Preparing for winter II

Rainy-Days

lillylei wrote: »

Ok probably a dumb question but here goes.

Im hoping to move in the autumn and will loose my larger kitchen (not really that fussed) but will gain a garage.

The garage is in a block oposite the house, would I be able to keep stockpiles of packets etc in theer as well as tins?
I was thinking of putting them in large lidded plastic boxes so that no pests can get in, or would it still be too cold etc?

Many thanks

If you can keep it off the floor and in sealed thick plastic boxes you will be fine. If you are putting sacks of potatoes in there make sure is well wrapped.

Confuzzled

lillylei wrote: »

Ok probably a dumb question but here goes.

Im hoping to move in the autumn and will loose my larger kitchen (not really that fussed) but will gain a garage.

The garage is in a block oposite the house, would I be able to keep stockpiles of packets etc in theer as well as tins?
I was thinking of putting them in large lidded plastic boxes so that no pests can get in, or would it still be too cold etc?

Many thanks

i agree with the other poster sealed boxes off the floor should be fine but might i also suggest that you never make it obvious you're taking food in and out of the garage? also you might like to make sure it's not obvious food is in there when the door is open. i only say this as whilst someone may not break into your house, a lot of theft is oportunistic and a garage is much easier to break into than a house without getting caught. If times are tight and someone knows you have a stash of food in there they may be tempted to break in and take it... just a thought, i wouldn't let it put you off it, just be subtle

Enid

Afternoon everyone.

I have been following avidly but been a bit too busy to post.

I use the garage for hoarded stuff mostly got from deals or from Makro/Costco. I think I will be looking at my stock again soon to make sure I have plenty of stock of non perishables in case we get a similarly bad winter this year.

I have seen the lidl deal and have been thinking of getting a cheap easy to use sewing machine so it could be time to invest. Unfortunately my search for a good value machine has also thrown up a few must haves on ebay which is not the money saving idea. :o I will post some of my finds on the shabby chic thread as I think that would be a better place (also my new favourite thread next to this ) I found a gorgeous 1921 Jones machine with the original table for £15. I may have to have that if it stays at that priceish.

chirpychick

Hi everyone, hope you are doing well.
I have everything well under way now but the one issue im having is trying to find reasonably priced flannelette sheets/duvet covers. The one set i did find i couldnt buy because it was from Very/Additions.
Any suggestions please?

Rainy-Days

Chirpychick have a look at my posting above. Dunelm - if you have one near you - have a really good quality brushed cotton sheet set in. They are also doing a heavier weight version if you fancy a bit more luxury, but today I just opted for a white bed set which consists of flat sheet, fitted sheet and two pillow cases for King sized bed £34.99. Go online and type in Dunelm and find a store nearest to you.

Skint_Catt

Rainy-Days wrote: »

Thanks for this I shall go in tomorrow and have a stock up.

According to the Lidl website this offer on beans finishes today - so mad I missed it - we get through a ton :mad:

SpikyHedgehog

Rainy-Days wrote: »

Technically September - which is only four weeks away :eek: - should be the big final push for getting everything done, then October can just deal with anything externally such as the leaves, cleaning guttering and getting in sacks of potatoes or anything that you plan to buy in bulk. If you are doing your own Christmas cake and puddings, then you might want to pre plan ahead and buy those ingredients in slowly now, with the exception of the eggs, everything else is keepable.

Come November you should have everything done so the only thing you need to be thinking about is Christmas food and getting that in slowly (tins of biscuits etc) so you are not splurging out in one big go on December's pay packet and leaving you stony broke for January. I always leave a £250.00 'cushion' fund for January which has stood us in good stead for many years and it has worked well. My friend worked for M&S on the food section tills and she said it was eye opening come December and January as most people going through the tills were putting it on their credit cards!! Well that bill has to be paid though!

I am keeping my eye on the long range forecasts at the moment to see if there is any change. The hedgrows are loaded with berries by us.

One final word about flannelette sheets - or any sheets for that matter. When you buy them and take them out of their wrappers it is really important that you wash your sheets before using them. The manufacturers spray the textiles with a preservative that contains amongst other ingredients - Formaldehyde :eek: Formaldehyde is a known carcinogenic and it is toxic. Therefore, before you even think of putting them away in the cupboard wash them.

I got mine today from Factory 2 U and they really stink! I guess Formaldehyde explains why :eek: First lot now sloshing round in the machine before having a good air out on the line to get them smelling better.

chirpychick wrote: »

Hi everyone, hope you are doing well.
I have everything well under way now but the one issue im having is trying to find reasonably priced flannelette sheets/duvet covers. The one set i did find i couldnt buy because it was from Very/Additions.
Any suggestions please?

I know Rainy-Days has suggested Dunelm, we've got their flannelette fitted sheets already and they're nice and cosy. Some of the elastic needs re-doing though which is a project for when I feel like sewing... I couldn't justify the extra cost for the Waters & Noble range, but it does looks super fluffy!

The ones I've got from Factory 2 U came quickly, are pleasant colours and good sizes - hope they last ok though as they don't feel like the fluffiest ones ever. I did get a 10% voucher code which I'm off to post in the voucher forum. Dunno if that helps anyone!

lillylei

Rainy-Days wrote: »

If you can keep it off the floor and in sealed thick plastic boxes you will be fine. If you are putting sacks of potatoes in there make sure is well wrapped.

Confuzzled wrote: »

i agree with the other poster sealed boxes off the floor should be fine but might i also suggest that you never make it obvious you're taking food in and out of the garage? also you might like to make sure it's not obvious food is in there when the door is open. i only say this as whilst someone may not break into your house, a lot of theft is oportunistic and a garage is much easier to break into than a house without getting caught. If times are tight and someone knows you have a stash of food in there they may be tempted to break in and take it... just a thought, i wouldn't let it put you off it, just be subtle

Thank you!

Im hoping that this house will have a spare space or two to put stuff indoors (if we get it of course) plus people are v friendly around this way, quite a secluded street but will bear it in mind (especially during the snow) to be discreat

suki1964

GreenNinja wrote: »

I thought wine was better laid down??? is that only if it has a cork then?? Thanks for the Lidl tip will take a look!

Only for real cork

It keeps the cork moist which stops it shrinking and letting air into the bottle

Nowdays most supermarket wine are screw tops and those that do have corks - they are plastic

Screw top is actually better as you can reseal the bottle so dont HAVE to finish the whole bottle in one sitting ( yeah like that happens lolol)

muffin_man_7

rosieben wrote: »

I work to that timetable too R-D, my pantry is more or less stocked up as I don't run things down much through the summer, just make sure I use things in order. I'm planning one big order in September to finish off.

re Christmas - last year I kept a note of the food I threw out and I'm ashamed to say it makes for shocking reading :eek: so I'm buying much less this year.:D

I used to do this every year when the kids were small they would count all the things( they must of thought it was a game ) i'd write it all down in a book then we'd use it as a guide for the next year i always did a stock take on 31 december so i knew what i was starting the new year with and i'd try to have the same or a bit more for the following winter and because kids have phases with food it helped us to have enough but not too much iykwim i think i might go back to this for this winter after all if it worked with 7 it should work with 3