Step 1: Shelves

Determine which type of shelf system you want to use and purchase one shelf to get started. Build your own, buy plastic or metal shelves, or splurge and buy a fancy can rotation system.

Key Points

Don’t let small spaces intimidate you. For a comprehensive list of helpful ideas view our Small Spaces Storage Solutions post
There are a wide variety of shelf options available. Determine the amount you feel comfortable spending and consider what will suit your needs best.
Options for canned goods and other Three Month Supply foods:
- Build Your Own – Cheap & offers the most flexibility, but time-intensive
  - Free plan for building cardboard rotating can racks
  - Other plans available at CanRacks.com
- Inexpensive metal or plastic shelving (i.e. from Walmart) – A cheap and easy way to get started, shelves may not be as durable
  - Julie opted for plastic, Jodi got metal – both work!
- Higher quality metal shelves – Heavy duty hardware store shelves should have no problem with bowing or collapsing under heavy weights.
- Deluxe Can Rotation System – Most expensive option, but very convenient for easily rotating through foods. Found at ShelfReliance.com
Start with one set of shelves and add more as your food storage grows.
Plastic may be better than metal for storing heavier items (cheap metal shelves tend to bow in the middle).
Adjustable shelf heights will be useful as you store different types and sizes of foods and cans.
Clear a space near your shelves for 5 gallon buckets/water containers/etc. Cover with old carpet or pallets to avoid storing directly on concrete.

Diagrams/Charts

Diagram to build your own can rotating rack food storage shelves out of cardboard. This diagram can be a little bit complex so we did a step-by-step tutorial you can view here: “How to Build Your Own Can Rotating Rack”.