Emilee Unterkoefler
Freezer space is likely a bit tight these days as you stock up on more frozen goods and stash meat for a rainy day. These freezer organization tips can help you free up some space and keep things tidy.
Label Everything
Ever grab a large ziplock bag from the back of your freezer and wonder what the heck’s inside? Yeah, it’s happened to all of us. It’s anxiety-provoking when you aren’t sure what it is or how long that ice chunk has been hanging out back there.
Labeling everything makes it much easier for anyone in your home to find what they need. When marking an item, always be sure to add what it is, and the date in which you packed it.
You might also find it helpful to keep an inventory of what you’ve stored in the freezer. Once everything is labeled, having a running list will make it easier to know what you’re running out of.
Consider a Vacuum Sealer
Vacuum sealers not only preserve food and extend its shelf life for months, or even years, but they’re also efficient food organizers. Vacuum sealed food takes up less room, as the bags become flat once the air is sucked out.
Something like a FoodSaver will not only save you time and money in the long run, but it’s also a must-have if you’re into the sous vide cooking method.
Store Meat in the Back
Frozen foods remain safe to eat indefinitely and keep their quality longer if placed in the coldest part of your freezer, which is the back. If you usually purchase your chicken, ground beef or any other meat in bulk, then be sure to place it in the far back of the freezer.
Along with meat that you eat over time, place all other foods you don’t grab as often back there, too. That way, you leave plenty of room for foods you grab every day in the front.
Readily Accessible Foods
Leave the front of your freezer for foods you use often. For example, if your kids eat frozen waffles, or you enjoy eating frozen breakfast sandwiches or burritos, place them in the front.
Frozen fruits, ice, or anything you reach for on a daily or weekly basis, can sit in the front for easy access. You’ll also save time when reaching for these foods, rather than rummaging through and letting out all the cold air.
Freeze Foods in Portions
Rather than thawing out large amounts of meat or other foods, pre-portion them before freezing.
You can portion out smaller meals or smaller amounts of ingredients, and then freeze them in individual portions. Take it one step further by organizing those smaller portions into larger, labeled bins.
Freeze Things Flat
If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, no worries! You can still freeze foods in ordinary freezer bags. Always strive to remove as much air as possible before sealing. You should place anything liquid, like soup or stew, flat in the freezer.
Once the bags of deliciousness are frozen solid, you can stack them or easily line them in bins. Not only will this help save room, but you can quickly sort through the bags when you need a specific meal. This works great for frozen fruit and veggies, too.
Organize with Bins
Arrange your freezer space with bins for the best organization. Bins or storage containers are an excellent way to consolidate specific types of foods, so you know where everything is. Label the bins with what kind of food is inside.
Swap out all those bulky boxes for well-placed, organized containers. These are especially helpful for individually wrapped items, like popsicles or breakfast burritos.
Remove Shelves
If you find that your shelves cause more of a barrier, then get rid of them! Removing shelves will allow you to neatly stack flat freezer bags. Even taking out every other shelf can be useful, as it allows you to use larger bins and make taller stacks of flat bags.
This idea primarily works great for smaller freezers, but why not give it a try?
We hope these tips will help you stay organized when it comes to storing cold foods in your icebox. Now crank a little music and get organizing!
