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How To Stock Your Freezer

Did you know that there’s a right and a wrong way in how to stock your freezer? We tend to put food in the freezer willy-nilly because we’re in a hurry to put up our groceries.

But to get the most out of the food we store in the freezer, there are some boxes to be ticked off.

In how to stock your freezer, there is a right way and a wrong way

First, to get the best use from our freezer, it’s better to keep the freezer full.

Second, make sure it’s the right temperature. Your freezer keeps food from spoiling by slowing down bacterial growth.

Buy Food Containers Meant For Your Freezer:

Watch out for freezer burn. If food is not sealed tightly, it can get freezer burn. If your frozen food isn’t sealed well, it loses moisture. And that’s most likely if the temperature in the freezer is inconsistent.

Do you know how to stock your freezer?

    Don’t block the vent

    If you block the vent in your freezer, you impede air flow. This will cause the temperature to fluctuate. Leave 5-6 inches between your food and the vent.

    Check your ice maker to make sure it’s functioning properly

    Is your ice maker always running? This can make your freezer be too cold. It can also cause your refrigerated foods to freeze.

    If this is happening and you’ve fiddled with the temperature and you still can’t fix it, call a repairman.

    Rotate food in your freezer

    Write dates on your frozen food. It’s a good idea to move the older things in your freezer to the front so you will see and be reminded to use it.

    Store food in containers meant to go in freezers to keep food sealed tight

    The leftovers in your freezer last longer if you pack them up correctly. Try to always have freezer wrap, zip lock bags, and plastic containers for the freezer on hand.

    Get rid of food boxes

    Free up freezer space by taking food out of the boxes. For instance, you can take individually wrapped food such as ice cream and put them in a ziplock baggie.

    I’ve begun doing this with frozen hot rolls or bread sticks. The boxes are just too bulky, and if I put the food in a baggie, it’s easier to store.

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    I'm Brenda, creator of Cozy Little House. I live with my cat, Ivy, who keeps me laughing. I graduated from journalism school with a degree in professional writing and won awards for feature writing. I practice gratitude and enjoy my solitude. The glass is always half-full.

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    18 Comments

    1. I’m not willy nilly. BUT…. I live with someone who IS and it drives me crazy! We used to live 25+ minutes from a grocery store and I always checked the freezer to make up my grocery list. Now that we’re less than 5 minutes from the store I don’t worry about it as much. I’ve also figured if my DH can’t be bothered to tell me when he eats the last slice of bread, he can go without until I can shop again (or he can go get more). Habits do change once one retires!!!

    2. When we purchased our upright freezer, I bought dishpans that fit on the shelves. I put beef in one, chicken in another, pork in another. One has fruit I freeze in the summer. I have boxes and misc on the sides of them on each shelf and the ice cream and treats on the top shelf where my grandchildren can’t reach them.

    3. Lots of great tips from you and your readers! Thank you so much.
      I know you’re going to enjoy your freezer!

    4. Thanks for the great tips ! What freezer containers do you use ? Perhaps you said it before and I just missed it .

    5. I use a seal a meal vacuum machine to package food. I buy large size products and package in single or small servings. Getting all the air out cuts out the freezer burn.

    6. I might add that when you put foods in your own packaging, cut the cooking instructions off the box and put on or inside the bag. Saves a lot of head scratching when you’re ready to use it. I might know this from experience. I don’t keep the bulky boxes either.

      1. I’ve done this before. Cut off the instructions and stuck them in the bag. Thanks for the reminder!

    7. Love the practical tips – actually I do a lot of them, Long ago gave up on putting boxes in the freezer. I re=package things in single serving portions – I live alone – as soon as possible. And, yep, label and date items too.
      Enjoy your new freezer!

      1. I am enjoying it! And it’s good to no longer have to worry about accidentally covering those vents in the refrigerator freezer any more.

    8. Some great tips especially taking food out of boxes that take up
      so much room. Enjoy your new freezer!!

    9. I’m on team willy nilly too. I shall try to be more intentional, now that I know.

    10. I have learned from experience not to be willy nilly – enjoyed the refresher tips!

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