Jamie Vagnier

The first step of any organizing process is to make sure the spaces are neat and free of clutter. Think of it like this: Before you unload groceries, you have to create space for them to go in the fridge, freezer and pantry.

Speaking of fridge, freezer and pantry this is a great place for us to start. First place to start is to go through your fridge, freezer and pantry to make sure you have no expired or spoiled foods. We will then make sure to bring the oldest foods to the front. Also referred to as first in, first out (or FIFO) in the food service world. By organizing your fridge, freezer and pantry with the newer items to the back and the older items at the front. You will ensure that those older items are grabbed first so that they do not go bad. This technique is used in the pantry with can goods, pastas, and dry goods as well. We use a marker in our house to write the expiration date on the top or front of the items. So, if I have three cans of crushed tomatoes the one with the closest expiration date will be in front with the other two behind in sequential order. 

Moving on to our snack pantry. This space has very deep shelves so I had to get crafty. The kids were always opening up a new bag of chips when we already had one if not two already open. Not to mention the words every parent loves to hear “There is NOTHING to eat!” I took time to label and be sure that we have healthy and convenient snacks at all times. Although you know I still hear those five dreaded words anyways. 

This brings me to our chest freezer in the garage. This is another area that can become a bottomless pit. Dont get me wrong, chest freezers are great for stocking up on food. Although part of saving money on groceries is knowing what you already have, and that’s hard if you don’t have some sort of system for keeping your freezer organized! I have a free freezer inventory sheet here that you may find helpful.  It is not something I keep up with, but take a look at the great organizing idea below! This amazon find was life changing, I now use  metal baskets to keep track of chicken, beef, pork and frozen veggies. This feels way more manageable for me when I see the chicken basket is empty, I know it’s time to stock up again!

These ideas above are not only meant to help you keep your fridge, freezer and pantry more organized in the New year, but hopefully save you money and give you peace of mind!

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