Rotation Systems Guide

Understanding FIFO

FIFO stands for "First In, First Out" - a simple principle that ensures older items are used before newer ones. This system is used in restaurants and commercial kitchens worldwide because it works.

The concept is straightforward: place new items behind existing ones, and always take from the front. This automatic rotation prevents items from being forgotten at the back of the freezer.

Physical Arrangement Strategies

Front-to-Back System: Place new items at the back of each shelf or drawer. Take items from the front. This works best for chest freezers and deep drawers.

Left-to-Right System: For upright freezers with multiple narrow shelves, organize each shelf from oldest (left) to newest (right).

Vertical Filing: Store flat frozen bags vertically like files in a drawer. Place new bags at the back, pull from the front.

Weekly Rotation Routine

Set aside 10 minutes weekly for freezer maintenance:

1. Quick audit: Check what you have and note items nearing their optimal use-by date.

2. Rearrange: Ensure older items are accessible and visible.

3. Plan meals: Incorporate items that need using into your weekly meal plan.

4. Restock thoughtfully: Add new items behind existing ones.

Visual Cues for Easy Tracking

Make rotation automatic with visual systems:

Date labels: Always include the date frozen. At a glance, you can see what's oldest.

Color coding by month: Use different colored labels or markers for each month.

Priority zones: Dedicate one shelf or drawer to "use soon" items.

Inventory Management

Maintain a simple inventory to support your rotation system:

Keep a list on your phone or stuck to the freezer door. Note what you have and when it was frozen. Update it when you add or remove items.

This prevents buying duplicates and helps you plan meals around what needs using.