Appendix G
Tips on Storage While Stockpiling

• It is important to keep an eye on your expiration dates. By rotating your stock each time you go to the store, you can pull the oldest product to the front of your shelves while placing the newer items to the back. This helps you keep track of what you have and avoid allowing items to expire before you have a chance to use them.
• Always have a good idea of where you want to store your stockpile before your start bringing it home from the store. Keep in mind that your daughter’s bedroom is not the best place to start!
• A dry basement is a great place to store your stockpile. Just make sure that the area is weatherproof and does not leak.
• The same goes for the garage. All you need are a few sets of sturdy shelves and you are ready to go.
• If you are able to stock up on dry goods like flour, sugar, and rice, consider buying plastic bins or tubs to store them. This will help keep the food fresh and protect it from all the little critters that would love to steal a bite or two.
• Don’t stockpile something you won’t use just because it is on sale. If you know that your family won’t use a specific item, either donate it right away or don’t buy it in the first place.
• Take the time to go through your stockpile periodically and find items to donate. After all, new sales come around every week and there will always be someone who could really benefit from an item that is doing nothing more than taking up space on your shelf.