kitchen kalat. Here are some tips to maximize your ref for all those delicious leftovers. Until New Year (and beyond), kaya ‘yang i-preserve — rest assured that you and the fam will savor every bit of those leftovers!

Declutter, Organize, and Label‍

You know it already: Organizing is always the first step. Start by decluttering and disposing of expired food. Then, channel your inner KonMari using transparent containers to store whatever’s left. Clear canisters make it easier to see what’s inside and help you sort items by expiration date. This way, you can make room for leftovers without sacrificing quality para laging #fresh.

At, para laging maayos ang sistema, make it a habit to label your containers. This simple step won’t just keep your kitchen clean — it will also guarantee less hassle for whoever takes charge of the cooking. Less confusion = less mishaps!

Group Yourselves Into…

Basic ‘yan sa organizing, which we're sure every Kapitbahay knows! When you group items based on their type, you create an arrangement that makes finding things more manageable. Dedicate sections in your ref to fresh produce, beverages, condiments, and more. Think of it: When things share the same dimensions, they fit together like puzzle pieces. Ganyan din sa food.

Of course, remember to allocate a dedicated space for your Noche Buena leftovers! By giving them their spot in the ref, the holidays linger a little longer in our hearts — and our households. 

Stack Carefully, Mga Mare

Utilizing all that ref space? Then, it’s the perfect time to bring out your best stacking skills. Think of it as a Tetris game. Using stackable containers ensures that nothing gets squashed or crushed and will help each item retain its shape and integrity para hindi masayang.

If you’re dealing with dishes with fruits and vegetables, store them in clear bins for better visibility. These bins make it easier to keep track of perishable food items, especially those that aren’t hardy. When appropriately stacked, ulam with more sensitive produce (such as bananas or eggs) will be less prone to spoilage.

Eliminate Unnecessary Clutter

‍Sometimes, the secret to a more leisurely life is to minimize kalat (literally and figuratively — make of that what you will). This works well when discussing organizing your ref, especially when our Noche Buena leftovers are involved.

During these times, a single item out of place can disrupt the order and take up much-needed space in your ref. If you can take something out and store it elsewhere, go ahead — sayang when you can use the ref storage for something else. Put your cupboards to use, or buy space-saving containers for extra protection.

New Ulam, Who Dis?

‍Nakakasawa na ba kumain ng tira-tira? Make something new out of it! Imagine turning that fatty, delicious lechon into lechon paksiw. Or what about those slices of Christmas ham that might feel lonely as the days go by? You can quickly turn them into merienda for your chikitings, like ham and cheese puff pastries.

This might be the best time to play chef if you think about it. When else will you get to cook, if not during a holiday break? With the right diskarte, you’ll save on food, create something special, and free up more refrigerator space. (P.S. If you’re not confident in your cooking skills — we feel you — there’s always YouTube to help you.)

Save Leftovers for Later

Here’s another life hack you can use beyond the holiday season: Freeze your leftovers. Separate them into portions, store them in meal-sized containers, and label them to keep track of expiration dates. This way, you’re one step closer to ready-to-eat meals if you have little to no time to cook. Oh, ‘di ba, who needs convenience store meals.

Putting things in the freezer also frees up extra storage in your refrigerator’s main body. Transferring those extra dishes to the freezer makes room for the essentials and keeps your ref more accessible.

Share Your Blessings

Christmas is the season of giving! So why not spread the love with your neighbors, family, and friends? The joy of giving becomes twofold: It’s not just the warm feeling in your heart but also the extra space in your ref. Magaan na nga sa feeling, magaan pa sa space ng ref. 

If you want your generosity to feel more intentional rather than just a way to clear out leftovers, whip up those extra dishes into something new. Repurposing that surplus into freshly cooked meals adds an extra layer of thoughtfulness. Give love on Christmas day nga naman — do something nice for your Kapitbahays!

Get More Holiday Cleanup Hacks with Home Buddies

The sign of overflowing food is, first and foremost, a blessing. But too much food and insufficient space to store it can also turn into stress. They’re not mutually exclusive feelings — you can feel thankful and frustrated! But don’t let the feeling turn sour when you can use intelligent storage solutions. On the flip side, holiday leftovers can be totally practical. 

Happy holidays and happy organizing, Kapitbahays! Join us on Facebook for more tips on maintaining your home during the busiest (but happiest) time of the year.