Funny I came across this. I just emptied out all of the contents of my refrigerator this morning. Including the condiments, as many of them had aged a bit too much for my liking (e.g. > 1 year for hot sauce, etc.)

My biggest problem is that I don't like my refrigerator. It's a top-freezer model, and no matter what I try and do, things just seem to get lost either under piles in the freezer or pushed back to the recesses of the refrigerator. Then I go on a four trip in three week stint, and I don't trust anything left in the refrigerator any more. Then I end up eating out for four or five nights until my next trip.... and the death spiral has started.

I've saved up to get a larger side-by-side unit which is better laid out for my needs and has a bigger freezer unit. I figure that just in terms of not throwing out food each month and eating in more, it might pay for itself when depreciated over 10 years!!! I just need to get the electrician here to put a circuit in my garage for the old refrigerator (to become a beer/soda/party fridge) and I'm going to make the move.

In terms of freezer food staples, I have simplified greatly. I used to precook meals and freeze them, but I have largely given up on that approach except for the burrito-bowl type fillings.
- Prepared burritos and tamales, and burrito-bowl fillings (dump over tortilla chips or rice)
- Extra Chinese food (3-chilli chicken) - buy two extra dinners, let cool, freeze in halves
- Cauliflower and artichokes
- Costco frozen shrimp 31-40 piece
- Polish or Italian sausage
- Chili (in the winter)
- Ice Cream when it's on sale

I like pickles, but I'm always afraid after about 90 days after opening and refirgeration to keep on eating them.