Preparedness#34–Creative Storage Ideas 09/13/09

This week, just for fun I have searched for some ideas for making better use of space for storage and using no.10 gallon cans. Most of us are short on storage space for our emergency supplies but could be surprised what can be ‘stashed,’ with some creative thinking and some ideas from others who have already discovered some ways. Frankly, some of these ideas could look like they were created by ‘the ‘loving hands of home,’ and not really add to the décor of our homes. However, with some care, some of these and other ideas could really look good and provide a place for more of the emergency storage we need.. Remember too that when you are hungry, you may wish you had compromised a bit on ‘the look’ and been a little more obedient about storage. Here are some ideas that I found on the Internet for space and organization:

“Try bed risers and put them under beds, desk, bookcase, table legs so they are raised and have extra space underneath!

Blankets, curtains and sweaters can be stored between your mattress and box springs. All these items are best if stored flat and pressed. They never get lost, are always available and are wrinkle free when needed. [They stay relatively clean as well.]

1. Use screw-top, glass [or plastic] jars of various sizes for refrigerator storage. They're sanitary, do not stain, and you can tell at a glance how much of what remains to be used up!
2. Mount screw-in wooden knobs on a length of board, paint it, hang it with 2 or 3 large picture hooks to a wall at child height to encourage kids to "store" bathrobes, towels, jackets and such up off the chairs and floor!
3. Mount a number of ordinary curtain rods one over the other and you'll have a place to hang a library of magazines (by their spines), folded towels, or tablecloths and bureau linens. Of course you can paint the rods to compliment the room's decor.
   - Nett of NH

“My kitchen provides a few extra storage spaces: The space between my kitchen range and the counter is used for storing narrow items. Right now some of my carpentry tools are stashed there. I can also store my portable window screens there. The cabinets have an inset along the top that is about 2" deep. There extra kitchen linens are kept fresh in a plastic bag plus other flat items fit well.

Look for narrow spaces behind furniture and appliances. Often a few inches are lurking there unused. Don't overlook space underneath steps.” ~Charlotte

“Purchase one of those big, plastic trash cans (with the lids that snap on)... the kind you use to store trash, outdoors... take the lid off and place a piece of round plywood (or wood) on top; place a sheet/table cloth over the wood piece... and there you have it: a VERY LARGE storage container AND a side table. If you go to the snow, use the lid for a snow pan.

We have already talked about using a gallon can for a stove, but you can also put gallon ‘Zip Loc’ bags in them with the top folded over the edge and fill with liquid. If you have tried to do that without a support, you know what a good idea this is.

Above ideas come from: http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf000519.tip.html

Someone mentioned a way to use a gallon can for an emergency car heater with a roll of TP and alcohol. Does anyone know about that? Sounds interesting for trips north in the winter, to include in the auto emergency kit.

Personally, I like baby food bottles for spare parts in the garage; especially the larger bottles. Just screw the lids to a 2X2 (all 4 sides) put nails into the ends and support with a bracket under a shelf and you have a rotating screw, nail and small part storage system. Make sure you have the same number of bottles on each of the 4 sides so it balances.

Next week I will share a recipe and process for Tin Can Ice Cream. Every kid should have their own personal kit! Some other recipes will also be included.

If you are not allowed to store liquid fuel where you live, consider storing charcoal. Make sure that it is allowed as well but it is quite important you have some type of fuel. I will be doing some more experimenting with Solar ovens etc. but in the mean time I would not plan on solar ovens taking care of all your heat needs. Charcoal is easy to store, does not deteriorate over time and is a very efficient fuel You may even find it on sale this fall. If you don’t have one, watch now for close out prices from camping and outdoor stores for Dutch Ovens. A few pieces of charcoal on the top and bottom of a dutch oven can cook an entire meal. Some of the meals are nothing short of spectacularl.

If any of you have ideas inspired by today’s comments, please share them with us

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