Closet Storage

Closet storage can become vital to a prepper who lives in a small apartment or tiny house. With some creative packing and organization, anyone can be a “closet prepper”.

The lack of a basement or storage space does not mean that you cannot prepare for an emergency. Using a closet to hold the items that will be needed if an emergency occurs requires some planning, shelving and supplies. Organization helps but it is not a requirement.

Allows Easy Access

The important part of closet storage is to make sure that you store your supplies in a manner that will allow you access to your stores later. Sturdy shelving and planning will help. Apartment dwellers may want to consider placing freestanding shelving in their closet. Homeowners can build shelves directly onto the interior walls of the closet. Maximize the capacity by measuring the height of items you plan to store. Leave an inch of headroom on each shelf to allow for easy removal of items.

Water is a very important item that everyone should have a few gallons on hand, regardless of where they live. Water should be stored on the lowest shelf or on the floor. Other heavy items like propane stoves, propane cylinders, cookware and number 10 cans of food are heavy items that could be stored on a lower shelf in closet storage.

Labels Help Avoid Confusion

Securely attaching labels to the front edge of each shelf will save you time and energy. You can grab what you need quickly without having to search for an item later. Keep the same types of items together.

Boxed foods like macaroni and cheese can be placed in smaller jars or containers reducing the storage space required. Be sure to include the cooking instructions. Pasta, sugar, flour and cereals can also be stored in 2-liter bottles. Instant soups, oatmeal and sauce mixes store well in these types of containers.

Organize the Closet with Boxes

First aid supplies and over the counter medications can be stored in low profile plastic, lidded containers. Adding a content list on the top of the box is very helpful. Listing the over the counter medications or the quantity and type of first aid supplies that each box contains will help reduce the time required to locate these supplies during an emergency.

Installing an alternative light source is important. Battery operated or solar rechargeable lighting will provide light during a power outage. A battery-powered lantern is a good item to have during any emergency. Keeping one in the prepping closet provides hands free lighting in the closet or when looking through a container.

Perfect Bug Out Bag Storage

Should you need to evacuate your dwelling, keeping your bug out bags in the prep storage closet will save time and confusion. Keep in mind the height of your family members. If a child needs to get their bag and leave, they will waste valuable time if they need to locate a stepladder to get to their bag.

In addition to closet storage, there are many alternative, unused spaces in every type of dwelling. Once you start looking, you are sure to find many more places to store items that will help you survive an emergency.