When defrosting a freezer, it's essential to remove all the food from the freezer to prevent it from thawing and spoiling during the defrosting process. Here are some steps on where to put the food during freezer defrosting:
Cooler with Ice Packs: Prepare a cooler or two with ice packs or ice cubes to temporarily store the frozen food. The cooler will help keep the food at a safe temperature while you work on defrosting the freezer.
Fridge: If you have enough space in your refrigerator, you can also transfer some of the frozen items there. The refrigerator will keep the food at a safe temperature, although keep in mind that it might not have sufficient space for all the items from the freezer.
Neighbor's Freezer: If you have a good relationship with your neighbors, you can ask if they have extra freezer space to store your food temporarily. This option might be suitable for longer defrosting sessions or if you have a large amount of frozen food.
Dry Ice: For a prolonged defrosting process or if you don't have access to a fridge or cooler, you can use dry ice to preserve the frozen food. Dry ice can keep the food frozen for an extended period, but it's essential to handle it with care and follow safety guidelines when using dry ice.
Remember to plan ahead for defrosting, especially if you have a significant amount of frozen food. Try to consume perishable items before defrosting or use them in recipes that you can cook and then freeze again. Once the freezer is completely defrosted and dry, you can return the food to its original position in the freezer and resume normal freezing operations.