Food stores are probably one of the biggest pillars of homesteading and preparedness. Whenever I show my moose freezer, the internet goes wild! I wanted to share some of the ways I protect my freezer stash and organize my freezer.
Stocking Up
Having a supply of common food in the freezer (and pantry) is a great way to save money! It helps me to stay away from going to the grocery store multiple times a week.
Some of the things I stock that we don’t grow or harvest are: butter, cheese, nuts, and some specific vegetables.
A couple of times a year I get a couple 5 pound blocks of cheese from Azure Standard. I cut the cheese into smaller portions, chamber seal it, and freeze it so it’s ready for me to grab whenever I need it.
Azure Standard is basically like a holistic Costco on wheels. They have amazing food options, many of which are bulk and organic. They keep costs low by not having storefronts. If you make an order you all you have to do is choose a ‘drop’ close to you! When the order is ready, pick it up at time of the specified ‘drop’.
Freezer Tools and Accessories
Chamber Sealer
Our chamber sealer is the star of the food storage show. I literally use it for everything – meat, meal prep, preserving fruit and vegetables from the garden, etc.
We’ve had our sealer for over 6 years! We have put hundreds of pounds of meat through it and it has stood the test of time! A chamber sealer is a great addition to any kitchen! Whether you are just buying extra when things are on sale at the grocery store or harvesting a big game animal, it is a huge help!
We have the Vacmaster VP215 but the VP95 would be excellent as well. You can use code HAPPYHOME to save 15%. They also have prep tables, bags, knives, etc.
Protect your freezer food
Protecting a freezer stash from power outages or mistakes is so important! The majority of our food is in the freezer, but it wasn’t until recently that I realized I need to work harder at protecting it. Stories of a friend losing an entire freezer due leaving the door open had me evaluating our systems immediately. I would be devastated if we lost the contents of one of our freezers!
Freezer Protection
Freezer Door Lock – this is just a child lock, but it’s an extra step to make sure you’ve shut the door all the way and can protect doors from opening in earthquakes, etc.
Freezer Thermometer – this comes with two sensors for two freezers, but we needed another one, which you can find here.
Organization
Stackable crates – I love these because they stack so they are great for chest freezers. They also fit into my standup freezer shelves. I do try to thrift bins for the freezer too!
Removable food labels – perfect if you freeze jars or containers, you can also use these on vacuum sealed packages
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