When faced with a plate of leftovers or an untouched steak that has expired, we always turn to the freezer. After all, it saves both money and waste.

Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Many of us are guilty of overstuffing our freezers and forgetting what's in them. Foods that will last forever once frozen are overstuffed in the freezer.

While a full freezer is better than an empty freezer in terms of energy consumption, if we forget what we have stored, that food will still be wasted if its quality declines.

Fortunately, there are tips to avoid this common problem. So here are three reasons not to overfill your freezer with water.

1. You forget what you've frozen

It sounds like common sense, but most freezers contain things you've forgotten or don't recognize! When food is stacked or crammed into drawers and shelves, it is hard to know what is under or behind it. This results in storing old food unnecessarily and wasting it when it is finally disposed of! On top of that, if the freezer is overloaded, air circulation to maintain temperature may not work properly, and food may not freeze effectively.

2. Fully frozen food is technically safe to eat, but no matter how long it is stored, its quality will deteriorate over time. This can affect taste, texture, aroma, and even appearance. Some foods may exhibit freezer burn, which appears as a white or grayish-brown discoloration. This is the result of the food not being properly sealed and air drying the surface. Again, this is not harmful to the body, but it can affect taste and texture.

3. Damaging the freezer

A full freezer runs more efficiently than an empty freezer, but overfilling can block the ventilation holes. This restricts air circulation and strains motors and condensers. This can not only spoil food, but can completely burn out the freezer, resulting in expensive repairs.

With the above in mind, it is best to know exactly what is in your freezer and when you want to use it. Below are a few tips to help you keep track of your freezer contents.