Storage temperatures for stock

[Quinch]

I am having to use part of my garage to store some stock as the storage unit I use is full. It's a fairly standard mix of stuff including Pringles, sweets and chocolate but as the garage is unheated I am unsure of how long and at what temperatures it is feasible to do this.

At the moment I think everything is ok and the temperature gauge I have in there doesn't get much below 10 C but as temperatures drop I thought it might become a problem. I know in previous years the temperature has got close to zero in the garage. Someone suggested putting a duvet or blanket over stock and this may work to some extent but would like to know of any other tips or from anyone that keeps stock in their garage on a regular basis.
Thanks

[Mark@YorVend]

The storage unit I use gets pretty cold too, but I haven't really had any problems with the cold, it's usually hot weather that causes me problems. The only problem you might have is damp, or condensation building up inside pots if the temperature fluctuates too much inside your garage.
I find the chews in the Swizzle Matlow mix really hate moisture, and end up going sticky if any moisture gets into the pot.

Mark@Yorvend

[Style]

My stock is in my garage all year round> Nice and cool in the summer, bloody freezing in the winter but never had a problem.

Andy

[Quinch]

Thanks for the input guys.

I found some old curtains in the loft that are still in good nick so I put some screw hooks into the wooden beam above the garage door and hang them up with curtain clips, they don't actually draw because there's no curtain rail so I have to unhook them but it only takes a minute. It seems to have raised the temperature by about 2 C which isn't much but with the garage door also it's at least 6-7 C above outside so should hopefully do the job.

If anyone else has minimum temperature recommendations for any types of stock please post. Suppliers would probs be best placed to advise.

[Siting Services]

Hi Quinch

Low temperatures for stock is fine, it's the heat that is the issue.

If storing in your garage make sure your stock is stored off the floor and away from contact of your walls. A pallet is fine. Putting an old duvet on your stock if the temperature goes below zero is fine.

Rodent control is another factor to look at.

Our packaging plant used to get very cold in the winter and we have never had any issues with the storage of stock in low temperatures.

Regards,

Barbara

[Quinch]

Thanks Barbara, good to hear from someone with your experience in large scale stock storage.

I always keep my stock on pallets, in fact everything is stored on pallets or shelves apart from stands. I also as you suggest keep stock away from the walls and keep small gaps between stacks of products, remember reading something about airflow being important to reduce the risk of damp/mould in unheated storage areas. I don't know how much difference it makes but as the garage floor is concrete and gets pretty cold I line the floor with flattened tower/ empty pot boxes and just replace them every month or so if they get scruffy.

I have a few rat/mouse traps also, never been a problem so far but better safe than sorry, I would recommend the old fashioned mechanical type as opposed to the poison as rats can become immune very quickly.

[Coin Operated Group]

I think its more a mouse problem most of the time.

[PGBrew]

Never had problems with heat, cold or rats & mice. Had a squirrel problem though! It bit a few metal(Salysol) cans to get at my peanuts. Chased it all around the garage for days. Finally trapped it in a suitcase lined with old wooly jumpers which it used as a nest!

Pete