Is it better to have one big container of your basic stocks — such as sugar, flour and pasta — or to divide it up?
My preference is to divide pretty much everything into at least two containers. Usually, I have three: a smaller container that I get into “all the time” and then my main stock divided between at least two airtight bins. There are several reasons for this:
- If something happens to one container — say bugs get into it or it gets moldy — you haven’t lost your entire stock of that item.
- The more often you get into a container, the greater the chances of getting contamination or bugs in it. So having containers that you aren’t getting into will decrease the chance that those containers of food will have a problem.
- It’s usually easier to find places to store smaller containers.
- Smaller containers are lighter in weight and much easier to handle when the boat is moving.
I also try to divide cans between different lockers and not put all of one food in one. That way, should there be a problem that causes cans to get pinhole leaks, again I haven’t lost all of a particular food. Be sure to read more tips specific to storing baking supplies, dog food and canned goods.
Paper products — particularly toilet paper and feminine hygiene products — should also be divided in case of a leak in a locker. You really don’t want to lose your entire stock of either one. Read more tips on storing paper products.
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Helen Marie Stanfield Bell says
Great article ..thanks
Bruce says
With respect for a backup to using toilet tissue, most of the world – the ‘third’ / ‘developing’ parts are typically too poor to be buying toilet tissue. In many countries some form of ‘tabo’ is used – essentially a large dipper like a plastic saucepan – to dip water out of a bucket and pour on your backside with one hand while washing with the other. This skill can be tricky to learn and difficult to use on a moving boat. For people without a lifetime of using a ‘tabo’, I find a small watering can with the sprinkler head removed is a major improvement for control of the water stream. For the first sixty+ years of my life I had no idea that this could be done. Living here in the Philippines where the ‘tabo’ is common introduced me to the method. I use it on the boat now with the watering can which I fill with seawater just before going into the head. Just knowing about the option can be handy if there is a problem with the tissue supply.
Bradley Washburn says
Everybody in Western Hemisphere is American. I’m a citizen of USA.
Patricia Bryk says
As a Canadian living in the Western Hemisphere, Happy 4th of July!!!
Colin Mombourquette says
Happy Independence Day from your northern cousins, thank you for being a great neighbor and friend.
Boater's Planet says
I like all different sizes for different things. I also save all size prescription bottles and use them for keeping screws,nuts and bolts organized and labeled when I take things apart to keep from loosing them and stay organized. I try to keep everything in some sort of airtight container not only for the saltwater environment but organization. Makes a big difference.