How do you keep track of perishable food items?

We take the empty refrigerator approach.

Even though we are 4, we don't keep much on hand from a perishable prospective. Of course, we do have to shop more often

I wing it. Most of the products have sell by dates on them. If it's past the sell by date, it's in the trash. For eggs, it's on the carton. Milk is right on top. It's hard to find on the Salsa, but it's usually there, somewhere. The ones I find difficult are the fruits and vegitables. For those, I just look at them. If they feel or don't look right - they find there way to the trash. Also difficult are the tupperware leftover containers. If I'm good, I do what you do.... I write on tape and put it on the container. But, I'm not always good.... in which case I try and guess. I guess conservatively.

I agree with Zeltar. I check the expiration date. I only mark items in the freezer, b/c they will keep a little longer past the expiration date.

I pay attention to the pre-printed dates on the bottle/jar/package, etc. I keep a running total in my mind. i freeze food that I don't think will get used in time. maybe I just have too many years practice, b/c i really don't have a huge problem.

I use the feel and sniff tchnique even when they say milk has a due date well sometimes milk last up to two weeks after the due date

I date + sniff

eat it 1 week before its expiration date.

look, smell, sell by date.