How Much Space For Food Storage | Build a Stash

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Many people rule out the possibility of building food storage because they don’t believe they have enough space. But it is easier than you think.

The general rule of thumb on dry food storage in a pantry or cabinet is to allocate 15 cubic feet of space per person in the household. This means you would need a cabinet or pantry size of 12”x 36”x 60” to properly store food with enough space comfortably.

However, there is no one specific number that solves all problems because every home will have a different requirement for food storage. This includes the type of foods they store, the amount of food they are storing, and the number of people in the household. Before you can determine the amount of space you need, you must make a detailed plan for your storage.

As food storage experts, we have helped many families create something they can be proud of that provides them safety and peace of mind. Food storage space comes down to a science and through trial and error, we have determined the best method to keep food stored properly in your home.  

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How Much Space For Food Storage

A general rule of thumb is to have enough space in your pantry for about two weeks’ worth of food items. This can include canned foods, dry foods, sauces, and any other items that you might need on hand in your kitchen.

If you’re looking for even more space in your pantry, consider adding shelving units along the edge of your cabinets or building shelves into the walls on either side of the doors. The type of food and the amount of food are also important factors to consider when calculating the amount of space you need for storage.

Determining the right amount of space must start by considering that you need at least 15 cubic feet per person. This equates to a pantry size of 12”x 36”x 60”. If this seems like a lot for one person, it quickly changes and many homes have a pantry size around the size of 36” x 24” x 96” which equals 72 cubic feet.

Canned Foods

Canned foods are products that have a long shelf life and are packed in a jar or can with water and other ingredients. The cans are often made of aluminum or tin, but some consumer brands use plastic or glass jars.

They are one of the easiest food types to store because they are compact in size and made with storage and stackability in mind. If you have a smaller pantry and size is a premium for you, we highly recommend using canned foods because they can be extremely easy to store and make for a great option when you want an easy to prepare meal.

Canned foods are a must-have for those who have limited storage space and also those who want to eat healthily. Compared to preserving canned food in jars or other containers, cans are easier to use and offer some advantages. So, if you're looking for the best option for storing your canned food, look no further than cans.

The amount you need will depend on how long you are trying to build storage. Families typically want to build a reliable short-term pantry with items that can last for up to 1-2 years and canned foods are excellent for this.

Dry Staples

Dry staples are the most important foods that should be stored in bulk. Dry staples are used for cooking and include things like flour, rice, and sugar.

You should also store these dry staples in a cool, dry place to prevent them from spoiling. With these dry staples stored in bulk, it will be easier for you to prepare your meals during an emergency situation.

Dry staples are important because they don't require refrigeration and they are usually inexpensive. They have a long shelf life so you won't have to worry about stocking up too much on individual items before you find out that they have gone bad on you. Eventually, the idea of having dry staples is just as

However, they are a bit more difficult to store because they are larger items compared to canned foods. Depending on how much food you buy, many items can be bought pre-packaged from name brands and stored easily in your pantry.

If you intend to buy more food in bulk to store for a long time, we recommend moving these items into your basement. A basic 24”x 24”x 60” would provide plenty of space to store your dry staples in an easy-to-reach location. As you increase the amount of food you buy, you may need to add a larger shelf though.

Refrigerator

There are several types of food storage containers that can be used for different foods like meats, fruits, vegetables, and other prepared foods.

The first type of refrigerator storage container is the plastic container. There are many different brands and shapes on the market. Some of them are better than others in terms of quality and value for money.

The second type is a glass jar with a plastic lid that is air-tight and has an airtight seal at the top to stop moisture from escaping.

The third type is a vacuum-sealed bag with a zipper closure at the top which allows you to close it before storing goods in it and maintain an airtight seal when you open it again.

The best part about each container type is they can be stored easily. You should have around 5 cubic feet of storage per member in your household. This may seem difficult but the average refrigerator is around 24 cubic feet, giving you plenty of space to store essentials for your entire family.

Other Tips To Remember For Food Storage Space

The time and effort it takes to be a successful food storage person is worth it. The key is to make sure you have enough inventory on hand when you need it.  It is also important to remember that having extra space is better than not having enough.

We also recommend utilizing multiple food storage strategies in your home. This means that after stocking up on your dry staples, you should also include some canned foods and refrigerated or frozen food options too.

By creating enough variety in your home, you ensure that you can maximize your food storage space too.