Survival supplies won't be as useful to you if they're haphazardly stored all over your house or homestead. Keep your stockpiles properly organized, so it's easier to keep track of your supplies.
Organizing your supplies also ensures that you don't waste time looking for things that you need because you have no idea where they are. Follow the tips detailed below to organize your supplies and maximize storage space in your homestead or apartment. (h/t to TheOrganicPrepper.com)
Don't be afraid to make a big mess.
If you're attempting an extensive clean-up, start by organizing your supplies over the weekend or whenever you have free time. You'll need at least two to three days to sort through everything.
- Take all the gear and supplies out of every nook and cranny around your house.
- Group similar items together. For example, you can keep vitamin and supplements on your kitchen counter.
- Update your inventory list, especially items that you need to stock up on.
- Clean storage areas while they’re empty. Use homemade, non-toxic cleaning products to clean areas that you store food in. After you're done cleaning, air out everything while you’re organizing your supplies.
Use this natural all-purpose cleaner when sanitizing your storage areas. It's effective and safe to use around children and pets. Just make sure not to use it on granite or marble because the vinegar may cause etching on natural surfaces.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups distilled water
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 15 to 20 drops of essential oils
- Using a small funnel, combine the four ingredients in a glass spray container.
- Label the spray bottle, then mix well before using.
You can use essential oils like bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, or lime since they possess antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antiviral properties. You can also use other essential oils to cover up the sell of the vinegar.
Get containers for your supplies.
After your supplies have been inventoried, look for containers that you can use to organize various items. You don't need to buy new containers if you have perfectly good ones lying around your house.
Here are some tips on choosing containers for your survival gear and supplies.
- Use different colored containers for different types of supplies. Color coordinating boxes makes it easier to locate items. Alternatively, you can use colored tape to mark your containers.
- Use transparent containers for smaller items. If you can see the contents of these boxes, you won't need to rifle through several boxes to find what you need.
- Use containers in creative ways. For example, you can use shoe holders to organize little packets of seasoning in your cupboard. (Related: Prepping on a budget: Tips and tricks for preppers with limited storage space.)
- Repurpose containers. You don't need to buy storage boxes if you can reuse old cardboard boxes.
Figure out where you're going to store your supplies.
Keeping similar items together makes it easier to find certain things. If you know your cooking utensils are all in that green box in the kitchen, you know where to look if you need an eggbeater.
Take note of extremes in temperature, moisture, and pests when storing perishable items.
You can store your gear and supplies in these areas around your house:
- Attic
- Basement
- Broom closet
- Garage
- Kitchen pantry
- Kitchen shelves
- Laundry room
- Outbuildings (e.g., barns or garden sheds)
- Under beds
Put everything away.
When you're done with your inventory and organizing your preps in containers, put everything back.
Follow the tips below as you put away your gear and supplies.
- Wipe things off as you reorganize items. A damp cloth will help get rid of the dust on your forgotten tools and supplies.
- Double-check expiration dates, especially for your food supply. Store newer items in the back and older items within easy reach, so you use them up first.
- Label everything. Use a black permanent marker or a label-maker.
- Record everything in a notebook. Include information like expiration dates and quantities to keep track of your supplies and preps.
Before SHTF, take the time to organize your gear and survival supplies to maximize storage space and prevent spoilage.
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