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Thursday, January 10, 2013

My tried and true week-by-week food storage and emergency prep system

Since its January, its time to start my food storage rotation all over again. I have been using a system that I have fine-tuned for a few years now, and I'm pretty sure I have most of the kinks worked out. The thing I really like about this particular system is that it breaks it all down to week-by-week. I also like that you can jump in wherever you are in the year, and just start from that month. Its a good, "non-overwhelming" way to get started (and continue!) on your food storage!

This is the sheet that I use that shows each month with four weeks listed and the items to work on each of those weeks:


The first year I implemented it, I just stocked our shelves with whatever was on the list for the week. The next year, at the beginning of each week, I checked my inventory of each item for the week, rotated if needed, tossed out expired things, and then made sure that my stock was up-to-date and consisted of the correct amounts for what our family needed.

To go along with the above week-by-week sheet, I have a corresponding inventory sheet (notice how the colors match up with the colors on the weekly schedule). It has all of the items in my food/emergency storage. This is one page of six in my inventory sheet set:


Every year I tweak it a bit according to our needs. Bob and I are pretty much empty-nesters (until our son comes home from his mission in May, and also not including the times our other kids come around), so we have adapted it all to the needs of two people, more or less. I also look at other lists that come across my desk and add things that aren't yet in our emergency storage. So, the list is ever-changing, which is good. I hate to throw food out, so I don't want to store more than I need to be storing. I try to store what we will use in the coming year. That way, it turns out to be about a year's supply of everything.

I'm going to post the food storage "items for the week" on this blog so that it will remind me and maybe spark something in somebody out there in blog-land to make sure you and I both, are ready for any upcoming emergency. One thing you need to know is that items for the week are guidelines. You can decide what in that particular category you would really want to have in your food storage. For instance, in the 2nd week of January, the items are cleansers. This could be just the basics that you might want to have set aside in case of an emergency, or the full-blown array of cleansers you might use in a year's time. I decided I wanted to do a true "year's supply" for my family, so I try to keep the basic items that I will use within the year. I may or may not include stain remover, or floor cleaner. It all depends on what you want to have in your supply. You also may want to start out with the very basics and then add to the list as the years go on. (A bit easier on the pocketbook!)

The first week in January, the items are easy...

January Week 1: Watch for and buy 50% off on Christmas items, cards, paper, ribbons, etc. If you don't care to score on any of the Christmas buys, then you get a pass this week!

The second week in January, the items are as follows:

January Week 2: Detergents, bleach, cleansers, laundry detergent, dish detergent, bathroom and window cleaners. Many cleansers last for several years, but I like to rotate through mine so that they don't get old or stale. You may not think of dishwasher detergent as an emergency item, but I like keep enough in stock so that I never find myself running out or in extreme need to run to the store. :)

Notice I've highlighted these in pink. They will correspond with the items on my inventory sheet set (6 pages) so that I can find them right away on the list, know how many I should have in storage, and then know how many I need to put on my shopping list for that week. On my inventory sheet set, I record the quantity I have, the size of the package, the expiration date, and the amount I should have in storage. There is also a place to mark off if I have enough of the item and the date that item was checked off.

Does that all make sense? Clear as mud, right? It makes perfect sense to me, but I KNOW I don't think the same was as everyone else, so it might just be a bunch of jibberish to all of you. If any of it is helpful, then its all good.

If you would like me to send you copies of the inventory sheet set, and also the week-by-week item list, just leave a comment below with your name and email address, and I'll zip one off to you!

175 comments:

  1. Wow - this looks great! I'd love to have a copy - thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Very inspiring-I'd love a copy! You have my email address.
    Love from your sister, Susan

    ReplyDelete
  3. I would love a copy! Thank you!

    My name is Kristy
    soozjo@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. I would love a copy...heidipwalsh2hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. This is such an awesome way to build food storage! I have been meaning to start but just get so overwhelmed so nothing ever gets started. This is something I can definitely follow. I would love copies of both lists if that's not too much to ask :] Thanks so much!

    j.elisewright@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I would love this! Melissa bizzybeeme@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melissa-
      Check your inbox in a few minutes. You should find the documents.
      I hope you like it! Let me know if you have any questions!

      Delete
    2. I'd love a copy too!
      Victoria
      Only1pinuchi@yahoo.com

      Delete
  7. I would love a copy. lymanfamily@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristin!
      I just sent off your copies via email. Hopefully you have received them! Let me know if you have any questions about it!

      Delete
  8. Hi, Dayna, I'd love a copy of your week-by-week list and inventory sheets. Thanks!
    --Molly
    walkpinellas@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Molly-
      The documents you requested should be in your inbox. Hope you find them helpful! Let me know if you have any questions.

      Delete
  9. I would love a copy of the charts! This is wonderful!
    Karasessions@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello!
      I am sending off the information you requested. You should find them in your inbox shortly.
      Let me know if you have any questions! Good luck-

      Delete
  10. I would like to have a copy of both. slapoutkid@yahoo.com
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Linda-
      I've just emailed you the information you requested. Let me know if you don't receive them.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  11. I would love a copy of both as well. champprov@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cris-
      You should find the requested copies in your inbox this morning. I hope you find them helpful!

      Delete
  12. May I have a copy?! Looks awesome! Azlinzi at msn dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello-
      I've just sent off the information you requested. Let me know if you have any questions at all!

      Delete
  13. Would you mind sending me copies of both?! I would really appreciate it thanks! megswin at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will be sending the information you requested in the next few days... I'm having some computer issues that should be resolved (hopefully) by that time! Thanks!

      Delete
  14. Would love copies! mattmistymck at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Would love copies! mattmistymck at hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Misty-
      You should have received your copies via email this morning. I hope you find it helpful. Let me know if you have any questions!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  16. I would love copies! kayleeanne21@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kaylee Anne-
      I've just sent off your copies. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  17. Please add me to your list when sending out copies tkm821@gmail.com Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kevin and Teri-
      Thanks for requesting the copies. You should find them in your email this morning. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  18. Please send me copies. ewoods00@embarqmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Janice-
      I just emailed the copies out to you. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  19. Hello, I found you on Pinterest! This is exactly what I have been looking for! Can you please send me a copy as well?
    ambreabanagas@yahoo.com

    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Ambrea-
      I've just sent off the information you requested. You should receive it in your inbox. If you have any questions at all, let me know!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  20. I also found you on Pinterest! :) I would love to receive copies of both documents! amandakmo (at) me (dot) com Thanks!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amanda-
      I sent off your documents this morning. Let me know if you have any questions, or you don't receive them in your inbox.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  21. Please Send a copy, makes sense.

    Esther & Stewart

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I would love to send you the information you requested. However, I need your email address. This reply message goes through without me seeing your email address, so I will still need an address from you.
      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Thanks, Esther and Stewart. Check your inbox this morning for the information... Let me know if you have any questions at all!

      Delete
  22. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oops! Sorry about accidentally deleting your comment!
      Check your inbox for the requested information this morning. If you have any questions at all, let me know!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  23. Could you please email me your list at tanisortiz@aol.com! Thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just sent off your lists via email. Let me know if you have any questions!

      Delete
  24. Hey this sounds great could u please send me ur list at twilliams2821@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hey this sounds great could u please send me ur list at twilliams2821@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Tina-
      You should receive your lists via email this morning. Let me know if you have any questions... Good luck!

      Delete
  26. Always looking for great ways to keep myself organized and better prepared. Would love to have a copy of your lists sent to loraine_buckley@yahoo.com. Thanks so much for sharing you vast knowledge and hard work.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Loraine-
      I've sent off your lists this morning. You should find them in your inbox. If you have any questions, let me know.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  27. Please send me copies at neenee838 at gmail dot com. thank you so much!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Jeanine-
      Your lists should be in your inbox this morning. Hopefully you find them helpful. If you have any questions, just let me know.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  28. I would love a copy too please! lattelover2000@hotmail.com
    Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello-
      I've sent your lists via email this morning. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  29. I'd love both sheets! Thanks!

    Jessica
    jcooper@epicchristianchurch.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He Jessica-
      I've just sent off the information you requested. Hopefully you find it helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  30. I would really appreciate both lists. Such a great, organized way to get things in order. Thanks!
    Shannon
    aspenbutterfly@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Shannon-
      You should find the lists in your inbox this afternoon. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  31. I would love a copy of these lists!
    Melanie
    coxmelaniem@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie-
      You should receive your lists via email this morning. Hope you find them helpful.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  32. I would love a copy also please. Liberty
    Jakelib93@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Liberty-
      The lists should be in your inbox. Let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck!

      Delete
  33. I would love a copy!
    Kaitlinsearle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Kaitlin-
      I've just email your lists, per your request. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  34. I would love to have these list.
    alishabminor@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should find the requested information in your email inbox this morning. Hope you find it helpful!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  35. Please send me a copy of your list: sharonsphotodesigns@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should receive your requested information via email this morning. Hopefully you find it helpful!
      Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  36. I would love a copy sent to shlyvt@dordt.edu. thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should receive the requested info in your inbox within the hour. I hope you find it useful.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  37. I would love a copy. My better half and I are setting up our first food storage this year.

    vubula@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Check your inbox for the information you requested. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  38. I love this idea and would love a copy. I want to start this right away! Wow, Thank you...
    mspinkie@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should be receiving the information you requested in your inbox this afternoon. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  39. This is a great system. I was feeling a little overwhelmed. I would love a copy of your file! Thanks! staples329@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off the information you requested. I hope you find it helpful!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  40. I love this! Can I get a copy. Laurahigh@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. I love this! Can I get a copy. Laurahigh@live.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Laura-
      I've just sent off the copies you requested. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions at all.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  42. I would love a copy also please. kristiewright0722@gmail.com
    They begin with January correct? (since this is right around the corner again!)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kristie-
      You should receive your lists in your inbox shortly. The weekly list shows each of the months, beginning with January, but you can start this program at any week throughout the year... there really isn't a beginning or an end.
      If you have any other questions, let me know!
      Good luck!

      Delete
  43. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Bonnie-
      You should receive your copies via email tonight. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  44. would you please also send the complete set to me? Thank you in advance!

    amberbombarger@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Amber-
      I've just emailed the lists you requested. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  45. I'd love the list as well! lanceandheidi@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Heidi! You should find the requested lists in your inbox this morning. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  46. could you please send me the list? thank you so much :) marthaellen122@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Martha!
      I've sent off the lists this morning. I hope you find them helpful! Good luck!

      Delete
  47. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  48. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  49. Me to please. shy120_99@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  50. I'd love to try out your system! Sounds great!
    benandrobin@gmail.com
    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off your requested lists. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  51. You have put a lot of work into this, I'd love to try it. Randyandcindybaxter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. You have put a lot of work into this, I'd love to try it. Randyandcindybaxter@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Cindy-
      I've just sent off your requested lists. Sorry it took so long, but I've been out of town! Hope you find them helpful!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  53. Could I have a copy too? Love it!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Whoops...my email is jessica.a.salmon@gmail.com!

    ReplyDelete
  55. Could I have a copy too? Love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jess-
      I've just sent off the items you requested. I hope you find them helpful. They turn food storage into something really do-able and easy. Makes you feel so good!
      Let me know if you have any questions at all.
      Good luck!

      Delete
  56. I would very much appreciate a copy of your lists. My sisters and I are trying to be better about becoming prepared step by step. Many thanks!!!
    amandarnelson77@gmail.com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent of the lists you requested. I hope you and your sisters find them helpful.
      Let me know if you have any questions at all.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  57. I would love a copy.kursetea1@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kirstie!
      I've just sent off the lists you requested. You should receive them in your inbox this morning. Let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck!

      Delete
  58. I would LOVE a copy of this! This is exactly what I have been looking for!!! Thank you for putting together such a perfect plan for beginners like me!! Please email me at emilytevans@gmail.com

    Thanks so much!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Emily-
      You should receive the items you requested in your inbox in just a few minutes. I hope you find the plan helpful. Best of luck!

      Delete
  59. Please send these lists to me! They are amazing! Thank you!
    beccaeversull@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Becca-
      I've just sent off your requested lists. I hope you find them helpful... Let me know if you have any questions!
      Thanks!

      Delete
  60. Would love a copy of this! My email is info@mandalayimages.com. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Mandy-
      You should receive your requested copies via email shortly. Let me know if you have any questions. Good luck!

      Delete
  61. I would love a copy of your lists. Thank you so much!! My email is uofo@msn.com.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should be receiving your copies via email shortly. I hope you find this plan helpful! Good luck!

      Delete
  62. i would also love a copy of this Im teaching a class on food storage at rs tonight and would love to share this if I could. nicoleditto@yahoo.com Thanks!:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off the lists you requested. I hope all goes well at RS tonight. :)

      Delete
  63. I would very much appreciate a copy of your lists. Pantry prepping can be so overwhelming! Thank you for being so kind and sharing your method.
    mfloyd7719@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent the information you requested via email. Let me know if you have any questions at all! Good luck!

      Delete
  64. Could you send me a copy of this list and you other list for household items. Thank You. ejb1970@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should find the requested lists in your inbox shortly. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  65. Cochrankallie@gmail.com -- thank you very much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should receive your lists via email this morning. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  66. camelworksllc@gmail.com - would love to get a copy of your planning sheets as well. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off your requested lists. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
  67. Could you send me copies as well? melanie0715@gmail.com thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie-
      I've just sent off your lists. You should receive them via email. Let me know if you have any questions. Thanks!

      Delete
  68. Please send me a copy too. yvettesplinter@yahoo.ca Love your blog - it is so easy to follow - Yvette

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Yvette-
      I sent your requested lists this morning. I hope you find them helpful. Let me know if you have any questions.
      Thanks!

      Delete
    2. Thanks it is great to find a person who likes to be well stocked but is not Obsessed with the end of the world. This will help me to organize the stores that I have. God bless! -Y

      Delete
  69. I'd love a copy: ljallen44(at)cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  70. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  71. Just found this blog love it
    Please send a complete copy to sg955@att.net

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just sent it off. Hope you find it helpful! Let me know if you have any questions...

      Delete
  72. Computer died
    Can you please send me another complete copy. Send it to sg955@att.net
    Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  73. Could I get a copy of your list? I have been looking and yours seems to be the most comprehensive I have seen. colleenlunt@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just emailed you your lists. I hope you find them helpful. Good luck!

      Delete
  74. I would love copies also! Thanks! :) ckhumphrey14@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sorry to take soooooo long! I've just sent your lists off. I hope you find them helpful!

      Delete
  75. Could I get a copy of your lists? They look great! heatherjones2006@yahoo.com Thanks in advance!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off your lists. So sorry I took so long (craaazy times). Good luck!

      Delete
  76. Would love a copy of your lists. kellafton@yahoo.com. Thank you for all your hard work in helping others to try and get things going.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You should find the lists in your inbox. Let me know if you have any questions. Best of luck!

      Delete
  77. I also would love a copy of your lists. I am hoping it will help jumpstart my planning. erinblack@y7mail.com Thank you so much for doing all this to help others.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've just sent off your lists. I hope you find them helpful. Thanks!

      Delete
  78. I would love to get a copy of your lists if it's not too much trouble! Hoping to start our emergency stockpile this year. :)
    Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diane! I'll need your email address. I know it seems like I should have it, since I'm sending you this reply via email, but I can't send the attachments on this automatic reply. I'll await your email address. If you don't want to post it here publicly, you can send it directly to me at dayna@cottagenw.com Thanks!

      Delete
  79. I'm just barely getting started with food storage...and I already have five growing kids! I've been overwhelmed and then I found your blog. It's wonderful! I would love a copy of your lists. Thanks so much!
    trishacoopers5@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just emailed your lists to you. I hope you find them helpful! Good luck!

      Delete
  80. Hello...love the idea of weekly purchasing/prepping. I would love a copy of your lists. Thank you..
    dottie75043@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I resent the lists. I hope you were able to receive them. Good luck!

      Delete
  81. Thank you so much for a comprehensive list with columns for expirations. I've been searching for a list such as yours and glad to have found it! Thank You!! I would appreciate receiving a copy, Della

    my email is nestbuilder@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Della- Sorry it has taken me so long! :) I hope you find the lists helpful.

      Delete
  82. Yes please send me the email of your list.
    mason1aidon2r@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Yes please send me the email of your list.
    mason1aidon2r@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Would love a copy of your inventory lists please! BikerAngelMom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. PLEASE send me a copy. My email is djb61253@gmail.com. Thank you, in advance. Thank you so very much.

    ReplyDelete
  86. If you are still sending out the spreadsheet, I would be interested in a copy.
    You can send it to GreyWolf1776@gmx.com
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete

  87. could I have a copy of your food storage plan?
    thanks. piggyacresprepared@gmail.com







    ReplyDelete
  88. If you're still monitoring this post, I would love a copy of your food storage plan. tnsemama@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  89. Hello, I would love this spread sheet please. dndswan@gmail.com
    thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  90. I would love a copy of this system. Thank you mrsdryes@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  91. If you are still sending out the spreadsheet, I would be interested in a copy.
    You can send it to GreyWolf1776@gmx.com
    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  92. If you are still sharing your worksheets, I would appreciate a copy. Thank you! Gayle Pugmire socrnuts@gmail.co

    ReplyDelete
  93. Corrested email socrnuts@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  94. I would love a copy if you are still willing to send them out!
    CapGirl80@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  95. Since all these ppl are asking and no replies, i'm assuming that she is not sending out any copies.
    Am i correct?

    ReplyDelete
  96. Any chance you still have this file and can email it to me?

    ReplyDelete
  97. Please send me copies, thank you.

    ReplyDelete
  98. I would love to have a copy of these if you are still sending them. Thanks...

    ReplyDelete
  99. Has anyone receive a reply from her in the last 6 months in reference to this????

    ReplyDelete