Organize the Freezer
This week I tackled my disastrous freezer. Yes, I am embarrassed to say that it really, truly was a total disaster. My freezer sometimes seems to be the bane of my organizational existence. The side by sides are really tough to organize, and things are constantly going in and out. Lest you doubt me, here’s some photographic proof:
I searched high and low for containers that would work well for this. I had originally planned to use Sterlite small (4.5 quart, I think) shoe containers from Dollar General for a dollar each. I still think those could have worked, but they stopped carrying them! The 6 quart ones there and at Target are way to big and would end up wasting tons of space.
I ended up using the Sterlite flip top containers from Dollar General ($3.50 each). The are easy to pull out, because they aren’t too big. Since our ice maker is in the door and our refrigerator is next to the wall, we have a hard time pulling out any sort of larger container.
I pulled everything out and tossed a couple expired items. I also put a couple seldom used food items into our little deep freeze in the garage. (By the way, items will more likely avoid freezer burn in a deep freeze, because it doesn’t self-defrost.)
Next, I quickly placed everything into containers by category, and placed them all back inside. It was much better already! The containers are at most two deep, so it’s not too hard to access anything. The biggest downside, I will admit, is that it really does waste some space. I would not be able to fit nearly as much in the freezer after using the containers. However, that’s not a huge deal since I have a deep freeze, plus it’s totally worth the peace of mind!
Of course no project is complete without beautiful labels, so I made some up and put them on the containers with sticky tack. I also laminated them since they would be in the freezer. I did have to force them to fit on the two shallow containers on the top, but they worked.
I’m also going to update my freezer inventory sheet to reflect what is actually in there!
Stephanie Person Says
Girl I need to organize my freezer badly!! Great tips!
Crystal Green Says
Oh wow, I love the transformation! I also think those labels are adorable. Thanks for the tips.
Allison Cooper Says
Great idea! I love the name tags and how you take inventory!
Jacklynn Says
My freezer is such a mess 🙁 Everything is just thrown in there. It could certainly use some organizing! I love the labels!
BerryRipe Says
Talk about Spring Cleaning, love it! 🙂
Heather @ Work from Home with Kids Says
I am in love with your fridge and of course how organized it is! Pinning for when I have time to organize some more!! 😀
Jennifer @ MySweetSanity Says
I have one of the french door refrigerators so my freezer is just a big drawer at the bottom. You would not believe how much stuff gets lost in there and found only when I completely empty it every couple months.
Regina Says
Always a good idea to clean out and organize your freezer. I think labeling is key. Things all look the same when they are frozen.
Amber Says
LOVE LOVE LOVE THis! organization is our knack too. Great job!
Karen - Desert Chica Ramblings Says
I love the labels, they make the freezer look so pretty!
Liberty Boblett Says
I need to do this. I need to do this. I need to do this…LOL Thank you for this post, I will use this as an example!
Sara Phillips Says
I LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! You did a great job!
I reorganized mine the other day, but just by shelf – frozen veggies on one, ice cream (yep, a whole shelf!) on one, etc.
Kelly Stilwell Says
My husband would think he was in the wrong house if my freezer looked like that! Haha!
Allison Says
Love the labels! So cute!
Stacie @ The Divine Miss Mommy Says
I soooo need to organize my freezer. I love the containers and the labels.
LyndaS Says
I am impressed. That looks great. Thanks for the tip about deep-freezers and freezer burn.
Melissa @ Living A Frugal Life Says
This looks Awesome! I love those containers and labels!
Sandra (at) Coasahmom (dot) com Says
I’m really loving the labels!
Tonya Says
What a great looking freezer! I love the stackable Steri-lite containers with all of the cute labels. It looks great and I love that you can glance and see what you have on hand.
Karen Says
great ideas on organizing a side by side. I had one of those once and hated it. It wouldn’t hold anything. I love the idea of a freezer inventory sheet. I’m going to be making one for myself now.
Bobbie Says
This is GREAT! I need to tackle my freezer. My deep freezer is a real mess, but I don’t know there is an easy way to organize that, however, I DO need to inventory it at minimum. That would be a HUGE help!
PeggyJean Says
This is great – I am going to tackle my freezer this week. Did you do the same for your refrigerator? I need to do my fridge, as well. Thanks for the great ideas and tutorials.
LauraJane Says
Post authorGood luck on your freezer! I didn’t do the same in my refrigerator. I feel like the contents of my refrigerator change too quickly.