With a stockpile of food and emergency gear, you may wonder where to store it all. Creating a cold storage room in your basement or spare room is a smart way to keep your supplies organized and extend food shelf life by storing it in a cool, dark environment. Additionally, a cold storage room can double as a storm shelter during emergencies.
Why Create a Cold Storage Room?
By The Ready Store
Finding the Right Location
Older homes often come with a root cellar, which is typically a cool, dark, unfinished part of the basement—ideal for a cold storage room. For newer homes with unfinished basements, consider dedicating a corner to create your storage room. If you live in an apartment, a closet will work for smaller storage needs.
If space is limited indoors, an underground root cellar in the backyard is an alternative, but ensure it’s well-insulated and not heated like the rest of the home.
When choosing a location, think about the size and quantity of items you need to store. Consider whether you need space for canned goods, fresh produce, or even a small bed if using the room as a shelter.
Choosing Shelving for Storage
Sturdy shelving is essential to keep everything organized and accessible. Commercially available options range in price, such as adjustable shelves from Target for around $50. If you prefer a custom solution, consider building shelves to fit your specific space.
For a DIY approach, measure your space and plan the shelving layout. Using 2x4s and OSB boards, you can construct sturdy shelves to accommodate large cans, heavy bags, or tote bins. If you live in an earthquake-prone area, adding a front bar to each shelf helps prevent items from falling during a tremor.
Additional Resources
Building a cold storage room can simplify your preparedness plan and keep your supplies safe. For more tips on building your food storage and emergency essentials, check out our EasyPrep collection below.
