Fridge, Freezer and Pantry Inventory

Now you are ready to learn about the absolute quickest way to save money. It’s time to write out your fridge inventory, freezer inventory, and pantry inventory.

This one thing saved me $200 my very first week of meal planning. Let’s see how much it can save you.

The idea here is for you to empty out your fridge, freezer and pantry before you do any other real grocery shopping.

Now if you have as much food as I did just waiting for me to decide to use it then this will absolutely overwhelm you. That we do not want.

So, here is what you will do.

STOP! This article is part of the Simple Meal Planning Mini Course. If you landed here from somewhere out there then you can CLICK HERE to go to the beginning of this FREE Mini Course.

Create Your List for your Fridge, Freezer, and Pantry

Look in your freezer first. Is there a lot there? Is it overwhelming?

No. Then do a freezer inventory list. Write down what all is there. You will use this later to come up with some meals when it is meal plan time.

Yes. Then stare into that mess and let your eyes fall on foods you are willing to cook over a week’s time. So, it would be great if there are at least seven items there you can use. Think of main dishes and side dishes. So, if you have several bags with just a few French fries then you can combine those babies together to make a bigger batch. Can you tell this was me?

Alright, after you do the freezer then head to the pantry. Same thing applies. If it isn’t overwhelming write out your pantry inventory list. If it is then just write down some stuff you can use to make meals with.

Next, will be the fridge inventory. For this one while you are making your decision you want to take into consideration things that might ruin the quickest. Take note of those items so you can add them to your meal plan. If possible you want to get them out of your fridge before they ruin.

Create Your Fridge, Freezer and Pantry Stock List

Even though you will meal plan each week there are still some items that you just want to keep on hand. When you think about your fridge, freezer, and pantry stock think items that you prefer not to be without.

This could be spices like salt and pepper. Or if you like to throw garlic salt in a lot of your foods then you will add garlic salt.

Maybe your go to is Worcestershire sauce. Then add it.

These could also be condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayo for you. This list is strictly based on what you prefer to not live without. We can give you examples but ultimately it is your list.

This will be the list that you will refer to each time you create your grocery list. If you are low on an item then you will add it to your grocery list.

You also want to be sure you add any items you eat for breakfast and lunch to this list.

Your list may change over time. For instance, my list has changed since I shared my first basic pantry list. That’s OK.

A tip I will give you when writing these out is to separate your items. So, once you have figured out what all you want to add to your stock list, then rewrite your list depending on where they are stored.

When I first wrote out my list it was all over the place. I would read down my list and have to walk from the pantry, to the fridge, to the spices, back to the pantry, then to the fridge. Good gravy!! I finally got smart about and re-wrote my list so I just had to go to one section at a time.

Here is my list to give you some ideas:

Pantry

• Pop tarts
• Peanut butter
• Cereal

Pantry / Fridge

These items could be in the pantry or the fridge. They start out in the pantry but then after they are opened then they go into the fridge. One time I ended up with two bottles of BBQ sauce in the pantry because I kept forgetting to check the pantry when doing my grocery list.

• Ranch dressing
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Mayo
• BBQ sauce

Fridge

• Sandwich meat
• Sliced cheese
• Shredded cheese
• Milk
• Eggs
• Butter

Freezer

• Personal pizza
• Hashbrowns

Spice Cabinet

• Salt
• Pepper
• Garlic salt
• Vegetable oil
• Non-stick spray

Alright now it is your turn to write out your own inventory list and your stock list.

Next, we will take a break from all the food and start talking about what all is going on in your life you need to plan around.

Action Steps to Complete Before You Continue

1. Write out a freezer inventory list or items you can plan your meals with. Whichever is less overwhelming.

2. Write out a pantry inventory list or items you can plan your meals with. Whichever is less overwhelming.

3. Write out a fridge inventory list or items you can plan your meals with. Whichever is less overwhelming.

4. Write out your freezer, fridge, pantry stock list.

Want the PDF Version?

The Simple Meal Planning Mini Course has been turned into a free PDF you can download to your computer and even print if you want. This PDF also includes space to complete your assignments and take notes.

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