Ever found yourself gazing into the icy depths of your freezer and wondered how you could have rescued some frost-bitten leftovers? Just like optimizing storage in your refrigerator, you can take specific approaches to prolong the life of items in your freezer. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind.

1. Labeling: Your Freezer’s Best Friend

Maybe it’s because tossing something in the freezer feels safer than then gambling on the life expectancy of the same item in the fridge. But somehow, stuff ends up in there without a label. Freezer blindness is a real struggle. You stash away leftovers with the best of intentions, only to forget what’s what when it comes time to thaw. Take a moment to jot down the contents and date of freezing on each package. Your future self will thank you when you can easily locate that perfect portion of chili without playing freezer hide-and-seek.

2. Strategic Packing: Tetris, but Make it Frozen

A little strategy goes a long way, especially since you’re dealing with a little less real estate. Channel your inner Tetris master and pack your items like a pro. Flat items like pancakes and burgers stack beautifully, maximizing every inch of precious freezer space. Wherever you can, use resealable bags for liquids to prevent spills and save every square inch. And don’t forget to leave a bit of breathing room between items for optimal airflow.

3. The Flash Freeze Technique: Chill Out, Quick!

This technique eliminates soggy cookies and clumpy casseroles—the flash freeze technique. Just lay your freshly prepared goodies in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in the freezer for a couple of hours. Once they’re frozen solid, transfer them to airtight containers or bags for long-term storage. This simple step ensures that each item retains its shape and texture, so you can enjoy a taste of homemade goodness whenever the craving strikes.

4. Say No to Freezer Burn: Seal the Deal

Freezer burn—it’s the stuff of freezer storage nightmares. A quality vacuum sealer can help prevent such chaos. These handy gadgets remove excess air from your packaging, creating a tight seal that locks in freshness and flavor. You’ll forget all about the crystals and instead be greeted by perfectly preserved perfection.

5. FIFO: First In, First Out

Make it a habit to rotate your freezer stock regularly, placing newer items behind older ones. This ensures that you’re using up the oldest items first, minimizing food waste and maximizing freshness. Plus, there’s something oddly satisfying about maintaining a neatly organized freezer.

6. Invest in Quality Freezer Bags

When you’re dealing with frozen foods, not all storage containers are created equal. To maintain optimal freshness and flavor retention, get high-quality freezer bags or airtight containers that are specifically designed for freezing. These durable containers will help protect your food from freezer burn and pesky odors so that each bite tastes as delicious as the day it was frozen.

7. Embrace the Power of Portioning

Instead of freezing large batches of food in one big container, divide them into smaller, meal-sized portions before freezing. This makes thawing and reheating easier, and it also allows you to defrost only what you need, reducing the risk of food waste. Plus, it’s a great way to make sure you always have a variety of options at your fingertips, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd.

8. Remove Excess Air

Before sealing your freezer bags or containers, be sure to remove as much excess air as possible. Air is the enemy when it comes to freezing food, as it can lead to freezer burn and degradation of quality. Use a straw to suck out the air from freezer bags or gently press down on the food to remove any pockets of air before sealing.

9. Cool Foods Before Freezing

To prevent a sudden temperature drop in your freezer and ensure that your food freezes quickly and evenly, be sure to cool it down to room temperature before placing it in the freezer. This not only helps maintain the quality of the food but also reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Simply let your cooked foods cool on the countertop for a bit before transferring them to the freezer for long-term storage.