Be Ye Separate

What do I do with all that bulk?

Blessings!

   I am often asked "What do you do with all that stuff you buy in bulk?". It's true, I do purchase most everything in bulk so as to not pay for the packaging:) There is a little bit of difference between bulk (large quantities) and loose bulk (unpackaged controlled bulk). The controlled bulk allows you to take only the amount you want or need whereas the regular bulk simply comes in large packages that are predetermined amounts such as 20# of sugar, 25#-50# of flour, 20# of rice etc.

   Some things are not cheaper to purchase in loose bulk and so I do have to be careful. For instance, in most cases purchasing rice in bulk is not cheaper than purchasing it in the 50# bags (which is still a bulk item but not a loose bulk). However, the brown sugar I purchase in loose bulk is MUCH cheaper than 25# bags of it.

   It might save me only a few cents or it may save me several dollars but it's worth it:) This is mostly why we have quarterly shopping trips instead:) When we get these items we store them in different types of containers that will keep out the pests and mostly keep things fresh.

   The flour, sugar, pastas, and most grains are kept in 55 gallon food grade barrels with screw tops. If we purchase in prepackaged bulk we leave it in the bag until needed never pouring it out. The bags (which are usually made from heavy paper) keep moisture out for the most part and we do other things to keep the rest out:)

   The rices, beans, and smaller amounts of bulk too large for the jars is kept in food grade 5 gallon buckets. I get these buckets free from our local Safeway in their bakery:) They are originally filled with icing and they are more than happy to get rid of them:)

   I take these buckets and wash them with hot soapy water then air them dry. Once dried I fill them again with hot water and 2 cups of vinegar and leave them until the water is cool. I pour this out and towel dry then let air for several days until it no longer smells like pickles:P Then these are ready to be filled with whatever I need them for:)

   I have found glass jars all over, from new at Walmart (they have a charming retro jar with lid), to barn sale and swap meets. They are lovely and give a little more color to the kitchen and it lets me know what and how much of anything I have. When they are near empty I simply go to my bulk container and serve up whatever it takes to fill the jar and reseal the bulk to keep that fresh:)

   Here's some pictures of some of our storage things...This one was filled with even the little jars that I keep handy because I also purchase things like baking soda, baking powder, cream of tartar etc in bulk:)

I took this picture just before we unloaded it to move it here:) It's a piece that we have drug around with us for the last 8 years:) A piece that was made for us by a dear young lady who spent a lot of time with our family.

We also purchase our spices in bulk. We are going to be growing our own soon and will not need to purchase these anymore:) That will be nice!

   I have several others that we use for keeping our spices and bulk things but haven't had the chance to take pictures just yet:) I'll get to that soon.

   Having a new kitchen and learning where things fit is a bit of a challenge but we are getting there:) When it's finally all unpacked and all put away I'll take pictures of our new kitchen all fixed:) I hope you'll come visit again to see it:)

God be with thee!

Sister Lori

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{ 18:19, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 } { Posted by rildapeel1 }

WOW! very informative. I love how you have stored them all. Very well organized! I enjoyed your post and will look forward to seeing pictures when you are done. Thanks for sharing! *U* rilda

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{ 20:19, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 } { Posted by Kitty }

Looks like my utility room, all the gallon jars. I too love buying in bulk, but I do have some trouble with the buggies getting into some items. I guess I don't use it fast enough............good post......Kitty
PS I love the spice rack......K

Edited by Kitty on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 at 22:19

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{ 21:03, Wednesday, March 12, 2008 } { Posted by gabbie427 }

Thanks for sharing. I like to buy in bulk, but have alot to learn. I am just starting! LOL Love the pictures of all your glass jars. What an excellent idea.

God's Blessings,
Amy Jo

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{ 07:59, Thursday, March 13, 2008 } { Posted by leighannwhitten }

Sister Lori,
Thanks so much for this post! I'm just starting to buy in bulk for our family and this is a huge help!
Blessings,
Leigh-Ann