A neat home helps me focus—and yes, that includes an organized fridge. Growing up, I didn’t think much about tidiness, but my mother, who always kept our house photo-ready, taught me her tricks—including how to use those small cupboards above the refrigerator.

Though they might seem impractical, these cupboards can be surprisingly useful:

• Store infrequently used appliances like blenders, food processors, or waffle makers.
• Stock canned goods and baking essentials, which have long shelf lives.