How To Organize Your Freezer
Your freezer is the perfect definition of long-term storage. You put things in and forget about them. And because most freezers lack built-in organization, it's easy for food to get lost. Even worse, the wrong storage containers can result in freezer burn. But by using freezer-safe storage containers and freezer organizers (either made exclusively for use in the freezer or repurposed), you can make the most of the space, keep food edible and make it easy to find what you're looking for.
Take Inventory
Of course, the first thing to do is go through everything in your freezer. If items look freezer burned or you're unsure of what they are or how long they've been in the freezer, it's best to toss them. Once you've done that, sort the remaining items into categories.
Create Zones in Your Freezer
Use large bins to create categories and keep bags of frozen produce from shifting around. Category example include soups, casseroles, meat, fruits & veggies, frozen entrees, etc. Choose clear, freezer-safe bins with cutout handles, and clearly label and date the bins. The actual location of the freezer compartment (top, bottom or side) determines the most effective way to divide your space. For top- and side-compartment freezers, a shelf divider or stacking organizers can be helpful. For bottom-compartment and chest freezers, consider repurposing open desktop file boxes - they are ideal for slim boxes like frozen pizzas.
Use Freezer-Safe Storage Containers
Properly storing food in your freezer starts with the freezer-safe containers. From freezer bags to leakproof stacking storage containers, you'll find a variety of options to choose from. Consider purchasing a complete set of containers in a variety of sizes. Look for ones that are safe for use in the freezer, refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
Label and Date Everything
Take the guesswork out of what's in your freezer and how long it's been there. Clearly label each container with the name and date of what's inside.
For Chest Freezers
Make use of the space by using dividers, containers and bins to create zones and keep things like bags of frozen vegetables or fruit, together. Repurposing a shelf divider in one end of the freezer is also a good way to make use of all of the deep space while keeping items readily accessible.