A large number of people complain about how they can’t stock up on food because they reside in an apartment or simply lack room in their home.
Although the lack of space can result in limited food storage options, it doesn’t mean it’s impossible to find alternatives besides your tiny kitchen. Here’s a list of places to store preserves in your place.
1. Pantry
Although this is an obvious place for food storage, not everybody has one. In the event that you have an extra closet or space to put up a small closet, convert it into a pantry.
When it comes to dry foods, you can store them for up to six months though once you open a package, it’s best you shift it to an air-tight container to ensure freshness.
You can also store nuts in this area by putting them in airtight containers if possible. These enable them to sustain the appropriate moisture level. For freshness, consider storing them with their shells.
Other products that are suitable for the pantry are spices. Bear in mind that whole spices last longer than ground or crushed. You can keep them for up to two years though you must refresh ground spices every six months.
The best storage mode is small jars or airtight tins. You’ll discover that you can store considerable food in a very small space, and pantries help keep food organized.
2. Beneath the Bed
One place people usually overlook when it comes to food storage is beneath beds. For many, the unused space is ideal for storing food. You can utilize this space in numerous ways and you can improvise depending on your location.
Consider using plastic tubs that can slide under the bed, construct some drawers underneath, or use storage boxes. You’ll be surprised at the amount of food you can fit into the tubs and how much extra space this area provides.
This will grant you easy access to the food and you won’t allow it to expire. This is a good place for storage because it offers a stable temperature, it’s dry, and sunlight won’t affect your food.
3. Basement
Generally, basements are a good spot for food storage if you have one. They typically remain cool round the year if it’s underground; however ensure you position the food away from the furnace.
Most basements can accommodate the heater and this may be problematic, so you’ll need to position the food away to avoid temperature fluctuations.
You should also beware of humidity issues since numerous basements aren’t well insulated to maintain a dry space. You can fix this problem easily by setting up a dehumidifier and examining it occasionally to ensure it’s functioning.
Bear in mind that the basement floor will get damp, particularly if you put the cans directly on the floor. Ensure you place the food on some wooden pallets and maintain airflow between the food and the floor. You can also store some food beneath the basement stairs by installing some shelving.
When using this spot for storage, rotate your non-perishable and canned items periodically. You should also watch containers for expiration dates and substitute them with newer stuff. This way, you won’t waste anything and you’ll have a well stocked basement supply.
Final Thoughts
Food supply is an investment, so you must keep it in clean, well-maintained and safe conditions. If you’re concerned about inadequate space for food storage, consider these options.
For more information on where to store preserves, contact us at Apartment Agents or leave a comment.