How to Start Long Time Food Storage
Prepare for food storage space prior to starting to buy food to be stored a long time. You can save a lot of money by buying food in bulk and using coupons. Use technology or a good organizational system to plan and keep track of food purchases, sales, coupons and shelf or freezer life. Only buy the things that you want and need. Label all food.
- Take stock of how much storage space you have. You will need storage if you are going to start storing food for a long time.
- Add necessary storage space. Utilize areas of your home that you could use as a pantry. Closets, upright storage units with shelves, wall shelves and bins are all useful storage ideas.
- Buy a deepfreeze and a better refrigerator if able. If you can, add another deepfreeze and refrigerator in a garage or basement. You can purchase these items at estate or yard sales cheaply. The investment will pay off in the savings from food costs.
- Make lists of items that you routinely use over a long period. Remember to think about shelf and freezer life timeframes.
- Utilize any technology to help you plan for your food purchases. You want to save not waste food. You want to buy things that you will use.
- Learn to coupon. This is one way to really save on food especially when buying in bulk. There are many websites dedicated to showing a person how. These sites have great ways to store and organize your purchases also.
- Buy food in bulk when there are sales. Use coupons to further your savings. Keep your list and coupons neatly organized and at the ready prior to any shopping trip. Only buy those items that you want and need.
- Start shopping. Plan ahead for sales. Learn savvy shopping techniques.
- Label and store all food properly. Keep items organized. Use older food items first.