6 Things You Should Toss From Your Freezer Right Now

Whether you regularly declutter your kitchen or are starting fresh for the new year, it’s crucial to give your freezer (not just your fridge!) a thorough clean-out. After all, it’s sort of the land of the unknown—it’s cold, dark, and depending on the model you have, deep.

Evaluating your freezer regularly is essential for keeping this space tidy and preventing food waste. Not sure where to start? Here are six things you should declutter from your freezer.

Mystery Items

According to Whitney Cardosi, nutrition coach, cooking instructor, and cookbook author, mystery items should go straight into the garbage. “If it’s unlabeled or freezer-burned, I recommend letting it go,” she says.

As a general rule, Cardosi suggests that cooked leftovers and prepared meals should be used within three months. On the other hand, raw meats and vegetables are typically good for six to twelve months when stored properly.

To avoid this problem in the future, she recommends using a permanent marker to clearly label and date containers before they go into the freezer. “This simple step makes it easier to find what you need and ensures nothing gets forgotten,” she adds.

Expired Foods

While decluttering expired food from your fridge might sound obvious, you probably have more expired food in your freezer than you realize. “This means that these items have sustained their shelf life, and it’s time for them to be discarded,” says Shantae Duckworth, a professional organizer. “This could mean fruits, meats, desserts, and even ice! All items, just like in a refrigerator, should be rotated consistently and used up.”

Almost-Finished Cartons of Ice Cream

If you’ve been saving that last serving of cookie dough for a rainy day, we’re giving you permission to fully indulge. “Check for forgotten popsicles or old ice cream tubs that have been pushed to the back,” advises Cardosi. “We always end up with stragglers that end up in weird corners of the freezer. These can take up valuable space for more versatile items.”

Bulk Buys

Remember, decluttering doesn’t always mean immediately throwing something out. It can simply mean prioritizing certain items so they get used before they go bad. This not only prevents wasting money on food you don’t eat but also gives you a fun excuse to try new recipes or experiment with your cooking.

According to Cardosi, repurposing is always a great option. “If you have a giant bag of something your kids won’t eat—like a veggie mix—it might be better to repurpose it (add to soups!) or donate if unopened,” she suggests.

Non-Food Items

According to Allie Echeverria, MS, RD, LD, registered dietitian, and home economics expert, it’s important to regularly declutter non-food items from your freezer. “How many ice packs are in there, including the kind for food and the kind for injuries?” Echeverria asks.

She recommends inspecting gel ice packs for signs of damage and discard as necessary. “Keep one to two sets in the freezer and allow the remaining to thaw so you can store them in a clean, dry place away from direct sunlight,” she instructs.

Old Food Storage Containers

Much like food, food storage containers have a finite life. If you notice containers cracking or warping, they probably aren’t going to keep your food fresh. Toss those and treat yourself to a new set.