The Not-So-Extreme Couponing Freezer

So I admit to being a little addicted to the TLC show "Extreme Couponing." In fact, after I write this blog post, I am going to watch yesterday's episode!

One thing that fascinates me about the couponers' stockpiles is the amount of items that are stored in outside freezers. Many of the folks portrayed have several chest freezers full of bargain-priced meats, vegetables, instant dinners, and the like.

My not-so-extreme couponing freezer, on the other hand, is just the small freezer that is over my refrigerator:

I have considered getting a standalone freezer, but haven't yet.  First of all, I have nowhere inside my house to put it.  There is no room in the kitchen, and my laundry room is postage-stamp-sized.  I don't have a basement here in South Florida.  And to me, the garage is not an option because of the high temperatures during the summer.

In addition, I am concerned about the electricity costs of having a second freezer.  I'm sure many of you who have a good, cool place to store your freezer end up saving more by combining sales with coupons and by buying in bulk than you spend on extra energy.  But for my family, I don't think it's worth it.

So how do I stockpile with just a small freezer?  Here's what I do:

• We don't eat that many frozen foods.  We just don't really like most frozen vegetables.  Now that I have found a low-cost produce store, I am even less likely to purchase frozen veggies.
• I mainly purchase and freeze food items that are ingredients for meals - mainly meats, butter and cheese, and a few veggies and fruits. I also get juice concentrates.  I generally don't buy items like frozen meals or treats (though there is some ice cream in the freezer picture above that was purchased for a birthday party).
• When there is a good deal on frozen food that we eat, I will check the freezer to see how much room I have to store it and buy accordingly.  The sales will come back again!
• Organization!  With such a small space, I have to be sure that I am using every inch of space to its fullest.   
• Meal planning!  I plan my meals each week and try to use up foods that we have stored in the freezer.
• Cooking for the freezer - I don't go overboard with this.  I will make broth that I store in quart-sized containers in the freezer door.  Casserole-type dishes are frozen in gallon-sized plastic bags laid flat, then stacked upright like books on a bookshelf once fully frozen, to save space.
• When you do cook for the freezer, use ingredients that you were storing in the freezer, so there will be room to store the cooked items.

Hope this helps you stockpile your freezer the not-so-extreme way!  Please share any tips you have to use your small freezer space!

Next week, my health and beauty aids stockpile!

For more frugal tips, please check out the bloggers listed on the left sidebar under Frugal Tips Linkups. There are lots of great ideas on each blog and I'm sure you'll find lots of wonderful tips!