Written by Andrea Reviewed by Daniel

How To Organise Your Freezer

Organising your freezer isn’t just about tidying up and making it more pleasant to look at. It’s also a practical way to save time, reduce waste, and even save a bit of money on your energy bills. Who doesn’t want that?

It is even a huge game changer for your kitchen routine. Just imagine opening your freezer and finding exactly what you need without digging through piles of icy packages. Bliss.

If you want to save space and stop wasting food, this guide will help you!

Table of Contents

TLDR: What You Need To Know About Freezer Organisation

Don’t have the patience or time to read through the entire article yet? Or just want to start off with the basics of freezer organisation?

Here are some simple tips to kick things off:

First In, First Out: Keep things you need to eat soon at the front or top of your freezer. This makes sure nothing gets forgotten and goes bad.
Keep A List: Have a list of what’s in your freezer, either on paper or digitally. It helps everyone in the house know what’s available without having to search. Using the Notes app on your phone will certainly make a difference!
Label Everything: It might seem tedious, but labelling each container with what’s inside and when you froze it saves loads of time later. You won’t have to guess what’s in each mystery container!
Portion Control: If you freeze meals in the amount you’ll actually eat, you won’t have to thaw more than you need. This cuts down on waste – big time!
Ditch the Packaging: Get rid of boxes and extra wrapping that just take up space. Flatten items where you can to stack them better!

Now that’s out of the way, let’s get down to business!

Organise Your Freezer The Right Way

Having an organised freezer is crucial for making the most of your available space and ensuring your frozen foods stay fresh for as long as possible.

Fortunately, putting food in your freezer and organising it doesn’t have to be a complicated process!

Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to a well-organised, efficient freezer:

Step 1: Empty And Clean

Before you can start organising, you need a clean slate.

Turn off your freezer or unplug it to let it defrost. As it defrosts, remove all items from your freezer.

Cleaning your freezer is straightforward. Once defrosted, wipe down the inside with a solution of hot water and bicarbonate of soda. This mixture is excellent for removing odours and any food residues.

Don’t forget to dry the interior thoroughly before turning it back on or restocking any items. This helps prevent ice build-up, which can affect your freezer’s efficiency.

TIP: This is a great time to check expiry dates and dispose of anything that’s out of date or freezer-burned.

Step 2: Categorise And Group Items

Now, think about how to group your freezer items!

Categorising food items not only helps in locating what you need quickly but also aids in maintaining order in your freezer.

Common categories include meats, vegetables, ready meals, baking products, and desserts.

Within each category, you might want to organise further by type or by the date of purchase to ensure older items get used first. You should also consider sub-categories such as beef, poultry, and seafood under meats!

TIP: Place frequently used items like frozen herbs or breakfast items in an easy-to-reach spot. For example, if you prepare smoothies regularly, keep a basket with all your frozen fruits and greens at the front.

Step 3: Invest In Organisational Tools

Think containers are just a waste of money? Think again.

Organisational tools can greatly revolutionise how you use your freezer. Consider using freezer bins, baskets, or even magazine holders for slim items!

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You can also label each container to make stuff easier to identify – no need to open each bin to see what you had stored inside. For instance, use a bin labelled “Weeknight Meals” for frozen leftovers that you can quickly reheat during the week!

Don’t want to spend money yet? Use plastic dividers or even sturdy cardboard to create sections within your freezer, which makes it easier to separate different types of food.

TIP: Consider buying clear bins! They allow you to see what’s inside without having to open them.

Step 4: Prioritise and Rotate Items

If you want to prevent waste, this step is crucial!

Always place newer items towards the back and move older items to the front! This rotation ensures that you use the oldest items first and nothing stays in the freezer long enough to get freezer burn.

For example, if you buy a new pack of chicken breasts but still have an older one, make sure the older pack is positioned to be used first!

TIP: if you find certain items are frequently pushed to the back, consider whether you really need to purchase them regularly. Adjusting your shopping habits can save money and further reduce waste!

Step 5: Maintain and Adjust Your System If Necessary

Regular maintenance is important to keep your freezer organised.

Set a reminder every few months to go through your freezer and check if your system still suits your needs.

Maybe you’ve taken up baking and now need a dedicated “Baking Supplies” bin with frozen dough and berries. Or perhaps you’re making more baby food and need easy access to purees.

Feel free to adjust your system as your lifestyle changes. It’s your freezer, after all!

How To Organise Depending On Freezer Type

While the general tips I mentioned above will remain the same, there are specific approaches you can take that may vary depending on the type of freezer you have.

Here are some simple tips for organising different freezer types:

Top Freezer

With a top freezer, you’ll want to take advantage of the vertical space by stacking items neatly.

Use bins or baskets to separate categories, and place taller items towards the back. Consider investing in stackable racks or shelves to create additional levels for storage.

For items that are prone to melting, put them on the upper shelf to avoid messes.

Bottom Freezer

Bottom freezers usually offer more horizontal space, so you can spread items out more.

However, be mindful of not piling items too high, as this can make it difficult to see and access items at the bottom.

Use bins or baskets to keep things organised, and consider labelling the sections for different categories.

Side Freezer

Side-by-side freezers often have narrow but deep shelves. Use bins or baskets to maximise the depth and prevent items from getting lost in the back.

It’s best to use the top shelf for items you don’t use often, and the middle shelf for items you often use for your convenience.

Consider labelling the sections or shelves for different categories to help you find what you need quickly.

Standing Freezer

Standing freezers, also known as upright freezers, offer ample vertical space. Use shelves or stackable racks to make the most of this space, and bins or baskets to keep categories separate.

Usually, it’s a good idea to store your meats or fish on the bottom shelf, and the middle or top shelf for produce.

Label the bins or shelves clearly to make finding items easier.

Chest Freezer

Chest freezers can be a bit more challenging to organise due to their depth. Consider using shallow bins or baskets to create layers, making it easier to access items without having to dig too deep.

Label the bins and arrange them in categories to make finding things more efficient. Place large items on the bottom and smaller ones on top.

Why Organise Your Freezer?

Why go through all that trouble of organising your freezer? Shouldn’t you just store your food in there without care? After all, it’s just a space to store them without worrying as much about spoilage.

There are many benefits to organising your freezer that will make it worth your time. Here are some reasons why a clean-up haul is necessary to inspire you:

You Will Minimise Food Waste

When you can easily see what’s in your freezer, you’re less likely to let items get lost and forgotten, reducing the risk of spoilage and unnecessary waste.

Use what you have, and be pleasantly surprised by your lowered shopping bills.

You Will Save Time And Frustration

No more rummaging through a frozen abyss, trying to locate that elusive bag of peas.

With an organised system, you’ll know exactly where everything is, saving you valuable time (and sanity).

Who wants to spend all that time digging through the freezer when all you need is to prepare a meal? Not me!

You Will Maximise Space

No more playing tetris with your freezer. Proper organisation allows you to use every nook and cranny of your freezer, ensuring you can fit in as much as possible without creating a chaotic mess.

Now that you’re ready to do the cleanup, remember that the key to successful freezer organisation is finding a system that works for your specific freezer type and your household’s needs.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and adjust until you find the perfect solution!

What’s your top freezer hack? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to organise your freezer?

The best way to organise your freezer is by categorising and grouping similar items together, using bins or baskets for separation, and labelling everything clearly. Prioritise the placement of items based on how frequently you use them, and always rotate stock to use older items first.

What types of food are kept in the freezer?

Foods typically kept in the freezer include meats, vegetables, ready meals, baking products, desserts, and leftovers. You can also store bulk items, bread, and ingredients for future use.

In what order should food be stored in a freezer?

Food should be stored in a freezer in an order that prioritises older items at the front or top for easy access, and newer purchases towards the back. Organise items by type within categories such as meats, vegetables, and desserts, and consider further subdivision for more efficient storage and retrieval.

How do you properly pack a freezer?

To properly pack a freezer, first remove unnecessary packaging to save space. Use stackable containers or flat bags to keep items compact and organised. Label everything with contents and dates, and arrange items in a way that maximises space and minimises air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

How do you keep track of what’s in your freezer?

To keep track of what’s in your freezer, maintain an inventory list, either on paper or digitally. Update it every time you add or remove items. This list helps you quickly see what you have without needing to dig through the freezer, reducing waste and making meal planning easier.

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