5-6 Gallon Buckets & Mylar Pouches: Storage Options

I have a memory as a child (around age 5) in one of the homes we lived in Champion, AB. My parents used 5 gallon pails full of various food storage (though I did not have any idea what was in them) to create an entire wall of buckets in our basement. This separated the play room from the storage room. The “wall” was double wide and in reality probably only stacked 3 high (maybe 4), but my parents placed them in such a way we could climb up and over them, which maybe was not their intent, but that is what we did!

Here are some other maybe more useful uses and purposes:

Five or Six-Gallon Buckets:

1. Food Storage: These buckets are ideal for long-term food storage. You can store bulk grains like wheat, beans, rice, pasta, and other dry foods in sealed Mylar pouches or plastic containers within the buckets. The airtight seal helps protect food from pests, moisture, and oxygen.
2. Water Storage: Clean, food-grade buckets are suitable for storing water. You can use them to collect, transport, and store water for emergency situations. Make sure to use food-grade buckets.
3. Emergency Supplies: Buckets can be used to store and organize emergency supplies such as 72 Hour Kits,  first aid kits, personal hygiene kits, tools, and survival gear. The large capacity allows you to keep essential items in one easily accessible container.
4. Composting or Waste Management: In non-emergency situations, you can repurpose these buckets for composting kitchen scraps or for use as a temporary waste disposal solution if regular trash collection is disrupted.
5. Gardening and Planting: Use buckets for container gardening in small spaces. Drill drainage holes in the bottom, add soil, and plant vegetables or herbs. The buckets can be moved to optimize sunlight.
6. Portable Toilet: In emergency situations where plumbing is unavailable, you can line a bucket with a plastic bag and use it as a makeshift toilet, especially made easy with the luggable loo. This is especially useful if you have no access to sanitation facilities.

And – Look at the fun array of colors you can get the lids in!

 

Mylar Pouches:

1. Food Storage: Excellent for storing dehydrated or freeze-dried food items. They provide a barrier to light, oxygen, and moisture, which helps prolong the shelf life of foods. Mylar pouches can be sealed with an oxygen absorber to create a safe environment.
2. Bulk Ingredient Packaging: Suitable for packaging bulk ingredients like wheat, flour, sugar, dried herbs, spices, and salt. The sealed pouches maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
3. Protection from Pests: Using Mylar pouches for food storage helps protect your supplies from pests like insects and rodents, as they provide an additional layer of defense against contamination.
4. Emergency Kits: Create compact and lightweight emergency kits. These pouches can hold items like fire-starting materials, first aid supplies, and personal hygiene products.
5. Preservation of Sensitive Items: Used to store and protect sensitive items like important documents, electronic devices, or fragile equipment from moisture, dust, and physical damage.
6. Transport of Delicate Items: If you need to transport delicate or breakable items during an emergency, Mylar pouches can act as protective cushioning to prevent damage.

 

These come in 1 Gallon or 5-6 Gallon sizes with a zip seal (as seen in the photo), or no seal to create your own

Why Do We Need Oxygen Absorbers?

I have you covered! Check out this article to learn all about the importance and purpose of them for your packing endeavors.

Conclusion:

In summary, both five or six-gallon buckets and Mylar pouches have a wide list of applications in emergency preparedness, food storage, and organization. They are valuable tools for safeguarding and organizing essential supplies during times of crisis! Happy packing!