Freezer inventory system- don’t lose track of what you have

Freezer inventory system

Our freezer, in the name of good intentions, was stuffed.  Being on a budget, things got a bit overboard in an effort to be prepared.

The problem was, I had NO idea what we even had in there!

I talked my family into helping me take every, single item out of the freezer and do an inventory.

Without a freezer inventory, I was wasting food. Can I be embarrassingly frank here? There was way too much stuff, and some was so old it had to be tossed.

I was horrified at the waste. I see hungry people, and when things go bad due to my lack of organization, it makes me ashamed. To be so fortunate.

We vowed to set preventative boundaries, hence, this worksheet creation. We don’t want that to happen to anyone else either.

The intentions were good, stocking up when things were a bargain to help our budget--but it got so crowded, it was difficult to maneuver.

“Imagine walking out of a grocery store with four bags of groceries, dropping one in the parking lot, and just not bothering to pick it up. That’s essentially what we’re doing.” ~ Dana Gunder

How To Do A Freezer Inventory

Last year we tried writing out a list, and created circles next to the item indicating the stored quantity.

Two problems:

First, was the randomness of the writing. Although in reasonable sections, there was no further organization making it hard to read.

Second, not everyone checks off what is used.

After truly rethinking what we use, and what products would be most helpful to have on hand, my husband suggested a new idea. So simple its brilliance almost caused me to reject it. Ready?

Alphabetize the inventory.

Cross off each item, descending numerically until it is time to restock. I resisted, explaining to him how well my system almost worked.

After a moment, the duh set it in and our new Freezer Inventory was created.  Enjoy the free freezer printable to use for YOUR family!

“Don’t waste food, it’s like wasting one of the most precious things given by God to us.” ~ Anonymous

Three things to remember about freezer inventory

• Even if something is on sale, seriously…how many bags of frozen peas does one family need? (Hint: not 16)
• What helps create smoother dinner transitions? For us, I will hope to fill up with meats and pre-made  dinner starters (Meatballs, taco meat, etc. Search my blog for “meal planning” telling you how to do this in detail)
• Pay close attention to what doesn’t freeze well

These tips really go a long way to helping save money with monthly meal planning too!

“The kitchen really is the castle itself. This is where we spend our happiest moments and where we find the joy of being a family.” Mario Batali

It is a tremendous gift to be able to have extra food to feed our families. With some careful planning, and about an hour’s worth of upfront effort, that food will be fresher and exactly what you need.

Freezer meal resources you might enjoy:

• Ziplock Bag Holder Stand LOVE THESE
• Weekly Meal Planner – Grocery List Magnetic Notepads
• Seriously Good Freezer Meals: 150 Easy Recipes to Save Your Time, Money and Sanity 
• Not “freezer” but a fave you COULD freeze
• Cook Once, Eat All Week: 26 Weeks of Gluten-Free, Affordable Meal Prep to Preserve Your Time & Sanity 
• Souper Cubes
• Got mine on sale at Coscto, it sat unused for 2 years! Oh wish I hadn’t have waited. It has saved me tons of money getting produce/meat on sale and freezing! Foodsaver
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