We’ve all heard of mind mapping in the business world, but it works great to organize the freezer too. Instead of piles of stuff that you have no idea what it is, if its still good, and what you need to use up, this system works great to organize you and use the food.
- Start by taking EVERYTHING out of the Freezer and putting it in piles organized as Meat, Seafood, Sauces, FastFood, Veggies, etc. Throw out anything that is not dated or possibly has freezer burn.
- Use office labels and name & date each item, even if it’s approximate.
- When putting items back in the freezer, put them in “zones” and put these locations on your map of the freezer contents.
- As you’re putting it all back in, list the meals that can be made out of your freezer contents so you dodn’t forget the options and what’s in there.
That’s it! Keep the sheet of paper with the freezer map and the dinner combinations on the fridge. Try to make a few freezer meals over the next couple of weeks. Be sure to update the list & map as new items are added or used. This system keeps you organized, helps use items before you have to toss them, and it seems like a freebie to get a “free” dinner out of the freezer!