Inevitably, when there is a great sale on frozen items, my freezer is already full! Fortunately, sales normally last a week (or two), which gives me some time to free up valuable freezer space. Follow the tips below when yourself in the same situation:
Clean out your freezer.
Save the defrosting and wiping down for when your freezer is nearly empty. Now you are just going through the contents and prioritizing space.
Remove Worthless Items
Currently, I have 8 ice cube trays in my freezer. They were handy before my husband replaced the ice maker, now they have zero value in terms of freezer space. They need to be washed and moved into a cabinet. The zipper bag of ice cubes from some kid's last boo-boo needs to be pitched as well. If needed, I can also remove freezer packs, saving them in the cabinet until I have more space in the freezer.
Organize Freezer Contents
Stack similar boxes to maximize space. Waffles in one pile, frozen entrees in another and pizza in it's own stack. Create a space for bagged vegetables by placing boxes on one side of the self, leaving just enough space to hold bags. Try to store items on the door that are not only as wide as the bin, but as tall as the space provided as well.
Give Unwanted Items Away
Not long ago, I purchased a family-sized tray of Salisbury steak and gravy. It was a super deal, until I realized no one at my house would touch it. The last time I took items to the Lamb's Basket, I included this item. (NOTE: When taking frozen or refrigerated items to a food pantry, verify the facility has adequate storage and separate these items from self-stable foods to ensure they will be put away quickly.) Occasionally I'll pass items to family or friends, based on their tastes and dietary needs.
Remove Packaging
Chances are, you have a carton of ice cream taking up 1.75 quarts of space yet holding only 1 cup of the frozen treat. Transfer contents to a bowl, cover and return to the freezer. Remove inner plastic bag from boxes (label contents and/or cooking directions with a permanent marker, if needed). If you purchased a huge box from a warehouse store, how full is the box now? Remove plastic bag from inside box, or transfer contents into zipper bags. Seal tightly and use a rubber band to attach cooking directions (carefully cut from box) to the package.
Plan Meals Efficiently
Temporally forget you have a pantry. Plan meals around what's in the freezer. I'm often surprised by how much space I can free up in a single day by serving frozen items, such as waffles for breakfast, entrees for lunch and meat, veggies and bread for dinner. Try to consume items similar to those you will be purchasing. For example, if there's a great sale on pizza, eat those you already have on hand. If you deplete your supply of meat then purchase 10 bags of broccoli, you won't have items needed to prepare complete meals.
Defrost Items
As the week progresses, you may not have time to consume any more freezer items. Check for items you can defrost and use in the next day or two. Meat, cheese, milk, bananas (for baking), etc. can be transferred to the refrigerator and consumed in the coming days.
Borrow Freezer Space
Last year we lived for a full month with nothing more than a dorm-sized refrigerator while we waited to move into our new house. Although I was super grateful for this, it was difficult to manage meals for six people, including one on a special diet, without my full-sized refrigerator and extra freezer. Thankfully a great friend allowed me to put some items in her freezer. Do you have a relative or neighbor who may do the same? Offer something in return (such as some freezer items)!
Get A Rain Check
If you hit the store in the evening, the final day of the sale, chances are the shelf will be bare. Ask for a rain check. Depending on the store, you will find these to be valid for two weeks to one month. Pick up desired items when you have the space for them. (If sale is part of a Buy 10, Save $5 offer, you may be required to Buy 10 identical items to get the rain check.)
Be Content
Maybe you'll miss this sale completely. Other sales will come. Be thankful for the abundance you already have (i.e. the items now occupying your freezer), instead of dwelling on those items you're missing out on. Maybe, you'll even get a better deal in the weeks to come!
