Be honest: How many times have you made freezer-friendly recipes only for them to get lost in the jumble of frozen foods piling up on your shelves? It’s okay, we’ve been there too. Which is why we’ve come up with a fool-proof method for taking inventory that will help you organize your freezer AND keep it that way. Forget the fancy apps and equipment, all you’ll need is a pen, paper, and some free time. Here’s how to do it.
1. TAKE NOTE OF WHAT YOU HAVE
Before you begin, it’s important to know what you’re working with. Clear out your freezer and throw out everything that’s expired (or that’s been in there for an unknown amount of time…don’t take the risk). Separate items into categories to make organization a breeze. Example categories may include vegetables, proteins, herbs, and stocks.
Using a pen and paper (or a magnetic whiteboard), make a list of every single item you have and note how many of each item you have. You can do this by adding circles next to each item’s name. For example, if you have three packets of pork chops, you’ll draw three. If you have two containers of vegetable stock, draw two circles. Easy, right?
2. USE YOUR FREEZER SPACE WISELY
Now that you know what you have, it’s time to put it ALL back in. But this time, try to use your space wisely. Using your list as a reference, aim to put similar things together. Veggie packets on one side, meats on the other. Try to store things vertically to add more space. Have a big batch of chili? Add it to a freezer-friendly plastic bag and lay it flat. This way, you’ll be able to store it vertically and fit more items in your fridge.
When freezing items that are in small amounts, an ice cube tray can be your best friend. Single servings of pesto, tomato paste, roasted garlic, or compound butters can be frozen in the trays (which are usually left empty for weeks on end) and used in a jiffy. Just be sure to transfer them to a freezer bag or airtight container to keep fresh.
3. THE LIST IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Once you’ve put everything back in the way you want it, it’s time to put your new freezer inventory skills to use. Take that handy-dandy list that you made as you were cleaning your freezer out and stick it on the fridge door using a magnet, tape, or whatever you need to make sure it stays there (if you’re using a magnetic whiteboard, just plop it on the center of the door). Each time you use an item in your freezer, find it on your list and cross a circle out. This way, you can have a visual of how many of that item you have left.
If you’ve just gone shopping, add circles next to each new item that you’ve bought. Bought new items that aren’t on the list? Add those items under the appropriate category (or under a miscellaneous category) and draw in your circles!
And there you have it! This freezer inventory hack is SO easy anyone can do it. Just make sure that everyone in your household knows how to update the inventory, and you’ll be all set. Keeping an organized freezer inventory can help reduce food waste, which in turn can save you money on food costs. It’s a win-win. Happy organizing!
