Tip 1: (3 steps)

Have a Plan – Put a plan in place of items you would like
to put in your pantry. If you are unsure, check out my video here.

Find a Space – Everyone’s living situation is different.
If you do not have a designated pantry in your home, get creative and make one
of your own. Go through some old cupboards and get rid of some things you never
use. Check out my minimalism series on how to get started!

Organize – Organize and make a list of the foods you do
have so you know where you are starting from. Check expiration dates and get
rid of things that are no longer good. Many foods will last longer than the
expiration label. Check out my video on 28 foods that will last indefinitely.

Tip 2: (Storage Tips)

Choose a cool, dry and dark place – If you do not have a
designated pantry and plan on storing foods in a closet, basement or even in bins,
make sure it is an area that is dry, dark and cool. There are many types of moisture absorbers you can use depending on what you are storing. Make sure you are using absorbers safe for food.

If you are spending the money and time to create a pantry,
the last thing you want is to have your food go bad because it wasn’t stored
properly!

Store food in food-safe, air tight containers that will
be safe from pests and rodents. These 5 gallon buckets are made specifically for food storage.

Store waterproof items on the floor or on a bottom shelf.
Non-waterproof containers such as cardboard should be stored on higher shelves.

Store canned goods upside down. That way, when you are
ready to use them, the tops are not all dusty.

Tip 3:

Only purchase items that you know you are going to use.
If you don’t eat rice, don’t buy it! The point is not to have things just for
the sake of having them. The point is to have things you will actually use when
you need them.

Tip 4:

If you lose power, use your perishable items first. Items
like dairy and meat will go bad much more quickly than other shelf-stable
items.

If you do lose power, limit the number of times you open
the freezer and refrigerator doors. You want the items to stay cold as long as
possible.

A fully stocked freezer will last a lot longer than one
that does not have a lot of items in it. If you don’t have the means to fill a
freezer, purchase some bags of ice to fill any empty spaces. Plus, it will come
in handy for your next summer picnic!

Tip 5:

Plan meals around the pantry items you have stocked. You
can purchase groups of items that go together such as pasta, canned tomatoes
and sauce so you can throw together a quick meal.

Tip 6:

Consider the special dietary needs of the people in your
home. Consider the young and elderly that may have special nutrition needs.
This includes people who may have diabetes or babies that may require formula.

Tip 7:

FEMA recommends you have at least two weeks of food and
water on hand in the event of an emergency.

The agency also recommends one gallon of water per
person, per day. Personally, I would plan for a bit more so you have enough water
on hand for sanitary needs as well as for drinking or cooking.

Tip 8:

Start with water. Once you have completed tip 1, get
started with stocking up on water. This is one item you can never have too much
of. Water is affordable and easy to store.

Tip 9:

Start small and be patient! Your prepper pantry will not grow
overnight! It is going to take time and resources to build up a sustainable pantry.
Start with inexpensive items.

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