Dehydrated Food Storage Wall

Create Storage “Out of Thin Air”

Pantry overflowing with buckets and bags? Don’t stress—you can create food storage out of thin air. With just a blank wall, a simple closet organizer kit, and a couple of hours of DIY, you’ll have a sturdy shelving system that keeps dehydrated food neat, protected, and easy to grab.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you build a dehydrated food storage wall?
You can build a dehydrated food storage wall in a few hours using a closet organizer kit. Pre-dimple metal uprights before drilling, plan bin orientation for space efficiency, and leave at least 1" clearance above buckets. Add a curtain to block light and hide clutter.

This method turns wasted wall space into an organized food storage wall that saves time, space, and headaches.

Wall shelving unit filled with food storage buckets, boxes, and supplies for long-term storage

Here's a great starting point for our dehydrated food storage wall!

A bare wall to perfect for a Dehydrated Food Storage Wall

If there truly is no room in the house itself, please consider putting your closet organizer out in the garage (preferably an air-conditioned garage if you're that fortunate).

We started with two affordable closet organizer kits and a couple of extra wire shelves from the local hardware store. You can also grab them online and have them delivered right to your door.

  • ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Kit
  • ClosetMaid Wire Closet Organizer System
    Adjustable from 5 ft to 8 ft, includes shelves, rods, shoe shelf, and hardware. Made of durable white steel.

See the current ClosetMaid kit on Amazon, below.

Shelving Unit for Your Food Storage Wall on Amazon


ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Kit

ClosetMaid Wire Closet Organizer System

  • ClosetMaid ShelfTrack Wire Closet Organizer System
  • Adjustable from 5 ft to 8 ft

Comes with:

  • Shelves, Clothes Rods, Shoe Shelf, and Hardware
  • Durable Steel, White
H11 Garment Rack

H11 Heavy Duty Garment Rack

Adjustable from 92"–127" long, this heavy-duty carbon steel unit features customizable rods and shelves to fit any space—even corners in an L-shape.

Rust-resistant, durable, and easy to assemble, it’s ideal for apartments, laundry rooms, or creating a sturdy food storage wall.

I love this unit as it means "no holes in the walls" plus you can make it L-shaped if you want. I think you should/could add a "strap" at the very top and screw it to the wall (find the stud first). This helps stop the tall unit from toppling on you!

As an Amazon Associate, I earn commission from qualifying purchases. The price you pay does not increase.  Read disclosure here.

Delivery Tip: Why Ordering Online Saves Time & Backache

The dehydrated Food Storage Wall is halfway through completion showing buckets, bins, and boxes of dehydrated food

If you don’t have a handy helper around, do yourself a favor and shop online.

The kits arrive with clear instructions, and all you really need is a spirit level, a drill, and a couple of hours.

Ours took about three hours from start to finish.

Step-by-Step: How I Built My Dehydrated Food Wall

Here’s where the fun comes in — and a few tips to save frustration:

Drilling Made Easy (Podger & Nail Set Tip)

  • Drilling Tips: When drilling into the metal uprights, use a podger, nail set, or even a large nail and hammer to make a small divot first. This keeps your drill bit from wandering.

Bucket & Bin Orientation Tricks

  • Plan Your Bin Layout: Decide how you’ll face your bins and boxes. Wide side facing out means a shallower unit. Short side facing out saves wall space but requires deeper shelves.

Allowing Proper Clearance

  • Bucket Clearance: Don’t forget vertical clearance! Leave at least 1" above your food-grade buckets. Most shelving units dip about 1.5" at the front edge, so plan accordingly.

Right now, my wall has four levels, but I may add another row on top since there’s still room left on the uprights.

Cost Breakdown: How Much a Food Wall Really Costs

Total cost: $100
(That’s without the buckets or food!)

Prices on these closet kits have gone up since I built mine — closer to $130 now — but it’s still a very cost-effective way to create a ton of storage in a small footprint.

Dehydrated Food Wall with curtains to hide the contents on the shelves

Curtain Hack: Hide Your Food Wall & Block Out Light

I used some spare drapes!

Once the wall was built, I added a curtain to keep everything out of sight. I sewed curtain rings to some old drapes I found in the attic, mounted a rod to the shelving uprights, et voilà — my wall of food storage now looks like a hidden alcove instead of a supply warehouse.

And unless you know better, it could pass for a giant window!

Pro Tips: Organizing Bins, Buckets & Mylar Bags

A food storage wall isn’t just about space. It’s about organization and peace of mind. With everything in one place — buckets of dehydrated veggies, fruit, grains, and even proteins — I can quickly see what I have, rotate stock, and know my emergency food supply is ready whenever needed.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before You Build

How much weight can these shelves hold?

Closet organizer systems typically support 60–80 lbs per shelf when installed correctly. Always use wall anchors or studs for maximum safety.

Is it safe to keep dehydrated food in the garage?

Yes - only if your garage is air-conditioned. Heat and humidity will shorten the shelf life of dehydrated foods.

How much does it cost?

Basic kits start around $130, plus any extra shelving you add.

Should I cover my food storage wall with curtains?

If it's out in the open? Definitely. Curtains block light, hide clutter, and make your setup look neat. Darker, heavier fabrics work best for protecting food.

Can I expand the wall later?

Yes. Most systems allow you to add extra shelves as long as the uprights are properly secured.

What containers work best for a dehydrated food wall?

Food-grade buckets with gamma lids, Mylar bags inside bins, and vacuum-sealed pouches all stack well and maximize shelf space.

So, if your pantry is overflowing and you’re wishing for more space, remember - you can create storage out of thin air. A simple shelving unit can transform a blank wall into a powerful storage solution for your dehydrated food.

Before you go, grab my free PDF: 5 Dried Food Recipes You’ll Actually Love. They’re my all-time favorite easy dried food meals, and they’ll show you exactly why food storage can be both practical and delicious.

Grab 5 Dried Food Recipes You'll Actually Love

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

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5 Dried Food Recipes (That Actually Taste Great)
They're my all-time favorite easy dried food meals!

Get it here right now.

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