Food Storage System
Your food storage system: finding a place for everything.
Next the lack of money, inadequate space with the correct temperature for food storage is the greatest challenge many people face when they decide to get prepared.
No matter how small your home or apartment, or whether you own or rent, a food storage system is not impossible. Very few people have the ideal situation.
What is the correct temperature for food storage?
Temperature
Since we are talking about "storage" of food and not just food you're planning on fixing tomorrow night for dinner, the temperature of your storage areas are the most important. Heat destroys food. It's as simple as that. No, not right away, but high temperatures will greatly shorten the shelf life of any food — no matter how it is packaged.
If you live in an area that has four seasons, or very high temperatures and humidity, long term food storage can be difficult. If you live in an area where homes do not have basements, food storage must be kept somewhere in your home with a constant temperature (around 70°F). Cement basements are ideal because they are below ground level (for the most part) and therefore, maintain a pretty constant 50-60°F, which is ideal for long term food storage. Lacking a basement, just know that the higher the temperatures, the shorter the shelf life of stored foods
For a more information on the shelf life of foods, check out long term food shelf life or short term shelf life of foods.
Do you have a pantry?
This set-up may be everyone's
dream for a food storage
system, but you can find
places that will work for you.
That's a start if you do. But your "pantry" may be a food storage system that is a combination of mini-pantries in several rooms, closets, and transformed nooks and crannies.
So your next step is to look around your home to discover how many different places can be turned into pantries or mini-pantries. Your mini-pantries may be in different places, but it makes sense to keep like items together.
Here are some suggestions for places to look in your home for storage.
Storage Search Worksheet |
|
Areas to Consider |
How to Improve |
Cupboards |
- Clean out/rearrange |
Closets |
- Rearrange |
Odd Spaces |
- Rearrange |
Under Sinks |
- Rearrange |
Out of the House |
- Rearrange |
How will you know what's in each storage area?
The best and most manageable way to know what is in each of the areas you have designated for food storage is to tape a list of everything on the inside of a door, wall or shelf. And, if there are many different items in that space, write what's on each shelf.
As you are planning the space for your food storage, remember to take into account the accessibility of each item. There are long-term storage items that can be left in place for years, but there will also be short-term items, which will need to be rotated more frequently. If it's a short-term storage item, make sure you can see it and get to it to rotate on a regular basis. Use these inexpensive can organizers to stack and rotate your food storage. They come in several sizes to hold various can sizes.
Have you found a place for your food storage? In a drawer? Under the bed? Behind the couch?
Share your innovative storage solutions with us (comment below). We all need help in this area.
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Related Topics
FiFO Can Rack - Small & Medium Cans
The ultimate food rotation rack capable of storing a massive amount of canned goods.
Food Storage Tips
Earthquake Prone Areas
If you are using metal utility shelves, install the shelves upside down in their frames. That way each shelf will have a lip on it to help keep cans and jars from sliding off.
Common Sense
Store only foods your family will eat.
Store Food Properly
Remember these 3 criteria:
- Cool temperatures
- Low moisture
- Low light
Use Labels
Label your containers with the date of purchase.
Rotate Your Storage
Remember FIFO (first in-first out)
Store Water
About 14 gallons per person for a 2-week supply.
Store Non-Food Items
Don't forget the soap, shampoo, TP, diapers, etc.
Plant a Garden
Storing canned, freeze dried, and dehydrated food is necessary, but fresh fruits and vegetables are a welcome addition.
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