Freezer Organization
The reason most households see around 30% of their food going to waste in a fridge or freezer is typically due to either poor planning or lack of organization. Freeing up time and living a healthier life can be accomplished with Fridge AND Freezer Organization. My steps to success are listed below:
1. MAXIMIZE SPACE: Create clear categories for fridge and freezer organization – To begin, set up a banquet table and/or clear your horizontal counter space. Next, recoup your fridge or freezer space by clearing out the entire space. Place your items on the table and counter tops. Categorize as you go by placing like items together. This will help you see what you have and make finding what you need a snap. Some possible freezer categories include:
__ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ __ _ • Meats • Fruits & Veggies • Jams • Ready meals • Desserts • Breads • Sauces
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2. EASY ACCESS: Determine placement and storage options with fridge / freezer organization zones – Some tips for best category placement include: • Store meats in the coldest section (toward the bottom or at the back) • Store most used items at eye level. • Store items that can be less cold in the door (ice cream, juice, butter, nuts, etc.)
3. VALUE VISUAL OPTIONS: Use internal containing for fridge & freezer organization – Containers can save you time and money by keeping like items together within your zones. When you select containers for your freezer: • Opt for clear containers • Use heavy duty containers that are freezer-safe or freezer-specific. • Look for straight-sided containers with an airtight seal. These will help you maximize freezer organization space. • Use tiered shelves (like the white plastic-coated wire shelves at Wal-Mart and Target) for casserole dishes, pizzas, etc. • Pre-portion items bought in bulk so you can more easily contain and store them.
4. Label! – Labeling your containers will help keep your established zones in place. You can use luggage tags, self-made laminated tags or heavy duty labeling tape. I label my food with the item name, cooking time and temperature. Example: Lasagna 350 1 1/2 hours.
5. Create a master inventory list for continued freezer organization –Attach a magnetized notepad and pencil to your unit’s door THEN note what you use by keeping a running list of items you need to purchase.
A thought about the 2 main types of supplemental freezers:
Chest Freezers – Chest freezers are generally less expensive and have superior cooling capacity. The downside to chest freezers is accessibility. While newer models come equipped with at least one basket for smaller items, it’s easy for things to get lost in a chest freezer EVEN with really good containing in place.
Upright Freezers – Upright freezers are a little more expensive and can have a bit less storage capacity, but if you want an easier go at accessibility and maintaining your organization, an upright is your best choice. ***Remember that any freezer works best when it is 75% full. I found that dinnertime planning and preparation became NOTICEABLY EASIER once my freezer was organized.
You too can tackle and complete this project in a morning or afternoon. Give freezer organization a try. You’ll be glad you did!
11 Responses to “Freezer Organization”
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December 25th, 2010 at 8:36 pm
Hallo. Great job Website . Ich habe nicht erwarten, dass diese an einem Mittwoch. Dies ist ein großer Geschichte. Danke!
January 3rd, 2011 at 11:05 am
Jimmy, I don’t have any idea what you said in your comment, but I do understand the danke. You are welcome!
January 12th, 2011 at 6:03 pm
I am planning to move to a brand new household with a friend. This article helped me. Thanks.
January 14th, 2011 at 3:53 pm
I am writing you from Poland. There are very few who know about this topic. You made some nice points in your features also.
February 15th, 2011 at 7:50 am
Good writing. I like the idea of cagegorizing my food items for freezer storage. Thanks!
February 24th, 2011 at 7:28 am
Hey there. I am so thrilled I found your blog, I’d like to say thank you for an all round exciting blog post about organizing my freezer. I had never thought about organizing a freezer. Interesting! I can’t wait to get started.
June 27th, 2011 at 9:32 pm
I found this quote very fitting “Don’t fear failure so much that you refuse to try new things. The saddest summary of a life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.” — Louis E. Boone I had no idea how to organize my freezer. NOW I do. I will now try.
March 18th, 2013 at 11:36 am
Everything in this post offers a really clear description of the challenges I have in organizing my freezer. It was definitely informative. Your website is helpful. Many thanks for sharing!
July 15th, 2013 at 6:30 am
So far today I’ve not been grumpy, selfish, greedy, envious, proud, or angry and it started because I organized my fridge and freezer this afternoon after reading this article. Life is good!
April 7th, 2015 at 1:59 am
Hi! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thank you.
April 7th, 2015 at 4:04 pm
Reuben. I am pleased you see value in my postings and articles. Please be sure to include my name when you share a link to my website. Thanks.