Streamline Your Freezer: 7 Strategies to Never Misplace Your Frozen Goods Again
Tired of navigating a cluttered freezer? Well, help is on its way! Whether you're dealing with a crowded freezer or find yourself constantly losing track of what you have, these expert tips can help you transform your freezer into a well-organized, waste-free zone.
Let's kick things off with purging. Corey Pence, senior manager of in-home organizing for The Container Store, suggests starting the process by emptying out your freezer. "When was the last time you took inventory of what's inside?" she asks. Pull out all that frozen goodness, evaluate what's still safe to eat, and then put back what you've got. This will make it easier to create a system that works for you and your family.
Be mindful of what you're buying. It's tempting to stock up on bulk frozen food items, especially when there's a good sale. But if you won't use all of it within a month, rethink your purchase. As simple as it may sound, buying in smaller quantities can save you money in the long run.
Label your contents. Make sure everything you store is clearly labeled, and encourage everyone in your household to follow the system. As Pence puts it, "If you label things, you're more likely to use them." Labeling your bins will make it easier to maintain order and find items quickly.
Categorize your freezer space. Once you've labeled, it's time to categorize. Store similar items, like veggies, fruits, meats, or desserts, in separate containers for easier organization. If you're feeling extra productive, consider using a label maker to help you quickly identify item locations.
Consider your freezer's layout. The type of freezer you have might dictate how you store items. For instance, Pence suggests placing rarely used items at the back and frequently used ones near the front of traditional freezers. But, for French door fridges, store what you use most on the top shelves. This ensures easy access and prevents unnecessary digging.
Opt for silicone containers for liquids and other items. According to professional organizer Angela O'Brien, using silicone molds for items like soups, broth, sauces, baby food, and smoothies can save space and reduce waste. Once frozen, remove the cubes and store them in ziplock bags. It's an easy way to keep leftovers organized and save time.
Don't forget about vacuum sealers. O'Brien suggests using vacuum sealers for items like raw chicken, beef, or pork. They keep your meat fresher for longer and take up minimal space by removing air from around the item. Be sure to label the contents, so you know exactly what you have in your freezer.
Following these expert tips will help you create an organized and waste-free freezer in no time. Remember, creating a system and sticking to it will make it easier to maintain your new, organized space. Happy organizing!
- If you're struggling with organizing your home's kitchen, RealSimple offers expert tips to transform your cluttered freezer into a waste-free zone.
- To reorganize your freezer, consider adding a credit line to invest in new organizational tools, such as clear containers and label makers.
- After purging and categorizing, ensure each item is labeled clearly. This will help everyone in the household maintain the organized system, making it easier to find what they need without losing track of what's in the freezer.
- Finally, when shopping for freezer items, be mindful of how often you use them. Only buy in bulk if you can consume the food within a month to avoid wasting your resources and potentially maxing out your credit line.
