I started buying roasted beans and having them shipped the next day. Typically I go through a pound every two weeks. Can they be put in freezer? Does it make a difference either way? Is there a better way to keep them optimally fresh?

Here is what I do. For beans that I know I will not get to in 1-2 weeks, I tape over the release valve on the bag and drop it in freezer. Why tape? The release valve is one way but due to freezing I read that it can get stuck in reverse open position so smells from freezer may enter the bag. So I simply tape it over...

Then I also have smaller canning jars that I use once I open the frozen bag. I divide content of frozen 1lb bag to 3 jars, leave one jar outside to defrost night before I plan to use it and store remaining 2 jars in freezer to take them out as needed.

This works well for me.

My routine is similar to tekomino, except I'll split the coffee up into Mason jars before freezing. However, if I'm pressed for time, I do sometimes simply tape over the one-way valve and drop it in the freezer.

PS: There's a lot more detail about the merits of freezing coffee in the article To Freeze or Not to Freeze and the subsequent feedback thread.

What has always worked for me assuming you have a wine vacuum is to grab an old wine bottle preferably a green brown or other coloured one (the darker the better). Wash and dry it thoroughly, grab a funnel that has a wide bottom or cut the tip larger on a cheap plastic one. Fill the wine bottle then vacuum it as you would wine. Store in a cool dark place or your wine fridge. Since there is little air and the coloured bottle will deflect a good portion of the incoming light the coffee will stay fresh for quite some time.

If you do not have a wine vacuum they really are quite inexpensive and readily available. I personally like the vacuvin brand.