Mastering the Art of Chest Freezer Organization

Did you just find a frozen pack of meat from 2019 in the bottom of your freezer? 

Or you're frustrated because you can't find the roast you want to cook for dinner?

Or maybe you have invested in a pork share from Edwards Family Farms and wondering how in the world you’re going to fit all those delicious cuts into your chest freezer.

Don’t worry—getting your freezer organized is easier than you think, and it's the key to making the most of your pasture-raised meats. 

With a little planning and a few handy tips, you can transform that chaos into a neatly arranged, easy-to-access treasure trove of pasture-raised goodness. 

Let's dive into the essentials of freezer organization so you can keep your pork fresh, accessible, and ready to savor all year long!

Have an upright freezer? Click here for the organizing tips.

1. Know Your Dimensions

This is the most important step for getting the most out of your freezer space.

Yes, this will require some measuring and a little bit of basic math, but it is so worth it.

We will be using a 14.8 cubit foot chest freezer for our example.

For simpler math - I have rounded the dimensions down. But this freezer actually measures: 32.5" H x 55.75" W x 25.563" D.

2. Sort by Cut Type and Usage

Group Similar Cuts Together: Start by categorizing your pork into groups like chops, roasts, ribs, ground pork, and specialty items. This makes it easy to find exactly what you need when planning meals.

Plan for Quick Access: Store the most frequently used cuts near the top of the freezer. Less common cuts or those you want to age (like certain roasts) can go toward the bottom.

3. Use Bins, Baskets, and Dividers

Invest in Plastic Bins or Milk Crates, or Baskets: These are perfect for keeping similar items together and preventing smaller cuts from getting lost. Label each bin so you know what’s inside without digging.

For our example, we are using milk crates (usually 13" W x 13" D x 11" H).

We have found milk crates to be the most helpful when organizing a chest freezer. They are sturdy and stack nicely.

With this example, you could potentially store 16 milk crates full of meat!

To take it a step further...

We like to add two different cuts of meat in each crate. We do this because we usually have enough meat to make 2 crates of the same cuts. We store one crate on top of the other for easy access.

Here is a visual:

Create Dividers: If your freezer doesn't have built-in dividers, consider making your own using sturdy cardboard or plastic sheets like plexiglass to create sections for different categories of meat.

This is a great option if you have a small chest freezer that won't fit a lot of milk crates.

Here is a visual:

The dotted lines represent how the dividers would fit into your freezer. A 4 section divider would be a good option if you wanted to separate cuts like roasts, weeknight dinners (chops, bacon, etc.), ground meats, and the rest of your cuts (ribs, heart, liver, soup bones, fat, etc.).

You could even break it down into 6 sections, depending on the size of your freezer.

4. Label Everything Clearly

Use Waterproof Labels: Label each package with the cut name and date it was frozen. This helps you rotate your stock, so you’re always using the oldest meat first.

Color-Coded Labels: Consider using color-coded labels for different types of cuts. For example, red for roasts, green for ground pork, and blue for ribs, etc.

5. Keep an Inventory List

Digital or Paper: Maintain a list of what’s in your freezer, either on a notepad or in a digital app. Update it whenever you add or remove something. This prevents the “lost pork chop” syndrome and helps with meal planning.

Stick It to the Freezer Door: If using a paper list, stick it right on the freezer door for easy access.

Click here to get my FREE inventory sheet.

6. Rotate Your Stock Regularly

First In, First Out (FIFO): Arrange your meat so the oldest items are on top or in front. This ensures you use them before they lose quality or get freezer burn.

Seasonal Rotation: If you butcher seasonally, make sure to clear out last year’s pork before the new batch arrives.

7. Arrange By Portion Size

Meal-Sized Portions: Consider grouping cuts that serve similar purposes together, like chops and sausages for weeknight dinners or large roasts for family gatherings.

Stack by Weight: Keep lighter, smaller items on top and heavier, larger cuts at the bottom to avoid crushing.

8. Use Freezer Alarms or Monitors

Temperature Alarms: Consider investing in a freezer alarm to monitor the internal temperature. This ensures your pork stays safely frozen, especially if your freezer is in a garage or an area prone to temperature changes.

9. Clean and Organize Regularly

Quarterly Check-In: Every few months, take a moment to reorganize and inventory your freezer. This helps you stay on top of your stock and make the most of your pork share.

Tips for storing prepared meals and other things in your freezer:

• Vacuum Seal: This method takes up less space than butcher paper, plastic baggies or wrap and keep your food fresher longer. They also stack neatly.
• Freeze Flat: When possible, freeze items like ground meat, soups, stews, etc. flat. Once frozen, they can stand up like books on a shelf, saving space.

With these tips, your chest freezer will be a well-organized haven of deliciousness, making it easy to enjoy your bulk pork share to the fullest!

Ready to secure your pork share? Click here to place your non-refundable deposit.