Freezer Organization

The talk over at ABC and 123 is organization. Most parents are probably going to address toy storage and such. I do not feel I can talk on that. Our toy room is overflowing, though I know the importance of rotating toys. I even do it. A little. We buy meat when it's cheap. Just this week we spent $40 on meat because the prices were right. Derek went grocery shopping and came home with lots of chicken breast, pork chops, steaks, hot dogs (not my favorite), and sausage. Buying large quantities is great, but we only have one freezer; it's part of the side by side fridge we have. I also hope to freeze some corn from the garden later this summer and applesauce in the fall. All this means that I need to have a way to store it. I am not an organized person. I have learned two tricks for the freezer though. When we buy ground beef or turkey, we put it into a labeled zipper-type quart sized freezer bags. I try to approximate a pound per bag. Then I mostly close the zipper and squeeze out the air. The key to taking up less room in the freezer is making the meat flat. Just spread it out in the bag, seal, and then place it flat in the freezer. Once it is frozen you can make it stand on it's side! Then it's like a little library in your freezer. (Of course mine doesn't look like a library, but it could!) The other tip I've just recently put into practice is for pork chops or chicken breasts. Place two of them in a labeled zipper quart-sized bag. Put the chops or breasts on opposite sides of the bag and remove the extra air. Seal the bag! By separating the meat, it will thaw faster! Check out other great organization tips. I hope I learn something to put into practice today. My whole house could use an organization makeover! And if you have children, check out ABC and 123! It's worth a visit!