Taming the Stockpile: Part 2 Taming the Freezer

If you didn’t already check out how we are Taming the Stockpile by “eating it”, read part one and my menu plan before tackling today’s challenge.

Taming the Freezer

First of all let me say that I have two freezers, one in my refrigerator and one small chest freezer in my laundry room.  I highly recommend having a separate freezer for your stockpiling.  It aids in purchasing clearance meat and other frozen products at a discounted price.  If you don’t have an extra freezer, consider taking some of your grocery savings to purchase one if you have the space.

Freezer Problem #1:

The first common freezer problem is organization.  (At least I hope it is not just me.)  When you have a full freezer, it is hard to remember what is at the back or in the bottom, which leads to the second problem.

Solution:

If you have two freezers, put different items in each one.  I find that my meat, frozen pizzas and ice cream keep better in my chest freezer. I put items I use more often in my refrigerator freezer. Label everything you package yourself, including date packaged.  Put leftovers for freezing in labeled freezer bags or stackable containers.

Freezer Problem #2:

Freezer burn is an enemy of stockpilers.  You don’t want to get a bargain on roast beef, only to find it two years later at the bottom with freezer burn.

Solution:

Package the food tightly in freezer safe containers, bags or freezer paper sealed with freezer tape.  Many stockpilers use a handy machine called a FoodSaver to store their food properly for freezing. Remove as much air as possible from the storage package.  Finally, don’t store items for too long. You can check online for typical freezer times for different foods.

Freezer Problem #3:

Frost.  Even if you buy a frost-free freezer, frost can still form.  My chest freezer has a bad case of frost right now.  Frost can cause your freezer to run less efficiently, and takes up important space too. Frost is caused by humid air inside the freezer, which can come from opening the freezer too often or putting warm, moist foods into the cold freezer.

Solution:

First, make sure your freezer isn’t in need of repair.  When possible, allow foods to cool completely in the fridge before placing them into the freezer. Put your freezer in a room with low humidity (unlike my laundry room). Finally, if your freezer has a case of frostbite, defrost it.  Choose a cold day, and move all your food into coolers or other freezers.  Unplug the freezer and allow the frost time to melt.  Use towels to soak up as much moisture as you can before refilling and reorganizing the freezer.

Whew!

If you can do all that, you certainly have taken a big step in Taming Your Stockpile.

Have you been blogging about your stockpile?  Link up!

Tell me the truth, what does your freezer look like?