How to Store Food in Small Spaces/ How I am Doing it

[@sandysteinbrook]

Gamma Seal lids are more expensive on Amazon, than they are at the store, sold beside of the 5 gallon buckets. If the Gamma Seal lids are too expensive for you at this time, buy the pop on seal lids.

[@jd4810]

5 gallon bucket storage tip - I store lots of grains in mylar bag lined 5 gallon buckets with 02 removers & lids. I found that I can store 28 five gallon buckets within the frame work of a queen size bed. Here is how - 1. Remove mattress, boxspring, & cross members. 2. Place lid covered five gallon buckets flat on floor in-between side rails, head & foot boards. 3. Using a thin piece of plywood (1/4" thick) or floor under layment board cut to dimensions of boxspring, place that on top of buckets. 4. Then cover with bed skirt to hide view of buckets. 5. Delete boxspring, just top with mattress & make bed as usual. It's surprisingly comfortable and the height closely matches height as if a boxspring were in place. Under one queen size bed I estimate that the 28 five gallon buckets I have filled with Red Wheat Berries has a combine supply of 1400lbs of wheat. I store other grains similarly under other beds in household. It's neatly stored and out of view.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Now that is a very creative way to store food, J D!! Good tip!

[@batch1638]

Great idea for "breakfast in bed"!

[@NoniBeckham]

Hey Sandy, the rice could get moldy because the moisture from the freezer and you never opened the bag to dry it out. That's just a thought. I do the opposite, I don't freeze mine I vacuum seal them with an oxygen absorber because if there is no air there are no bugs in it.

[@annalisarussell2983]

Hi, Sandy. Besides my kitchen cabinets, I have purchased storage bins (a little taller than the under the bed kind) and keep food in there. I put food in each ones depending on its expiration date. I have one for 2023, 2024 and 2025. So far, it's working out.

[@sandysteinbrook]

That is a great idea to stay organized!!

[@b.walker5955]

Wow I need you as a bestie! Fabulous ideas! ~ Reminder those dates aren't expiration, only best buy use by or sell by. Still great to file in order of use/rotation. But don't give up on those products simply because it is printed to. 😉 (this reminder should be in every thread...as it helps all who are new.)

[@kh-uw6um]

@@b.walker5955 So true...I didn't truly learn about best buy dates on canned and dry goods until I started volunteering in a local food pantry about 4 years ago!

[@b.walker5955]

@@kh-uw6um OH Right that would have been an excellent classroom! EVERYONE donates the expired stuff. : ) I once heard a pastor telling a story when he had arrived at a new church (back in the 40's they lived in a small parsonage behind the church). To welcome him the out going pastor would encourage the congregation to "welcome" our newest member. People, meaning well of course, would arrive at his door with boxes of "treasure". He said they would say, "these coffee mugs WE can no longer use, you see the handles are broken off. But we though YOU could use them". ~ Moral is donations are usually discarded, and unused, as you experienced expired. Ha! Not so true. PS. WELL DONE IN SERVING. What a thoughtful person you are! XO

[@Zapzipzim]

Hey Sandy, make sure you're freezing your beans and grains for 3-5 days to kill any eggs that may be in them. Also, highly recommend getting a vacuum sealer and after the beans get back to room temperature, just poke a hole in those bean bags and slide them into a vacuum seal bag, then seal. No oxygen = no way for any surviving eggs to hatch. Hope that helps! :)

[@alanparsonsfan]

Some commenters on other related videos have said that freezing rice and beans to kill bugs will cause those things to lose a lot of their flavor in the process. Thoughts on this? Any way to counter that problem>? I am all for killing the bugs...

[@dtoomey5190]

No need to freeze if you’re using oxygen absorbers

[@racheldeen3667]

@@dtoomey5190 where do you get those?

[@dtoomey5190]

@@racheldeen3667 I order mine from Amazon

[@debbieriddle9429]

These buckets store great, just like you are doing. I've never had the need for all those extra ways of storing. Simple, easy, and it works. I cooked Black Eye Peas last week that had been stored in my pantry in a jar for a year...they were great. I'm cooking Navy Beans today also from a jar in the pantry. Left over Clean pickle jars. They work great for so many things. I always use what I have, and it has worked for me. Enjoyed the video.

[@milliemrrobinson1074]

I use a foodsaver vacuum sealer for my dry goods, after I freeze them. I add a bay leaf to them before I vacuum seal them. I just put a tiny hole in the original package and vacuum, so far so good! I store them in storage boxes, buckets with gamma seals, and put them in a spare room I don't use. I have stored water in all sorts of places, but my large guest bathroom has unused space, so I put jugs of water in the linen cabinet and under sink cabinet. If you look around, you'll be amazed where you can stock pile extra supplies!

[@sandysteinbrook]

I love comments like yours, because they give great ideas for so many others! Thank you for sharing. This will definitely help someone. 😊

[@swcomment5542]

I use my food saver as well and I found a set of drawers that I no longer use. So I’m able to put all of my vacuum sealed, dehydrated, and my freeze dried items in the drawers. By vac sealing I can just about halve my space requirements. The second bathroom bathtub is where I store my water. No one uses it and I thought if I put my water in the tub if something leaked it would go down the drain and not damage anything. I also keep my water bob right next to the second bathtub in case we would suddenly lose water.

[@sandysteinbrook]

@@swcomment5542, you have been very intentional in your thought process. Thank you for sharing this!

[@poodledaddles1091]

I do basically the same as you. One tip is never waste space, add salt, or seasonings or whatever to avoid empty pockets in the buckets. Room darkening curtains. Keep the light out.

[@buckeyedav1]

Beans.. I do 2 ways. One is I leave them in their bags and put them in a metal trash can small one with a tight fitting lid. I've had mine in there over a year and a half no weevils no bugs of any kind. This trash can is what you would use to put hot coals in outside but it's a super tight fitting lid works well. Two is I pour the beans in to canning jars or old jars with a tight lid put in bay leafs and again I've had my beans in the jars for at least couple years with no problems at all. RICE: I take out of the bags put in canning jars/old jars with tight lids add bay leafs and we're good to go. I don't think freezing any of this is necassary. My Flours? I buy in bulk and pour it in to 1 gallon size freezer bags add bay leafs and put in a large metal trash can same with OATS. I've also stored flour in canning jars with bay leafs never had a problem. Anna In Ohio

[@poodledaddles1091]

thanks

[@DerekCarrillo7541]

A gamma deal lid on a bucket holds up to 300 pounds - you can stack them 4-5 high I’ve found with no problems . No need to be a low humidity area since it’s airtight - I use it for ammo storage with humidity monitors and it’s always lower humidity in there than the ambient humidity

[@sandysteinbrook]

Great info. Thank you!

[@tidbitswithterry1949]

Hi Sandy! I have been purchasing rice, flour, and beans as well. I do freeze my rice for at least two weeks and then once it has sat at room temperature for several days I am putting it in mason canning jars and storing it in a cabinet with closed doors. I am also storing my flower like that. I did try freezing sugar but it gets really clumpy so I just dump that straight into my canning jars. I find canning jars at yard sales all the time for hardly any money, my favorite size is a half gallon!

[@peach2969]

I use 2l bottles for rice, maize meal and sugar? Works fantastic.

[@sandybay5718]

I used a section of a large flat cardboard box. Stack canned goods on this one high and this slides under the bed. It's now easy to pull out and see what you have.

[@snookiegood6180]

I, too, freeze and use bay leaves....but I do vacuum seal everything before it goes into the bucket

[@sandysteinbrook]

Vacuum sealing is always going to be the smartest way to do it!

[@joyanderson8646]

I'm learning alot of good tips!!!!!🤗🤗🤗

[@sandysteinbrook]

I'm so glad its been helpful!

[@Shadow-7773]

I also are using these buckets. It is amazing how much food can be stored in a space of 12 inch. I never stack more then three high, maybe four, Unless they are noodles or something light. I don't put the same thing in each bucket, I put in a week to ten day of food, that way I don't have to open different buckets to find what I want, even if I write on them. All of the buckets have different foods in them. For the regular buckets, I Taped a bucket opener for every 13 to twenty buckets on top, just in case of breakage.

[@kathyleary]

Thanks for the ideas. I always mark the contents on the side and on the top because it's easy to forget what is inside.

[@JulieDobbins.76]

I'm adding a bit of food grade diatomaceous earth (DE) to kill any bugs that may have already been in the foods.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you for sharing this tip!

[@Chris-yo4ks]

I use 5 gal buckets as well. I store everything in mylar bags....they are nice because you can use an iron to seal the bag. Items I buy in bulk that wont fit into the bucket and bag....like 50lb bag of rice, I separate. Smaller packages like beans, I don't remove the package. I am still trying to figure out a good way to store canned goods....though I don't have a lot set aside for long term storage. I will be storing up salt soon......and the best I can think of is to put into zipper bags and store in buckets. boxes just don't fit into buckets well, and bulk doesn't appear to be much cheaper....and is harder to find. Bulk spices are another thing I'm looking as storage options for.

[@lesliealava9499]

Mylar inside buckets better for longer term. Also I bought harvest right freeze dryer

[@billylo2010]

Beauty and brains! Keep the great content coming.

[@russelder9743]

Sandy ---I was going to buy large Mason jars to pour rice into ( after freezer) however I think I like your way better...thanks so much stay safe God Bless

[@sandysteinbrook]

You're welcome, Russ. :)

[@shelbylynnwilliams8520]

Helpful info especially for small spaces. Thanks.

[@sandysteinbrook]

You're welcome. :)

[@karenpeterson5780]

I love this! I'm going to buy some of those buckets this week for my flour, rice, etc. Thank you!

[@sandysteinbrook]

Oh good! I am glad this was helpful!

[@marshabryant9429]

I store bags of sugar in a rubbermaid container along with bay leaves that slide under the bed. I also have one for flour and one for rice.

[@sandysteinbrook]

A get way to use, and hide, items is sliding them under the bed!

[@MGillDesign]

I'm using 4 gallon square buckets (w/mylar bag and O2 absorbers) as insulator. The lids aren't as good as gamma lids, but I like the ability to stack the buckets as well as their weight. At 4 gallons, they are not difficult to carry and/or transport from place to place (if needed in an emergency). I can pick them up and put them in a truck quickly due to their convenient size/weight. Not too big, but not too small, just right.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you for sharing what you are doing! This is always a great way to give others ideas so we can try different ways. Thanks for taking the time to comment.

[@susans9491]

Great points! Also squares and rectangles fit together well so no wasted space if that’s a consideration.

[@MGillDesign]

@@susans9491 Yep, that's a major consideration. The square shape fits together against each other (similar to stacking boxes) and against walls or on shelves. Whereas, the circular containers do tend to waste more space.

[@lauram.511]

Thank you! Great tip! Where did you purchase your 4 gal square buckets?

[@racheldeen3667]

love your video

[@audreyabbott7806]

I just found your channel. You share some great ideas and inspiration, thank you. As an FYI for long term storage, wheat berries have a 30+ year shelf life when stored properly. They can be used sprouted, cooked as cereal, cooked and chilled in salads, or get a hand mill and grind your own flour as you use it. Flour can and will go “off” in usually less than six months. Storage in the freezer until you are ready to use it will save you some tears when the flavors of food you prepare with the flour will be “off”. Don’t forget bulk storage of yeast, baking powder and baking soda for leavening!

[@alanparsonsfan]

Would vacuum sealing solve the problem of flour 'going off'? thanks in advance, don't want to have to count on freezer not working if electricity goes off...

[@audreyabbott7806]

@@alanparsonsfan I have been told that it will only starve any bugs of oxygen but the flour has the wheat oil in it and like other products with oil, it will go off. Flour is not meant for long term shelf storage.

[@bienenfluegel]

I have no clue where I could buy those bins in Europe. I’m using normal plastic storage boxes and vacuum seal everything that goes inside, but the bins you are using just look much better quality.

[@thegreekcook]

I use the bucks as plant stands and end table's. I put a small glass on top of a round tablecloth to match my decor. You could also make a desk to hide your buckets by putting a pice of wood or door on top.

[@LS-ed3ej]

Menards has the green #2 buckets and White #2 buckets that are food safe. Am I better off getting the food safe ones? They say the green ones are released from the mold with a releasing agent that is not necessarily food grade.

[@lauram.511]

Please, explain your comment about Menards green #2 buckets, that they are released from the mold with a "releasing agent" .... I would like more information or a source of information about the releasing agent that they use. The reason that I ask is because the green Menards #2 buckets are less expensive than the white #2 buckets, but I don't want toxic buckets.

[@davidgraemesmith1980]

Gamma seal lids are really expensive in the UK and Europe, but a lot of frugal folks vacuum pack dry goods using things like "foodsaver" machines, I have a pantry cupboard stacked with bricks of various kinds of flour, sugar, salt, cocoa powder, peanut butter powder, powdered fat free milk and powdered whole eggs. I also use 65ltr blue barrels typical of kayakers

[@susans9491]

A great, space efficient method as long as rodents aren’t an issue. Our house is 165 years old with a stone foundation on the middle of acres of pasture land, so we have to be on the lookout for mice, so we vacuum seal and then use food grade buckets.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Vacuum packing is a great idea, especially if gamma lids are really expensive! I have noticed the price of them going up, but not too expensive yet. I had thought about powdered peanut butter and forgot. I am glad you reminded me of this!

[@davidgraemesmith1980]

@@susans9491 my apartment is in a building built in 1840 in England not far from the docks on an estuary, I get mice every year, but only in one room and it's because of the building not being maintained properly by the social housing agency lol, the mice can't get to my pantry cupboard or at least they haven't yet, I set bait and traps for them and my record is 6 adult mice in the traps in 36 hours and no grain bait touched afterwards, my biggest concern is the atmospheric humidity (typically 60-90% from spring through to late fall) damaging dry products and rusting the tin cans 😒 they've never bothered with the kayak barrels or the metal paint cans I sometimes store grains in with oxygen absorbers.

[@susans9491]

@@davidgraemesmith1980 Yikes! That’s a lot of mice!!! We do have cats and they do a pretty good job, but there are places they just can’t get to. Because of the kitties we can’t use any poison, so it’s always a concern. About once a week the cats will present us with a corpse…though I have caught Dwayne bringing them in from across the garden. Guess he’s trying to contribute protein to our stash?

[@davidgraemesmith1980]

@@susans9491 not really a lot of mice, average mouse family is 3-5 females and one male

[@carrottop5783]

Thank you for a refresher. One comment on stacking - if you have small children (or visiting little ones) please don't stack buckets where they might access them. My two year old grandson tipped over individual buckets of flour and rice that I had in the livingroom, preparing to move them to a closet. I had no idea he was strong enough to push those over, and luckily they were NOT stacked at the time. To save money for under the bed storage, use sturdy boxes that are cut down to the proper height.

[@marinamayo7994]

Thank you so much for the info!

[@susans9491]

Tractor Supply also has buckets and lids, we’ve had trouble finding them anywhere else in our area.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you for sharing this info!

[@jakeh409]

Not sure about stacking them Sandy, especially with heavy items as it may affect the seal.

[@sandysteinbrook]

I will look into the weight load. Thanks for pointing that out for me to research, Jake.

[@elaineinarizona6354]

Glad to see someone that is not over complicating good storage. I think some people are terrified after watching some Preppers store food.

[@rebeccasanford8607]

Greetings from East Texas! I use both the Buckets… but also SQUARE Locking storage containers (Lowes and Home Depot). I always remove my beans, rice etc from the plastic bags they are in. I pour the items into good quality Paper Lunch Sacks, fold the top over, secure with a strip of painters tape… then VACUUM SEAL. Pop into the storage container…with some bay leaves.

[@blushingmissouri78]

If anyone has a rural king store near by you can get a fairly large container of bay leaves for .99 (for the time being)

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you for sharing this information!

[@Gastly_Ghost]

Hey I don’t know if you’ll see this but them Menards buckets will split on the bottom over time. It will start in the center of the bucket on the little nub. I had one with water and it leaked everywhere. I wouldn’t trust them. I’ve had like five do it.

[@DustinOhioState7431]

I would love to see/hear more about what you make with your rice and beans? Always looking for ideas.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Hello, Dustin! I love eating rice and beans. Whether it is lentil soup, New Orleans style red beans and rice, pinto bean soup, refried beans, or every way possible to make beans and rice into a Mexican dish. Red lentil curry over rice is really good too.

[@randlfamily7249]

I was told to freeze for 3 days to kill the mother weavels,and then once they are out of the freezer leave them sit for a couple of days because the eggs will then hatch and to re freeze for another 3 days.

[@johnjames5518]

I wonder if things get real bad like what the bible says how do you cook beans, rice or anything if there is no water or electricity? Even propane will run out eventually. Wood? And how much can keep stored if this lasts for years? Nice videos very eye opening! Thank you!

[@Zapzipzim]

You need to store water. You can only live 3 days without it.

[@revelatoryartist]

Sandy that is great info. Love the bay leaf info.

[@sandysteinbrook]

Great! I am so glad this was helpful.

[@erinlafarge2489]

This is what I do, too! I don't have the gamma lids though. I need to order some. I've got some lids that come off easily and others that are almost impossible. I have to sit on the bucket and scoot myself around in a circle prying it up. Ha! It's absurd!

[@sandysteinbrook]

Yep! Lol. I've broke off fingernails trying to pry those lids off. That is the kind of lid I keep on the bucket for the birdseed I keep in the garage. It's almost impossible to get the lid off if I put it on "too good" sometimes.

[@susans9491]

There are lid wrenches, a simple and inexpensive plastic tool - Home Depot sells them.

[@Godisgood414]

Thank you for sharing

[@sandysteinbrook]

Hello! You're welcome. :)

[@kh-uw6um]

Nice video. Would definitely put the flour in the bags and within ziploc bags if you can't vacuum seal them before putting in the containers

[@danielvranceanu8751]

Thank you !

[@sandysteinbrook]

You're welcome!

[@TheNewTestament27]

Love the door idea 💡

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you. It is a spare bedroom, so hiding it behind the door doesn't effect anyone.

[@sarar371]

This has helped me! Thank you

[@josephb7460]

Hi Sandy! 🙋‍♂️ Great video and good info. Back in the day when only crazy people stocked food 😲 the gamma lids were a new concept and hard to get. They are more readily available now since prepping has gone mainstream. And especially now there is a market for it. I also heard it was a good idea to freeze certain foods for the reason you gave. Nice refresher course! ........................ 😎👍👍

[@sandysteinbrook]

Lol. That's funny. Back in the day when only crazy people stocked food...

[@reecamarotz4191]

Always great information Sandy! Also, I always love your jewelry! :)

[@sandysteinbrook]

Well, thank you Reeca!!

[@racheldeen3667]

I saw on another video that the beans/rice should be rebagged into mylar for long term storage, something about the oxygen and degredation of the plastic bag...????

[@aprilinalabama9074]

Thanks Sandy 😁

[@jasha5847]

Hi Sandy, great video and Thank you for sharing your ideas. I put my things in mylar bags and then into the gamma but if I would have known I could just put everything in as is I could have saved space and used my mylar bags for future items. So Thanks for the information I will definitely take your advice and God continue to Bless you and your family Amen

[@sandysteinbrook]

God bless you as well, Jasha. I always enjoy hearing from you. :)

[@truejoyjourney]

Wow that is a great idea! Gonna buy me some

[@sandysteinbrook]

Oh good! I am glad this was helpful and gave you some ideas!

[@calimom7]

Great information! Thanks again Sandy!

[@sandysteinbrook]

You're welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment. :)

[@lilylangman5620]

Doing the same thing. Like the buckets best. I don’t have room to freeze my rice or flour. Ugh

[@Plimothrock]

Thank You Sandy-very helpful.

[@freeslave1968]

great video thanks.

[@sandysteinbrook]

You're welcome. :)

[@MA-ug6pz]

I put packs of grocery inside plastic boxes (not too large, like for shoes). When completely fullfilled they become pretty heavy. Anyway rectangular container fits ordinary storing shelves and leaves no unoccupied space. (Cheers from Belarus. Me against Putin's war)

[@NoMoreTears64]

I would like the "bucket" idea better if the were square. They still take up too much space.

[@leopardwoman38]

There are square buckets for sale through industrial supply companies. Baytec is one of those companies. I bought several types of containers and lids from them.

[@johntaylor2080]

Thank you Sandy : )

[@sandysteinbrook]

Nice to see you on here again, John. Thanks for watching.

[@vernabryant2894]

Good advice.

[@kay-marieadkins4342]

If you have some basic sewing skills, make a draw cover with a small amout of batting and use those buckets as foot stools or even card table seats.

[@simplystillwell3935]

These are great tips!

[@lisa32469]

Hey Sandy! Love gamma lids. I use them on my sugar and flour buckets since I get in them a lot. Much easier to deal with... I want to pick your brain...our "neighborhood" has about about 15 homes in a one mile radius. One of the neighbors and I think it would be a good idea to have a gathering with whoever's interested, to discuss what's going on with the world and how we can help each other when the really bad stuff happens....pull our resources, skills, ect. Have any ideas on what we should bring up in general? We have a list going, but I'd like others input as well so we dont miss anything.

[@susans9491]

I think that’s a good idea, but I’d be very cautious about revealing what and how much you have stockpiled. I’d try to keep some of that information to myself, but try to find out how like-minded the neighbors are. Maybe have job assignments within the group - sub committees such as security, medical,etc. This way people can draw from their strengths and special skills/training. There is safety in numbers, but you must be careful nonetheless.

[@lisa32469]

@@susans9491 no intention of revealing or even asking if they have stocked. Just want to pull resources and skills together. Make sure our neighborhood is safe, and help each other. If they weren't smart enough to get food, they won't even be interested in what we have to say. I won't have a problem taking care of someone that has helped themselves, but if you haven't dont come trying to take mine...living out in the country most folks have some stuff out back just for bad weather. But who knows.

[@crazycooley50]

So a neighbor and I talked about this very idea… I put it out to our personal Facebook group in our neighborhood of 250 homes and sadly on 8 people were interested. It’s a start though… as it effect’s them personally… watch the community grow. Then it will become important to them. Fortunately our community is heavy Morman based, and they are taught to prep. They have a lot to offer. But yes.. everyone has skills, gardening, cooking, construction, and yes … security could become a big one… even the elderly could offer wisdom. I think everyone could have a place… especially if there willing to learn.

[@crazycooley50]

Are you concerned about inflation and food shortages? If so, we'd love to get together as a neighborhood to share and learn ways to ensure you are prepared for both your family and to help others. Please comment or message if you are interested and then we'll coordinate a date, time, and location. 6 comments I Like Comment

[@crazycooley50]

This is what we wrote

[@RareRosebud]

I like this idea better and the screw on lids too. I freeze my stuff first too. Question to anyone out there though. How do you store flax seeds/meal long-term? I bought mylar bags for them, but then started thinking about all the fats in flax....is it even possible to store flax long-term? Sort of like how brown rice doesn't store well long-term because of the oils in them.🤔

[@littlebird585]

Hi Sophie, I think you are right the flax wouldn't store long term in a bucket due to the oils. But you can store it in the freezer. It stores well that way. You may want to put it in a different container, maybe a glass jar.?? Just an idea.

[@RareRosebud]

@@littlebird585 Yeah I was recently thinking freezer too, like in ziploc bags, but I like the jar idea better. Thank you!🙂

[@susans9491]

I think the oils will work against you for long term storage, I’d store in vacuum sealed or ziplock bags in the freezer, like you might do for nuts.

[@RareRosebud]

@@susans9491 Thank you! 😊

[@sandysteinbrook]

I’m glad you asked this question. I have ground flaxseed too. For now it is in the freezer and the bag I regularly use, I keep in the refrigerator. But I have no long term ideas, so I enjoy reading these

[@batch1638]

Good stuff but rodents can easily chew and grind through plastic. Any ideas on how to "rodent proof" the buckets?

[@victoriaballew8753]

I prefer emptying out of original packaging into Mylar bags w/o2 absorbers and then in buckets for my long term layer. I feel like I can get more in my buckets that way. My middle layer goes directly into buckets with gamma lids.

[@debbieb6054]

Great idea. I need to get these buckets and lids. You mentioned bread making. Do you plan on storing oil and/ or butter? If so, how can one store it long term?

[@sandysteinbrook]

As far as oil, I’ve bought olive oil in bulk from Costco and have it in a dark closet. For butter…besides the freezer, I don’t know. I guess ghee could work?? I have never tried, and don’t know the ratio for using ghee. I think I should look in to it now that I think about it.

[@Dr.Pepper001]

I recommend putting some salt and spices in with the rice. Rice without salt tastes horrible.

[@joeymiami]

All oxygen must be removed for long term storage. Not sure you’ll get more than 3 years of shelf life with the method you’re using unless you actively consume and rotate the contents. To store and forget for up to 30 years, all oxygen should be removed using non-porous flexible bags such as Mylar. Just opened a bag of flour to bake bread after 5 years of storage in Mylar with oxygen absorbers and it was as fresh as the day I packed it. It takes more effort to store food this way but no regrets opening that bucket in a few years when it’s done right.

[@Raffields777]

Love it...this is great for short term but not in my opinion very long storage..like leave and forget for long time persay...great video 💯🥰

[@sandysteinbrook]

Thank you for your input! I always enjoy reading everyone's opinions. I agree this may not be for reallllly long term. I am just thinking 6 months to a year. :)

[@Raffields777]

@@sandysteinbrook I thought so..love your channel.. You always look so well put together ❣️ I learned from you I didn't plant my tomatoes deep enough lol🙏

[@sandysteinbrook]

@@Raffields777 That is nice of you to say. Thank you!

[@retroshopper1]

Personally we have not had a problem with bugs, it was only when we brought in cardboard boxes that had insect eggs inside it. We were grateful to have noticed before they all hatched. God is faithful to speak to us, when we are quiet.. Lol

[@lesliealava9499]

You really need to put beans in Mylar bags. Beans lose nutritional value when do not store properly.

[@Lori664]

You might want to write on the bucket what is in it. Also the date of purchase. If you have 2 buckets of rice… you can easily grab the older bucket if you wrote on it. 😉✌🏻

[@MegaMyjason]

Hi Sandy, First time viewing your video. I have a question, What will you do if and when you don't have electricity to keep the foods cool as possible ?

[@reflax6009]

That’s what I recall - it’s most obvious We will need water too I saw some emergency kinda distiller that works with no electricity It may not be even safe to be at home - earthquake Only God knows Be prepared to live with God and trust Him God said that we should not worry so much - most important is our fate and whether I’m ready to see Jesus

[@frenchmama1837]

Did you freeze your beans before putting them in the buckets? Thx!

[@sandysteinbrook]

I do not. I don't think that it is a grain that needs to be frozen first.

[@theonewhomjesusloves7360]

A lot of people have probably told you this, but your beans and rice will not stay fresh in their packages like that. First the plastic breaks down, second, unless do you remove the air by vacuum sealing them the beans will turn into rocks in a year. You can cook them from now until doomsday and they'll still be rocks. My neighbor did that. This is why mylar bags are important because you put the oxygen absorbers inside. Or you need to vacuum seal everything. Air moisture and direct sunlight are your enemy when you're storing food

[@reddawn8230]

Can beans and rice just be kept in a deep freezer?

[@kathyr7156]

After you stored the flour in the freezer, Doesn’t the wrapping get damp when it defrosts?

[@cathyl4622]

Once it gets to room temperature any condensation dries out. I leave a full week before I store it.

[@kathyr7156]

@@cathyl4622 how long does it usually take a bag of flour to defrost? How long after that do you wait until you put it in the storage canister?

[@cathyl4622]

@@kathyr7156 I wait a week at room temp. I have waited 3 days and it is still cold in the center. Also, the flour bag is paper and I don't want that to retain any moisture whatsoever.

[@susans9491]

Here in northern New England I buy grains in the winter and just leave them in the back of the car (a rover suv but if you have a trunk that works too) for several days, or even the whole winter. Helps with traction and freezes any creepy crawlies, and works for us as our freezers are always crammed full. The just bring in the house, wait a few days to fully warm up, and store away!

[@sandysteinbrook]

Totally agree with what Cathy said.

[@b.walker5955]

I was SHOCKED at the bucket price of 2022. With the flimsy stock lid sold separately, you are in it for a TENer. How did that happen? If you chose gamma, egads you are a high roller. Any tips on sourcing less expensively? What prices have you paid recently? I am center region in the US. THANKS.

[@shieldoffaith8798]

Yes, visit your local bakery or donut shop :))

[@b.walker5955]

@@shieldoffaith8798 Head slap. Can't tell you how many times @GreymanPrepping or others have suggested that. Yet I deleted it from my data base. Thanks for the reminder!

[@frodrickfronkensteen9241]

10 year results... a lesson learned: While tempting (to save space) don't stack gamma lid'd buckets more than two high. Over time, the bottom lid will give/crack. They cost me $6 back then... can't imagine now You might get away with three high IF you stagger your bucket pillars, putting the heavy food on bottom bucket (wheat, rice, sugar, salt) and the lighter buckets towards the top (pastas, cereals, etc.). Also... 5 gallon buckets are what you find at HD or Lowes, but you can get 6 gallon buckets if you look around. If you go with 6 gallon buckets, don't pack them with the heavies... pack them with lighter stuff like pastas/cereals/etc. Your back will thank you. - If you are skipping mylars and O2 absorbers, you need to freeze your bulk foods for at least 48 hours to kill any larva - Certain foods, if stored properly, last indefinitely. Wheat berries (wheat), pastas... mylar'd and O2'd, these will last for several decades (probably much longer) - Don't use O2 absorbers on sugar nor salt. Else, you'll pull out a five gallon bucket-sized brick of sugar a few years down the road. Still fresh, but a challenge to use (ask me how I know) - Survival food and MREs are the MOST expensive route. Put a few MREs in your car, bugout or go bags. Put cans and buckets in your pantry. You'll save a pile and stack more food - Good luck. God bless

[@Lewlewbelle]

Why would there be bugs in buckets? I don’t understand the need for bay leaves

[@sandysteinbrook]

Bugs are attracted to food

[@Lewlewbelle]

@@sandysteinbrook but how would they get into a sealed heavy plastic bucket is what I am confused about.

[@spiritimagineer]

Can you store Oatmeal as well?? Do the Oatmeal bags have to go in the freezer also??

[@auntbeth448]

I freeze first, then defrost after 3 days, then repack into canning jars once at room temp...I don’t like storing in paper...

[@Rubin4749]

She likes the lids to the buckets because they are screwable, and she screws them. She said she screws them tight. She always knows the right things to say.

[@noecazares2144]

This is exactly what I needed to know. 👍

[@sandysteinbrook]

I am so glad this video was helpful to you!

[@shanedirden6206]

😘

[@zanewoodward4822]

Respectfully You are soooo Fine !!!!

[@sandysteinbrook]

Well, thank you very much!

[@VintagePrincess27]

I was told to freeze the beans not the rice lol

[@Jesus-kc9vs]

Why would you waste money putting oxygen absorbers in a bucket that’s not airtight?

[@kingmanta7679]

Unless the bucket is certified Food Grade It Isn't. Motor oil containers are Hdpe2 as well, don't use em.

[@angeltrumpets7925]

Hope you froze those beans and rice before storing. Better to freeze and use mylar bags with oxygen absorbers. Bay leaves not needed if stores inside buckets. Lids screw on remember?

[@angeltrumpets7925]

Amateur. Not the best way to store.