If you have ever opened your freezer and felt like you were staring into a chaotic abyss, you’re not alone. A disorganized freezer can lead to forgotten food, freezer burn, and wasted money. While this may seem stressful, the good news is that with a few simple organizational tricks, you can transform your freezer from a scary monster into a helpful ally in your quest to save money.
Create Freezer Sections
Think of your freezer like your favorite grocery store. Things are grouped together. You have the produce section, the meat department, and the frozen food aisle. You can do the same in your freezer. Create zones for different types of food. For example, have a section for frozen fruits, one for veggies, and another for prepared meals. This makes it way easier to find what you need without keeping the door open forever and wasting energy.
First In, First Out: Rotate Your Food
Consider what would happen if you were always buying a carton of milk and pushing it to the back of the fridge every time you get a new one. The old milk would expire before you even see it again. The same thing can happen in your freezer. To avoid this, practice the “first in, first out” method. When you put something new in the freezer, move the older items to the front. This way, you’ll use the oldest stuff first and nothing gets lost in the frozen depths.
Stack It Up: Use Bins and Shelves
Bins and shelves are your top tools for freezer organization. This is because they’re instrumental in helping you maximize space and keep things tidy. Use clear bins to store similar items together. For instance, you could have a bin for breakfast foods, such as waffles and frozen fruit. Stackable shelves can also help you create layers and prevent items from getting buried at the bottom.
Freeze Flat and Label Everything
Before you toss something in the freezer, think about how it’s packaged. Check if you can freeze it flat because this saves a ton of space. For example, freeze soups and stews flat in freezer bags. Once they’re frozen solid, you can stand them up like books. And don’t forget to label everything. Use a permanent marker to write the name of the food and the date you froze it. If you’re blind, use Braille labeling tape and write the same information. This prevents those dreaded “mystery meals” that end up in the trash.
Take Inventory Regularly
Every few weeks, take a quick inventory of your freezer. This helps keep track of what you have and what you need to use up soon. It also prevents you from buying duplicates of things you already have.
With a little effort, you can transform your freezer from a source of frustration into a well-organized, money-saving machine. You’ll reduce food waste, make meal prep a breeze, and keep your grocery budget in check. For additional money-saving tips or for maintenance to ensure that your freezer in your Knoxville, TN, home runs optimally, call Pinpoint Appliance Repair today.
