Storage demand drivers in garden areas
Outdoor storage zones face dust, heat swings, and pests. This calculator converts your feeding and care routine into a measurable volume target, then adds allowances for packaging, lid headspace, and a safety buffer. When humidity risk is high, the plan also reserves room for sealing aids like liners and desiccant packs. Plan days on hand to match delivery cycles and reduce expiry in hot months.
Using bulk density for realistic bin sizing
Dry items store by volume, not label weight. Kibble commonly ranges from 380–520 g per liter, while litter can exceed 800 g per liter depending on material. Dividing total grams by your density value estimates liters required for each category and helps compare brands. To estimate your own density, fill a 1-liter container and weigh it in grams. Small treats vary widely; recheck after changing shapes.
Allowances that prevent overfilled containers
Three allowances improve usability: packaging space for scoops and liners, headspace so lids close cleanly, and a buffer for delivery delays. For example, 10% packaging plus 8% headspace and 12% buffer produces an overhead multiplier near 1.30 before humidity adjustments. That multiplier is applied to combined supply volume to keep refills practical.
Shelf capacity check with simple geometry
Garden shelving can be evaluated as usable volume: width × depth × height. Converting cubic centimeters to liters provides a fast capacity estimate per shelf and across multiple levels. If the fit status returns “Tight,” reducing storage days often fixes the plan faster than replacing all bins. Heavy litter should sit low for stability. Target 85% of shelf volume so bins slide easily and labels stay visible.
Rotation and moisture control for safer supplies
Rotation prevents waste. FIFO works well when purchase dates are consistent, while FEFO is safer for items with short expiry windows. In warm sheds, sealed bins slow humidity uptake and limit insect access. Pair the calculator’s zone split with clear labels so food, litter, and small items stay separated from soil amendments and cleaners.
FAQs
Why does the total increase after adding allowances?
Allowances account for packaging bulk, lid clearance, and a safety buffer. These factors prevent bins from being overfilled and help you keep a consistent reserve during late deliveries or seasonal demand spikes.
What density should I use for dry food?
If you do not know it, start with 430 g/L for kibble. If your food is lighter or puffier, lower the value; if it is compact, raise it and recalculate.
How accurate is the shelf capacity check?
It is a practical estimate based on shelf dimensions. Real capacity may be lower due to bin shapes, braces, and airflow space. Use the result as a planning baseline, then confirm with one test bin.
Should I store food in the same area as garden supplies?
Yes, if it is sealed, elevated, and separated from chemicals. Keep food away from fertilizers, pesticides, and damp floors. Use gasketed bins for high humidity zones.
How do I reduce the number of bins needed?
Lower the storage window, reduce the buffer percentage, or choose larger bins. If humidity is high, keep sealing protection but consider fewer days on hand instead of removing safeguards.
What is the best rotation method for mixed items?
Use FEFO for items with expiry dates, like food and medicines, and FIFO for durable items such as litter. Label bins clearly and place newer stock behind older stock.