The Ultimate Guide to Freezer Organization
This is the only guide you need to learn how to organize a freezer and how to keep it organized.
A freezer is a crucial part of every home, but many freezers are in a constant state of disarray. Items get shoved into any open slot, which leads to forgotten foods and hours spent looking for one thing. The smallest bit of freezer organization can transform the way you live your day-to -day life. If you want to learn how to organize a freezer for good, check out the tips and tricks below.
Tip!
Before anything else, it’s important to take note of what kind of freezer you have. Not every storage solution that works for a side-by-side fridge freezer will work for chest freezer organization. Also, keep in mind what kind of items you keep in your freezer – someone who mainly stores face masks and creams will need more customized storage than someone who stores large meats and prepped veggies. For more information about freezer types, check out Your Guide to the Best Freezers: Freezer Types, Features & More.
Clear Out the Clutter
Still holding onto that ounce of sauce that was too good to throw away? It’s time. Before you get into freezer organization, you want to ensure that your freezer will maintain its neatness. Throw away anything that you’ve been hoarding and consolidate various packages of the same items into one. Clear freezer-safe food storage containers are perfect for this. They're also great if you want to get rid of distracting packaging.
This is a handy tip for those who are interested in drawer or chest freezer organization: Dividers are perfect for horizontal storage, as they let you see everything at one time. If you think of your freezer as a giant drawer, you can picture what shapes you need in order to figure out how to organize a freezer. It helps to think outside the box – consider shelf dividers or drawer organizers. Make sure to keep in mind the measurements that you need so you don’t end up with a tiny organizer in a huge freezer.
If you’re working with a side-by-side or French door freezer, it’s better to build upwards. Take notes from those who organize their pantry, and use the same racks for your freezer organization. Most pantry shelf organizers come in plastic or metal which are materials that will be able to withstand the low temperatures of any freezer. Under-shelf baskets come in handy for vertical spaces that have overhead space left unused. Tiered racks come in handy for those who hate pulling everything out just to see what’s in the back of the freezer.
Anyone who knows how to organize a freezer knows that organization begins with grouping. Grouping and storing like items is what will determine how long your freezer remains organized. Freezer organization bins and baskets can help group things together easily. What’s even greater about baskets and bins are the endless options for customization – clear bins and baskets with holes make it easier to see what’s inside, but if you prefer not to go with those options, try labeling instead. Less-permanent chalkboard stickers and dry-erase markers allow you to easily switch what items go where.
Freezer organization doesn’t begin and end inside the freezer. The outside can help you stay organized too. If you have a habit of standing in front of the freezer and losing yourself for minutes at a time, try making a map of your freezer. Draw it on the outside of your freezer or attach it with a magnet; it’s the cost-effective version of having a freezer with a window on it. Draw a simple layout and label the sections with a memo board. Use a dry-erase or chalkboard memo board for flexible organization.
