Store an uncooked turkey in the refrigerator at 40°F or below if using within 1-2 days, or in the freezer at 0°F or below for longer storage up to a year.

Refrigerator Storage

Place the turkey in its original packaging on a tray on the bottom shelf to catch drips and prevent cross-contamination. Fresh turkeys should be bought only 1-2 days before cooking and kept refrigerated until then. A thawed turkey can stay in the fridge for 1-2 additional days.

Freezer Storage

Keep frozen turkeys in their leak-proof packaging; vacuum-sealed is ideal, or double-wrap in airtight bags to avoid freezer burn. Turkey maintains quality for about a year in the freezer, though it can technically last indefinitely if properly sealed. Avoid refreezing thawed turkey unless it was thawed in the fridge.

Short-Term Alternatives

For transport or brief holding, use an ice-filled cooler kept below 40°F, monitoring with a thermometer. Never store in unmonitored spots like a garage, car trunk, or outdoors.