Maximize your Pantry

After a discussion with some neighbors about 'where I put all of my food storage' I have had quiet a few requests for friends to come and view my pantry.  It is apparently hard to believe that I can really fit that much in there.

So... this post is all about
how to maximize the space in your pantry
(according to me).

Food Storage Conditions and Shelf Life

 Although food storage guidelines vary depending on the type of food, all storage life can be significantly impacted by the following conditions:

Temperature:

Store products at a temperature of 75°F/24°C (room temperature) or lower whenever possible – the lower the better.

 If storage temperatures are higher than this, faster rotation of products is needed to maintain food quality.

Moisture and Elements:

All storage areas should be kept dry.

It is best to keep containers off of the floor to allow for proper air circulation.

Remember if storing food in your basement to keep it off of the floor.  If your basement flooded; from water, sewage backup, etc. everything on the floor risks the possibility of contamination or spoilage.  A few inches could provide you with plenty of time to relocate items if necessary.

Light: 

For the most part, light should be kept to a minimum, if not eliminated completely.

Especially protect cooking oil and products stored in PETE bottles from light.

Insects and Rodents:

All food storage should ideally be packaged in containers that will keep rodents out.

Avoid (or protect) foil pouches, PETE bottles, cardboard, plastic and paper bags, or any other container that rodents could penetrate.

If evidence of rodent activity is presented, properly clean food containers before use.

NOT having food storage is expensive

That title is not a typo.

This post will dissolve the myth that food storage is too expensive, so for those of you using that as an excuse: read on, if you dare.

Not Having Food Storage is Expensive

Food storage should be considered an investment, not a financial burden.  No matter what situation you find yourself in; be it a natural disaster, financial distress, or everyday life, one thing remains the same:

you have to have food to survive.

We all have to buy it.  Some just choose to pay much more than others.

Having a surplus of food in your home not only gives you peace of mind, but it saves you time, effort, and money.  For example:

Ever been in the middle of making dinner and realize you are missing just one thing?  Food storage can save you from making an unexpected trip to the store (and from continually borrowing from your neighbor).

Cooking from food storage (or from scratch) ALWAYS saves me at least 50% of what that item would cost if I were to buy it premade.  Not to mention the health benefits that accompany home-made cooking.

The more you go shopping, the more money you spend.  Every trip to the store to pick up "a few items" often results in unnecessary purchases.

Every time you need an item that you don't have at home, you are forced to pay full price when you could have purchased it on sale.  Every single item in the grocery store goes on sale at least 3-4 times per year.  Timing will vary depending on the season, the store, it's location and the item.  If you don’t know if what you’re paying is a good deal or not, it’s time to start paying attention. 

So… how do you maximize your dollar?

Small Space Food Storage Solutions

This is something I put together for a small group of people who live in my neighborhood.  We all have similar living spaces, so it is somewhat specific to where I currently live, but the information is still good to consider wherever you are.

Enjoy!

Small Space Food Storage Solutions

Don’t let living in small spaces be an excuse for not having food storage.  Use these helpful hints to help maximize the space in your home:

A Well Stocked Pantry

The first step to building any food storage should be at least a 3 day supply of water.

The second step?  A well stocked pantry:

You cannot expect to have a 3 month supply of food (or more) if you can't survive a week without running to the supermarket to pick up an ingredient or two.