Buying in bulk and doing big-batch meal prep won't save you time or money if you can't find anything in your freezer! Follow these tricks to keep it organized for good.
6 Genius Tricks to Keep Your Freezer Organized
Updated on May 20, 2024
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Label Everything
Keep a marker and freezer labels handy. Date each container and label its contents, even if you can see what’s inside (so you won’t have to guess how long something’s been frozen).
Pro Tip: Use different color markers for different types of food — poultry, seafood, sauces — so you can find what you need at a glance.
Here’s how to fix refrigerator problems:
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Wrap it Up
This is especially important for meat. Tightly wrap meats in plastic wrap, then in heavy-duty foil or freezer paper, using freezer tape to seal if necessary. For other foods, use durable, leakproof containers or freezer bags sealed tightly. Press to remove all air. Keep in mind that a pound of bacon or an entire batch of cookie dough can be too much to thaw at once. Tightly seal small amounts separately; store together in a large container.
Pro Tip: Store raw meats on the bottom shelf to minimize the potential for contamination.
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Pack Things Flat
Freeze foods in a single layer, and stack them after they’re frozen. Plus: Check out our no-pantry solutions on a budget here.
Pro Tip: Transfer hot foods to a shallow pan or several small, shallow containers. Or place the pan in a bowl of ice water. Stir frequently so foods cool faster.
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Keep Like Items Together
Divide the freezer into zones, with areas for veggies, breads, meats, etc., so you always know where to look.
Pro Tip: If you have four packages of frozen berries, put them all into one larger plastic bag or an inexpensive plastic basket, then label.
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Follow a Plan
One of my favorite culinary mantras — First In, First Out (a.k.a. FIFO) — is a simple practice commonly used in restaurants, grocery stores and food service. It’s a simple concept that will end up costing you a lot less: use the oldest foods first to ensure timely usage and less waste.
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Do Monthly Checkups
Take a minute or two each month to get acquainted with what’s in there. Reshuffle items, throw out food that’s been frozen too long or plan to use forgotten treasures, such as the stew your neighbor offered a month ago.
Originally Published on Taste of Home
