The Worst Freezer Storage Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)

We all want to be that person who has an impeccably organized kitchen, preps nutritious meals for every day of the week, and actually sticks to their meal plan. That’s easier said than done, especially with all the easy-to-miss storage errors. There are plenty of mistakes to make when storing food in the fridge, but the freezer sees just as much naivety. 

These five freezer mishaps are more common than you’d think, but thankfully, there are some effortless and affordable solutions to keep your freezer organized and your food from getting freezer burn. Amazon offers a plethora of freezer-friendly kitchen tools that make meal prepping attainable and exciting rather than daunting. With these food storage finds, thawing hacks, and tools that help you track what that big frozen block of liquid is, there are endless ways to keep your freezer packed (and organized) with meals to keep you warm all winter long. 

Don’t: Use Improper Containers

Do: Store Food in Proper Freezer-Safe Containers

Tossing leftovers into whatever vessel is in reach is certainly the easiest option for cleanup, but it’s not the safest or even the most efficient in the end. Random plastic bags and flimsy takeout containers are a recipe for disaster. If your food doesn’t leak first, it will eventually spoil or get the dreaded freezer burn (and those black plastic takeout containers can actually leach microplastics into your food). Your average food storage container can crack or warp without notice, as it wasn’t designed to withstand freezing temperatures.

This is your food we’re talking about, so invest in high-quality freezer-safe storage containers. These options are airtight and sure to keep your frozen meals as fresh as the day they were prepared.

Don’t: Cram Everything Into Your Freezer Without a System

Do: Use Freezer-Safe Organizers to Keep Things Visible

A packed, chaotic freezer isn’t just a stressful sight; it actually makes the freezer less efficient and slows down the freezing process, since so many items are pulling energy. Freezer bins, baskets, and dividers make everything easier to see, grab, and rotate, meaning no more forgotten meals lost in the back. Start with clear bins so you can visualize everything. Plus, they’ll make your freezer appear double its size.

Don’t: Store Food Without Clear Labels

Do: Label Containers With the Date and Contents

Unless you have a photographic memory, unlabeled food can quickly become a mystery. Imagine defrosting a frozen brick of chili all afternoon, only to find it’sactually bolognese sauce — or worse, an old batch of chili you lost years ago. Labeling each airtight container with both the contents and date will save you a lot of confusion down the line, but make sure you’re marking your meals with something that will last. With the chilly temperatures and condensation, not every marker or label will hold up, but these options won’t fade away.

Don’t: Freeze Large Batches as One Giant Block

Do: Portion Items Before Freezing for Easier Future Meals 

If you want to give yourself more work later, then sure, go ahead and freeze that gallon of stew in one big vessel. When it’s time to serve dinner, you’ll be carving away at a huge brick of food in order to make even portions. By portioning meals out before they’re frozen, you’ll speed up the defrosting process and eliminate the otherwise inevitable headache. 

Silicone trays like Souper Cubes are one of the best tools for this, as they make it easy to pop out a small portion of broth, purées, or sauces, or single servings of meals. For extra-small ingredients like chopped onions or peppers, minced ginger, or a handful of herbs, tiny freezer-safe containers are a timely rescue.

• Ggow 4-Pack Silicone Freezer Tray for 2-Cup Soup, $14, originally $20
• Prepworks 2-Tablespoon Freezer Storage Trays, Set of 2, $12, originally $21
• Stasher Silicone Reusable 2-Cup Food Storage Bowl, $14, originally $17
• Souper Cubes 1/2-Cup Silicone Freezer Mold, $22
• Forest Breathing 10-Pack Twist Top Reusable Freezer Storage Containers, $14, originally $17
• Oggi 1/4-Cup Silicone Freezer Trays, $17

Don’t: Dismiss Safe Thawing Methods in Favor of Speed

Do: Use Proper Equipment for Sanitary Thawing

Counter thawing can put food in “the danger zone” for too long, upping the chances of bacterial growth that can cause foodborne illness, but trying to find defrosting loopholes can be just as dangerous. Instead, thaw turkey, chicken, soups, and other proteins safely in the fridge using a sheet tray or dedicated defrosting tray to catch any unsanitary drips. You could also utilize the sink or microwave to thaw frozen foods; just be sure to use a proper sink stopper and a large stockpot for cold water thawing. If going the microwave route, a splatter cover will help keep things tidy and fast-track defrosting.