Cookaholics Bulletin Board

For the big freezer I put stuff in tubs and label the tubs. I label every vacuum sealed item on the strip above the seal. I put like things together as much as possible. The small freezer has meats on the bottom, veg next shelf up, breads one up from veg and ice cream and cubes on top. Still have to root around for specific items, buy only on a given shelf.

No system here, except for the herbs and spices that are kept in the freezer drawer. I have a printed-out list with a piece of acrylic over it. There are check-off boxes for "freezer", "shelf", and "need."

Good idea to put the small containers in a ziplock to prevent them from getting lost in the cracks.

I might try a checkoff sheet. Hubby does not get into the freezer much except for ice so I think it might work.

Jean, how do you prep your cc baguettes for the freezer - wrap wise?

They come 20 in a box in a big heavy duty clear bag (garbage type) and a par-baked. I just take the bag out of the box, spin in to close and then put it in the freezer. I go through it in about 6-8 weeks so not really concerned about them getting freezer burned. Costco also carries a demi-baguette (not kirkland) that come 2 in a package then boxed. I prefer the full baguettes and they are also much cheaper. I pay $23 for 20 baguettes, and they are very good.

I think I'm going to try the spreadsheet approach. That, and be a little more disciplined about using specific freezers for specific items. Only one of my freezers is non self-defrosting, so I think I'll make that one for meat and fish. Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

Amy

Well, I did it. Not a project I care to repeat anytime soon. I have 95 line items on my spreadsheet.

I found a few things that were older than dirt, but all-in-all, I had a pretty good idea of what was in each freezer, except the chest freezer. Now, I just need to keep up with this...and I don't need to buy any proteins for a while.

Amy

I kept a log of what I had in my frezzers until about 6 months ago. When I ran out of pig & lamb I got lazy. Now, I don't have a clue as to what I have in there. Mostly broth & some scraps. I also have a turkey. Sad, I know. I will clean it out soon & of course fill it up again.
Kathy