Fridge and Freezer Refresh

Managing your food storage can be like playing a game of Tetris—especially when you’re hosting a holiday feast. Ali Rosen, author of Modern Freezer Meals, shares how to keep it all in there…while keeping your cool.

BY TEDDY WILLSON

1

TAKE OUT THE TRASH

Now is the time to toss your collection of stale, moldering, and languishing food. It’s eating up valuable real estate! Go through the fridge and freezer and toss anything that looks or smells funky. Don’t forget the stuff on the doors!

2

LABEL LIKE A PRO

Fact: Future You is not going to remember what Today You wraps in foil. No matter how many times you promise yourself you will. Take a minute to label food in the freezer and leftovers in the fridge. Just use a piece of masking tape and a permanent marker to note what’s inside and today’s date.

3

LEAVE ROOM FOR NEW STUFF

What if a guest brings an ambrosia for later? (Ooh, thanks?) What if you need a spot for leftovers before the Big Meal? Make sure there’s room for new additions as they come. And go with square or rectangular containers, because round ones often waste space.

Add to Cart

Air is the enemy of all things frozen! These easy-to-stack glass containers and reusable plastic bags come with a handheld vacuum pump that sucks out air before storage. Fresh & Save Starter Set, $125; zwilling.com

Prevent freezer bags from sliding out of control with this bin. Adjustable dividers keep sealed packages upright and make it easier to find what you’re after. YouCopia FreezeUp Freezer Bin, $30; thecontainerstore.com

You can’t eat what you can’t see! This nine-inch turntable puts ingredients front and center with a flick of the wrist. Bonus: It’s super fun to watch things spin round and round. iDesign Linus Deep Turntable, $21; thecontainerstore.com