At the beginning of each month I try and go through my freezer to help plan my meals. I have been using this Freezer Inventory list from The Frugal Find for such a long time and love it, but I was noticing I wasn't using certain things on the sheet and that I didn't have enough room for the whole contents of my freezer. I loved the idea of have categories, but the items in my freezer varied from month to month. So... I created my own. I think it will take a few months to use this freezer list and see if it works, but I know for me this has simplified the process.
I cleaned out my freezer this morning and...WOW... I have had strawberries in my freezer from last May!! (I guess even having a list sometimes doesn't help, unless you use it right!)
Why have a freezer list??
1. It saves you money.
This is true. I have saved so much money within the last year by planning my meals and using a freezer inventory list. I buy only the items for my weekly menu. I am an impulse buyer BIG TIME, and this has really helped me. I buy only things needed for that week.
2. It saves you time.
Our time is valuable. Once you fill out the freezer list, you will save time by knowing what you have on hand, what you plan on cooking for that week/month etc. I plan a week weekly menu by looking at the list plus what is one sale in the grocery ads. Since you are not wasting food or buying too much food you are saving money.
3. It helps with meal planning.
In planning My Weekly Menu I look through this list and see if I need to use up any items. Usually... you stick something in the freezer and it gets pushed to the back and then a year later you find it. If you plan your meals with what you have, you save both time and money!
How to use a freezer list?
1. Go through and pull everything out of your freezer. I mean everything. If you haven't used it in a year, use it up or throw it out!
2. Print out this free printable and date it.
3. Write down the quantity and item. Example: 1 lb. Hamburger
4. Write down the date you put the item into freezer. Example: 4.8.13
5. Go through it on a monthly basis. Print a new list every month.
This is my updated, cleaned out, now I know what I have, freezer!!
Here is my Freezer Inventory list. I usually print out two... one for upstairs and one for downstairs. I just label it on my sheet.
To download just right click on the image, SAVE it to your computer, and print!
Carrie
Try the app freezerlist for your iPhone. You can print out labels and put on your frozen items plus add a use by date which you will receive a warning as the date approaches its a great app for iPhone when shopping
ReplyDeleteUncle Darren- I will have to look into that! That would really help/warn me to use up those items that about to expire. Thanks for the tip
Delete