Question: how do you organize?

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Major Minor	Question: how do you organize?		Lead	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 12/05/08 14:25:15 Moderator	Tags : None I'm wondering, what is the most efficient way of organizing/storing my food and emergency stash? Right now I have some of everything in all storage places inside the house. But when I'm out of, say, pepper, in the kitchen, and know I have some somewhere, I then have to go searching through all my boxes to find the pepper. I have food items, baggies, matches, etc., all mixed up in each box because my original thought was to put a misc assortment in each box, thereby assuring that if I could get to one box only, I'd have some food and some other items I could use, but of course not something of everything. I have bulk items outside that won't be affected by heat or freezing, such as tp, extra set of clothes, tin foil for hats (insert tinfoil hat guy whose link is broke), .... and have bulk beans, rice, etc in closets spread out throughout the house. I could make a map of each box, closet, room, but that seems too much, and I know I would forget to cross things off as I use them, plus it is just too unorganized and don't want to spend that much time on lists..... So, for those of you who have been doing this for awhile and have it down to a science....should I put all candles in one place, soap in another, shortning in another, like a store? I'm thinkin' this is a better plan but need advice from the experts... thanks mm
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MontanaCZ		#1	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 12/05/08 16:52:18 Moderator	We don't have the organization down exactly like we used to since we don't have enough space in one location like before. We have on shelf system (I build them with 2x4 and OSB), in a closet. The items on the shelves are arranged by weight/size, and would look similar to what would be in a grocery store. We also have a large pantry where stuff is kept, and this is loosely based on the same technique. For canned goods we use the can rotation racks to make it easier. All the buckets of grains and such are stacked in one place. All of the essential personal hygene items and medical stuff is in the same rack system. It is not perfect, but it works ok. I much preferred when we had a room that was dedicated to strorage and I had racks and everything all setup. Now that looked like a store. I have not done it this time, but I usually label where an item goes. I used to keep a sheet and mark stuff off, but I found that I was the only one that would consistently do it. Now I just take stock once a month and know what we need to get. "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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NWFrontier		#2	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1546 12/06/08 13:39:46 Forum Administrator	I'm not a member of the LDS, but they do have there food storage down to science. Try this link. http://www.providentlivin...el/0,11677,1706-1,00.html Maybe some of our LDS forum members could chime in with their favorite resources. The LORD is my light and my salvation; Whom shall I fear? - Psalm 27
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Deflexor		#3	[url]	[-]
Posts: 665 12/07/08 07:36:34 Moderator	Now if you weren't prepping and ran out of pepper (preppy pepper prepping) oh man let me start over. If you have pepper as one of your storage items it should be pepper corns as it will keep longer this way, just like grain will keep longer than flour. Most people don't use a lot of pepper in a year so a big cannister of pepper corns will probably do it for most. Unless of course you plan on doing a lot of meat preparation but then you try not to bury the pepper with all the salt you are going to need. Oh wait, you were talking about orginazation. Depending on the space you have you will try at first to be organized (and yes, a zone for each type of item is better) but as you accumulate more and things get buried and hard to get at (like maybe a crawl space) it will become very difficult. You will end up reorganizing it eventually (maybe twice a year). If you have a ton of wheat and/or beans in 5 gallon air-tight buckets they are going to last many many years and these buckets you will want to place in your storage area first and just don't plan on using any of this untill your SS check stops coming. If you don't have a large basement devoted entirely to aisles of shelves and you get really obsessed with food/prep storage then organizing will become a routine that you do at various occasions as needed. Truthfully some bulk foods can be stored for decades. One of the cupboards in our basement is devoted to candles, lamp oil, oil lamps, and a large box of air activated hand warmers. One of the things Mrs. Deflexor does is to get the large rubbermaid tubs with lids (for non food items mostly) label them with contents and puts them on adjustable shelves, this helps a bunch.
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Major Minor		#4	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 12/07/08 12:54:44 Moderator	I'm so glad you got home from work and checked the forum I knew you could help. I think you should post a weekly forum article...or the Mrs could...since you guys have this down to a science. Interesting that you say reorganizing twice a year. I do that with my meager stash, but thought it was because I was obsessive compulsive. I'm storing some dry beans and rice, split peas, etc in 5 gal air-tight buckets outside in a shed. I understand the cold and heat won't bother them? All other food is in the house. and am using those plastic tubs but don't have room for tubs on shelves. The tubs are stacked 4 or 5 high which isn't so convenient when I need something....but then if I know that the bottom tub contains only candles, wicks, kerosine and more bullets, that's ok, cause I don't need to get into it until I really need to get into it. So my next goal is more shelves and will store like-items together. Thank you again for your advice. I'll go put up my shelves.
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MontanaCZ		#5	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 12/07/08 14:30:20 Moderator	I keep the buckets inside. Reason being that I worry too much about them splitting in the cold. Similar to ammunition, the more stable the temperatures are they are stored in, the longer they last. I finally decided yesterday to open a bucket of wheat that I have been saving. It was packed 10 years ago to the month. I made some bread with it yesterday and it is just fine. Our style of packing has changed over the years due to cracked buckets. Wheat, beans, rice, and whole grains can keep for decades in air sealed containers. We also use the bins to keep like stuff, especially bulky items, easy to manage, and to move if needed. We have moved all this stuff at least 5 times. The only thing that I don't move is canned goods and stuff that easy to obtain like pasta. These items either get used or donated before a move. Moving a lot has also limited the amount of stuff that we have traditionally stored. We started using those big vacuum bags to pack blankets and extra clothes to save space. We also have several pairs of boots on hand, and I try and stay at least 2 sizes of boots ahead of the boys. Currently they are in the same size as my wife, so that helps. Also NWF, I do use a lot of LDS sites as they do have great information. Sadly, less than 10% of the membership has any food storage or emergency preparations regardless of how often they are reminded to do so. "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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Major Minor		#6	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 12/07/08 18:43:49 Moderator	I had no idea the buckets would crack with something dry inside, and not being moved. I'll get them back inside. It looks like all food items have to be inside no matter what. Thanks!
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MontanaCZ		#7	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 12/07/08 20:04:35 Moderator	My buckets cracked for 2 reasons. One, I put too many oxygen absorbers in a couple. Those suckers can really suck up some air. The other was the cold where we had them. You may not have the same issue. I just don't take the chances any more. I now lock the stuff in a mylar bag inside the bucket, that way if I put too much oxygen packets it only sucks up the bag. "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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Major Minor	Another lesson learned	#8	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 12/11/08 12:06:01 Moderator	I went out to bring the food items back into the house and found a disaster. I had one plastic tote out there with misc items inside, some grain products. I had stacked 3 boxes in the corner, the plastic one on top with heavier cardboard boxes on the bottom. The infamous new dry shed leaks, in my corner only, of course. The bottom cardboard boxes melted, the top box fell, rolled over other items, landed on it's side, it split up one side and the top popped off, spilling contents all over the floor. Fortunately it had happened within a day so only one item was wasted, the rest just needed dried and put away in the house. Moral of story...don't stack boxes, don't trust that the shed won't leak, don't buy such cheap plastic totes, and hire professionals to build sheds instead of expecting the volunteers to put all the screws in. "huh? what are all these leftover screws for? caulking? naw, not necessary, nothing can get in that hole. finish? I'll do it later. let's go to the lake"
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MontanaCZ		#9	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 12/11/08 14:56:51 Moderator	I am not sure that I would want to be at your house right now. Klick.. Sefus... you still alive? "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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Klick		#10	[url]	[-]
Posts: 3470 12/11/08 20:45:02 FORUM ADMINISTRATOR	Naw, we got the kid to blame...me and Sefus was just innocent bystanders. The trouble wasn't the screws, it was the little plastic washers that are supposed to be used with the screws that hold the roof metal on. I remember mentioning that to him, but ya know kids...the know EVERYTHING! But ya can't complain when someone works for nothing. The PRECIOUS does MY talking!!
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Major Minor		#11	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 12/11/08 22:06:58 Moderator	It's mostly true but innocent bystanders??? HAHAHA and now I'm thinkin' the resident member of the work crew needs to fix it
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RevRick		#12	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 142 12/18/08 15:49:33	That's for sure! Foxtrot Romeo Patriot of Virginia May God be the Glory! Pray, train, train, prepare, and pray and continue to Pray!!!
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Major Minor		#13	[url]	[-]
Scout Posts: 412 05/31/09 12:21:15 Moderator	It's months later and I'm learning so much about this subject. NEVER underestimate the power of a mouse. And never store something without labeling it, especially if it looks similar to something else, even if you know you'll remember, cause you won't. And keep a map or list of what you have so you don't overbuy on something you really don't have room for or won't ever use in 5 lifetimes. (yes, could be used in trade at a later date Also, I seem to spend more in groceries now but my storage is growing. So this is a good thing. no money in bank, but food in closet. I'm buying double quantity on things that are on sale that will store, bulk on others or at least the largest size even if I use it slowly. I've always stashed stuff so this seems to come naturally. I remember hearing that people who store fat more easily in their bodies don't stash food, they just eat it. But people like me (no fat problem) have a tendency to stash food for later. I can't remember the psychological explanation but it seemed to fit me... or maybe because I'm an only child, I feel safe saving food for ME to eat later. Whatever, I'm doing it and it's working. My garden is a different story. and my chickens. Very disappointing but can't be helped. Because of family issues, kids getting married and parents being in hospitals, etc etc, my chicken house is on hold and my garden went from full-blown garden to close-to nothing. Hope all those seeds will still be good next year. I had such great plans. I will still do what I can in the fall. I'll be able to pick and can tomatoes and some fruit and maybe if I can find a good deal on veggies I can put those up also. This appears to be more of a journal entry than a preparation post. hmmmm
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MontanaCZ		#14	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 05/31/09 14:19:08 Moderator	Well MM, it is experience, and that is as good as anything. We are just days away from actually planting a garden, although we have starts of corn, beans, squash, and tomatoes going. I tried a different method this year for penning the chicks and we lost lot of them. Lesson learned, do not do that again. Backwoods Home had an excellent article about chicken starts, which is similar to what we used to do. Next year I am actually going to either do it their way, or use rabbit cages. No Grizz this year to eat the stock, yet. My wife did chase of a Bobcat already though. "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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ECHO26POPPA9		#15	[url]	[-]
Posts: 105 06/23/09 05:07:21 THIS MEMBER HAS BEEN BANNED	Major Minor wrote: I'm wondering, what is the most efficient way of organizing/storing my food and emergency stash? Right now I have some of everything in all storage places inside the house. But when I'm out of, say, pepper, in the kitchen, and know I have some somewhere, I then have to go searching through all my boxes to find the pepper. I have food items, baggies, matches, etc., all mixed up in each box because my original thought was to put a misc assortment in each box, thereby assuring that if I could get to one box only, I'd have some food and some other items I could use, but of course not something of everything. I have bulk items outside that won't be affected by heat or freezing, such as tp, extra set of clothes, tin foil for hats (insert tinfoil hat guy whose link is broke), .... and have bulk beans, rice, etc in closets spread out throughout the house. I could make a map of each box, closet, room, but that seems too much, and I know I would forget to cross things off as I use them, plus it is just too unorganized and don't want to spend that much time on lists..... So, for those of you who have been doing this for awhile and have it down to a science....should I put all candles in one place, soap in another, shortning in another, like a store? I'm thinkin' this is a better plan but need advice from the experts... thanks mm OH MAN OH MAN OH MAN..........Gal you need to hire Betty Crocker. But seriously it sounds like every box is also a ROBINSON CRUSOE BOX!! If you have or can make an empty room w/o going to the poorhouse that would be the 1st step. I've been in my storeroom more than a dozen times in the last 18 hours. I was looking for my old hand crank SW/FM/AM radio. Still haven't found it. Beginning to think it went the same way as a case of 1000R .380FMJ. But while searching 4 said radio I hung up sum stuff and rearranged enuf to open up a 32"x43"x36" hole. Hooooaahhh!! Can't put any ammo/ canned goods here (Murphy's Law) as the new space is 55" off the floor. MM are you looking at having to bug out EVER or hunkering down and staying put? (((....not to go off topic here but kids I am chillin' to sum dandy ole Rockabilly right now on the ole Sat Dish channel 951.....))) Like I said b4 you need to make a hole at least 4x4 feet and go thru your boxes and start over or else the next time you need something you will repeat the 'pepper story' I shyt you not. Good luck. Look on the bright side here gal....you're way ahead of the game unlike most libtards. Peace E26P9 PS MM you already gave us all the answer.... Forget sum of what I already said and MAKE A MAP of every box/closet/room where you have your preps stored otherwise you are just as lost as Dorothy was in The Land of Oz. Come to think of it it would be wise to keep a copy of said map on a floppy disk or CD off site like a safety deposit box or with a trusted friend (along with your Will??). On another side note all of my guns.ammo/web gear and the like goes to 2 fellow Patriots NOT my kin.
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ECHO26POPPA9	Store it on shelves........	#16	[url]	[-]
Posts: 105 06/23/09 05:25:49 THIS MEMBER HAS BEEN BANNED	Yes MM you should store it on shelves just like a store sells it. Thats what I do for the most part. I have several ROBINSON CRUSOE KITS....what you call 'everything kits'. I am gonna go with pepper corns myself after reading a post in this department. I use very little pepper. When I recently ran out and got my spare can from my Clean Room first thing I noticed was pepper loses its punch when it goes stale. I had to buy pepper at the store at the regular everyday price. I hate that. They wanted an arm and a leg for it. Woe is me. Now I gotta find me a tiny hammer.....
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Big Boar		#17	[url]	[-]
Posts: 1198 06/23/09 14:07:51 Moderator	ECHO26POPPA9 wrote: Major Minor wrote: It's months later and I'm learning so much about this subject. NEVER underestimate the power of a mouse. And never store something without labeling it, especially if it looks similar to something else, even if you know you'll remember, cause you won't. And keep a map or list of what you have so you don't overbuy on something you really don't have room for or won't ever use in 5 lifetimes. (yes, could be used in trade at a later date Also, I seem to spend more in groceries now but my storage is growing. So this is a good thing. no money in bank, but food in closet. I'm buying double quantity on things that are on sale that will store, bulk on others or at least the largest size even if I use it slowly. I've always stashed stuff so this seems to come naturally. I remember hearing that people who store fat more easily in their bodies don't stash food, they just eat it. But people like me (no fat problem) have a tendency to stash food for later. I can't remember the psychological explanation but it seemed to fit me... or maybe because I'm an only child, I feel safe saving food for ME to eat later. Whatever, I'm doing it and it's working. My garden is a different story. and my chickens. Very disappointing but can't be helped. Because of family issues, kids getting married and parents being in hospitals, etc etc, my chicken house is on hold and my garden went from full-blown garden to close-to nothing. Hope all those seeds will still be good next year. I had such great plans. I will still do what I can in the fall. I'll be able to pick and can tomatoes and some fruit and maybe if I can find a good deal on veggies I can put those up also. This appears to be more of a journal entry than a preparation post. hmmmm First let me just say that what I am about to say I say in the most serious terms.....R U SINGLE?? do you have a sister that thinks like you do?? R there anymore like you at home??!?! !! Oh how absolutly amuzeing! Our Major Minor Octopus Niner is already spoken for ECHO26POPPA9. Sorry pal! How ever MISSARCHIVE I understand is avalible... Shite, thats too funny right there MM! ECHO26POPPA9. No Soup for you, one year! Double Bravo Out! "The Second Amendment is Homeland Defense"
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Miss Archive		#18	[url]	[-]
Tail End Charlie Posts: 68 06/24/09 00:42:59	Big Boar wrote: Sorry pal! How ever MISSARCHIVE I understand is avalible... You know that saying, "the cure is worse than the disease"?
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MontanaCZ		#19	[url]	[-]
Posts: 911 06/24/09 11:10:57 Moderator	Well.. this thread just took an interesting turn. How would you like that Guillotine prepared? : "The very powerful and the very stupid have one thing in common. Instead of altering their views to fit the facts, they alter the facts to fit their views...which can be very uncomfortable if you happen to be one of the facts that needs altering." The Doctor
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