Creative Canning Storage Ideas

Canning is a great way to preserve food over long periods of time, and canning storage is a great way to ensure your hard work is properly stored. Whether you are an experienced canner or just starting out, it is important to have a plan for storing your canned goods. With the right storage setup and good use of storage space, you can ensure that your canned goods remain fresh and safe for months or even years. Let’s explore some creative food storage ideas that will make the process easier and more organized, and then we’ll go over how to store your filled and empty jars. We will conquer a small space, root cellars, kitchen cabinets, can storage, and more.

Use What You Have at Home 

Before investing in expensive storage units, it’s a great idea to consider what you already have in your home that could be used to store canned goods and what pieces you need that could be a DIY project. Consider repurposing old dressers, an old magazine holder, wardrobe closets, armoires, or other furniture items into storage solutions. It’s also possible to use shelving from the garage or basement to give more shelf space if it’s available. Just remember that the shelving should be sturdy enough to hold up containers filled with heavy cans of food. 

Choose Your Containers Wisely 

When choosing containers for canning storage, opt for something durable and stackable, like plastic bins with lids. You want a sturdy container that will last your family a long time. If you plan on using open shelving for your cans, choose storage containers that are clear or have see-through windows so you can easily identify which cans or canning supplies are stored where without having to remove them from the shelf each time, because you definitely don’t want to waste too much time trying to find what you need. Additionally, it may be beneficial to label each bin with its contents, so you always know what is stored inside without having to open the lid and check every time. It’s also a good idea to take some time to find a great place for these containers.

Organize by Categories

Another canned food storage idea to keep your cans organized is by organizing them into categories like fruits and vegetables, soups and stews, meats and fish, and quart jars versus pint jars versus others… This will make it easier to find specific items when needed rather than rummaging through messy piles of cans looking for a particular item. To further organize within these categories, consider color coding your cans by type (red for tomatoes and sauces; yellow for corn; green for green beans, etc.) This solution is especially helpful if space is limited but allows quick access when needed. 

Here are a few other cool ideas to inspire you: 

Mason Jar Holders 

One great way to store your canned food is with a mason jar holder and other food organizers. These come in all sorts of sizes and styles, from wooden holders that can hang on a wall to metal racks that sit on your countertop or table. Mason jar holders offer convenience and ease of accessibility while giving you an attractive way to display your cans. They’re stackable, so you can easily add more jars as needed! Your countertop is also a perfect place and an easy way to stay organized during canning season!

Drawer Organizers 

If space is at a premium in your kitchen, drawer organizers are a great option for storing your canned goods. They provide easy access while taking up minimal space – plus, they help keep things organized! You can find drawer organizers made specifically for mason jars or get creative and repurpose items like cutlery trays or boxes meant for filing folders.  

Lazy Susans 

Another great storage option is the lazy Susan – these rotating shelves make it easy to access whatever jar you need without digging through a pile of cans! Plus, they look stylish and modern, which makes them perfect for displaying on an open shelf or cabinet. Even better – if you have limited counter space but plenty of wall space available, there are even lazy Susans designed specifically for hanging on the wall!   

How To Best Store Your Jars and Cans 

Now that you know how you want to store and organize your jars, now it’s probably good to go over how to best store them – some rules will keep you safe and help your food last longer. 

Choose the Right Storage Container 

The type of storage container you use will ultimately determine how well your canned goods stay preserved. For starters, never use plastic containers because they tend to trap moisture and promote mold growth. Instead, choose airtight glass or metal containers with lids that fit snugly so that no air can get in. This will help prevent any contaminants from getting into your cans and also keep out moisture which could cause corrosion over time. 

Find a Cool, Dark Place 

When storing your cans, make sure to pick an area where they won’t be exposed to direct sunlight or extreme temperatures. Light and heat can cause a reaction between the tin or aluminum in the cans and the food inside, resulting in a metallic taste. The best place to store canned foods is somewhere dark and cool, like a basement or pantry shelf that isn’t too close to any appliances or sources of heat like ovens or water heaters. 

Check Your Cans Periodically 

It’s also important to periodically check your cans for rust or bulging lids—two signs that indicate spoilage has occurred. If either one appears then throw out the can immediately as it may contain harmful bacteria, such as botulism which can be fatal if consumed. Additionally, always make sure to label each jar with its expiration date so that you know when it needs to be replaced. 

Label Everything

When storing canned goods, it’s important to label everything clearly. Make sure to include the name of the item, the date it was canned, and any other relevant information, such as ingredients or instructions for use. Labeling will help you keep track of what’s in each container, which can help you rotate items, so they don’t get too old or go bad before using them. 

Canning has become increasingly popular in recent years as people look for ways to save money while still eating fresh produce year-round without having to shop multiple times per month or week. Finding creative canning storage solutions will help ensure that your canned goods stay fresh longer while remaining easy to access whenever you need them! With these tips in mind, start brainstorming how to create an efficient yet stylish canning system in your home today!