6 Simple Steps to Effectively Stock Your Freezer

Is your freezer space being used efficiently?

Picture this: You get home late from work; you have to run your daughter to soccer practice but do not have dinner ready. If you’ve stocked your freezer correctly, you can whip out a healthy meal in a snap.

Your effectively stocked freezer can bring a little peace of mind, for those crazy nights! (Admit it, we all have those nights.) Follow these simple steps, to revitalize your freezer!

1.) Out with the OLD and in with the NEW! First things, first! You need to toss out any old food that has gone bad. You know that piece of food, wrapped in foil that’s been in the back of your freezer for two years? Yes, that one. Throw it away. Donate any store packaged items you are not going to eat.

2.) Cleaning time! Get out your gentle cleaners (or hot soapy water) and wipe down freezer walls, freezer shelves and the inside walls.

3.) Organization containers can be helpful. Take a quick look around your house for smaller sized storage solutions. Think of bins that will hold up well in the freezer and can neatly store items such as baggies of prepackaged fruits for smoothies and vegetables for side dishes.

4.) Think outside the box. Those items that you get from the store that come in BIG boxes, such as popsicles, waffles, etc. Ditch those larger boxes and put the items into a gallon size baggies. This will give you more freezer space. If you are prepping a freezer meal, considering freezing the food in a freezer gallon size baggie instead of a hard container. This will give you more room. For products such as Hilary’s Veggie Burgers, keep those items in the boxes. They are appropriate sized and stack well.

5.) Labeling is key to survival. Be sure to label any and all items you put into your freezer when using baggies or reusing containers. Use a permanent marker to write the date and what the food item is before you put the food into the container.

6.) Keeping inventory is crucial. Once you get your freezer effectively stocked with meals, side dishes and treats, you need to know what exactly you have. Keep a running list of your inventory. As you use items, cross them off your list. You can easily keep your list on your freezer door.

From cleaning, to organizing, to labeling, to stocking your freezer, you have been equipped with the simple tips and tricks to make your freezer the star of your kitchen! Sometimes it is so refreshing to start over with a clean slate, in this case a clean, organized and stocked freezer. Give it a try and see how it changes life in the kitchen!

 

 

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