A chest freezer can be a convenient appliance, providing extra storage space and allowing you to stock up on frozen foods. However, without some organization, it can quickly turn into a jumbled mess of mystery items. Keep your chest freezer neat and functional with these tips:
1. Use Baskets and Bins
Invest in some freezer baskets or bins to neatly corral like items together. This makes it easier to quickly find what you need without having to dig around. Sturdy plastic bins are ideal for holding bulk frozen foods like berries, vegetables, etc. Mesh baskets can hold smaller items like frozen entrees, pizza rolls, etc. Label each bin clearly with permanent marker.
2. Use Shelf Dividers
Sliding shelf dividers are another useful way to section off categories of items. They typically clip right onto the shelves. Use them to separate meats, baked goods, frozen meals, etc. This prevents a big frozen solid mass of random stuff. The dividers make it simpler to remove and replace items.
3. Purchase Clear Storage Containers
Clear plastic freezer containers are tremendously helpful for identifying contents without having to open them up. Opt for BPA-free containers with tight sealing lids. Transfer items from original packaging to the clear containers. Label the lids with permanent marker, include date frozen. This system prevents mystery items lurking in obscurity.
4. Use Small Baskets for Odds and Ends
Have a miscellaneous bin or basket for small stray items like individual chicken breasts, frozen broth cubes, single servings of leftovers, etc. Keeping these odds and ends contained saves you from fishing around for them each time.
5. Organize by Category
Group similar items together in sections – meats, fruits/veggies, baked goods, ready meals, etc. Keep like with like for easy access. Meat can go on the bottom shelf or bin where it stays colder.
6. Use Square or Rectangular Bins
Look for stackable square or rectangular freezer bins. These make better use of space than round containers. Square bins can sit flush against each other on a shelf. Their boxy shape fits well in chest freezers.
7. Label Everything
Always label any bag, bin, or container with contents and date frozen. Use a permanent marker designed to write on plastic. Masking tape labels tend not to hold up over time. Don’t rely on memory or the appearance of mystery items.
8. First In, First Out
Adopt a “first in, first out” system. Keep older items towards the front, newer ones in the back. This ensures a good rotation and eliminates forgotten old items getting buried.
9. Keep It Cold
Your freezer should stay at 0°F or below. Check the temperature periodically with a freezer thermometer. A full and well-organized freezer stays colder than an empty disorganized one. Keeping temperatures consistent preserves food quality and shelf life.
10. Take Inventory Before Shopping
Take a quick inventory before shopping to avoid buying duplicates of what you already have. Jot down what needs restocking. This avoids overcrowding and forgetting what’s already on hand.
11. Avoid Overcrowding
Resist the urge to over stuff your freezer. Too much crowding reduces air circulation, hampering freezing efficiency. This can lead to partial thawing and texture damage. Keep just enough food for reasonable use.
12. Store Similar Sizes Together
Store items of similar sizes together – i.e. stack pizzas together, group small boxes of ice cream, etc. This prevents bigger packages crushing smaller ones. Keeping like with like also helps maximize space.
13. Use Shelf Space Wisely
Only keep frequently used items on eye level shelves. Place bulky items like big roasts and lasagnas on lower shelves. Use top shelves for occasional items or overflow. Keep shelves clean for easy access.
14. Keep It Clean
Every few months, empty the freezer completely to clean inside. Discard any unidentifiable or freezer burned items. Let ice melt, unplug unit, clean with disinfectant, dry well. Restock neatly with existing containers or purchase new ones.
15. Invest in Sturdy Containers
Buy only good quality, durable freezer containers. Cheap bags easily rip and containers crack. Sturdy ones withstand temperature changes better. Glass and rigid plastic are good options. Avoid containers with thin flexible plastic.
16. Allow Headspace In Containers
Leave about 1/2 to 1 inch headspace in containers for expansion during freezing. Soups, stews, and sauces expand most. Not allowing room can cause leaks, swelling lids, and damage. A good rule of thumb is to fill only 3/4 full.
17. Separate Long-Term And Short-Term Items
Designate a section or bin for items you access frequently like frozen veggies and commonly used ingredients. Keep items for longer storage like meat bulk packs and baked goods you access less often separate.
18. Invest in a Chest Freezer
If you find yourself constantly running out of room in your main freezer, consider purchasing a chest freezer. The large capacity allows serious freezing for extended periods. Apply these organizing tips to fully utilize the space efficiently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Organizing a Chest Freezer
Here are some common questions about keeping chest freezers tidy and functional:
How often should I take everything out and clean the chest freezer?
Ideally every 3-6 months for a thorough clean out. Quick wipe downs can be done more often if spills occur.
What are the best containers to use?
Clear rigid plastic or glass freezer containers are best. Avoid cheap thin plastic bags and flimsy containers.
How long is it safe to store frozen foods?
Most frozen foods last 8-12 months safely. Citrus fruits, eggs, and luncheon meats are shorter at 2-4 months. Label everything clearly with freeze dates.
What are good organizing tools to use?
Bins, baskets, dividers, and clear containers help corral and identify contents efficiently. Label maker and permanent marker assist with tagging.
Where should I keep most frequently used items?
Keep most used items at eye level or top shelf for easy grab and go access. Place big bulk items and overflow on bottom shelves.
What items end up cluttering chest freezers the most?
Random odds and ends like single servings, small bags, and mystery leftovers. Keep a basket to contain these and keep them organized.
Should I group meat separate from other foods?
Yes, keep raw meat sealed and away from other items for food safety. Use a bin or shelf divider to create a designated meat section if possible.
How can I prevent my freezer from getting too cold?
Keep your freezer reasonably full. Full freezers maintain temperatures better. Avoid opening the lid frequently. Keep temperature at 0°F or just below.
Conclusion
Staying on top of chest freezer organization is an ongoing process, but very worthwhile. A little effort up front pays off every time you open your freezer to neatly stacked and labeled baskets and bins, rather than a giant frozen mass. Invest in some quality containers and dividers, label diligently, and sort methodically. Take the time to do occasional clean outs and inventory checks. A tidy freezer is a functional asset. Applying these tips will help you make the best use of your chest freezer real estate.
18 Tips to Keep Your Chest Freezer Organized
A chest freezer is extremely useful for extra storage and freezing capacity. However, without staying organized, it can easily become a jumbled mess. Here are 18 tips to keep your chest freezer tidy and functional:
- Use bins and baskets to group like items
- Install sliding dividers to separate categories
- Transfer items to clear plastic containers
- Have a basket for small odds and ends
- Organize by food category
- Choose square bins for optimal space
- Label everything clearly
- First in, first out rotation
- Maintain proper cold temperature
- Inventory before shopping
- Avoid overcrowding
- Group similar item sizes
- Reserve shelves for frequent use
- Regularly clean the interior
- Use durable freezer containers
- Allow headspace for expansion
- Separate short and long term items
- Invest in a chest freezer
Staying organized takes a little diligence, but makes a huge difference in efficiency and frustration levels! Invest in some quality freezer tools and adopt a systematic approach to neatly corral your chest freezer contents. Making good use of this frozen real estate ensures you can readily find what you need among the frosty order instead of frozen chaos.