If you live in a small space, storing preparedness essentials can be tough. One of the biggest challenges is storing water, which is also one of the most important items you need on hand. You need to have extra water for everyone in the family in case of power outages, boil water notices, broken water mains, hurricanes, or winter storms that freeze the pipes.
The good news is, you can store a good amount of water in a condo with a bit of creativity. I’ve lived in various small spaces over the years and have been able to store water whenever I needed it. Here are some water storage ideas that can help.
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TL;DR: Storing water in a condo starts with one gallon per person per day for three days. Use creative spots like under beds, in furniture, and stackable containers to build a reliable supply without clutter.
Quick Look at What You’ll Learn
Know How Much Water You Need
The common rule of thumb for water storage is to keep one gallon of water per person per day for drinking and hygiene. In a condo, this is easier said than done. When getting started, just aim for a three-day supply and go from there.
Review your own habits and consider the following questions: Do you have pets? Do you make coffee or tea every morning? Does anyone in your family need water for medical uses? Once you know your needs, you can plan your storage more efficiently.
Store Water in Plain Sight
When space is limited, use the existing storage you already have. Water doesn’t always have to be hidden away.
Furniture with Storage Capabilities
- Ottomans: Fit several 1-gallon jugs or a dozen water bottles inside.
- Under the Sofa: Try finding slim plastic bins with wheels or sliders that fit under the couch.
- Benches with compartments: Some benches have lifted-top compartments for storing water bottles.
- TV Cabinets: If it can handle the weight, you can store a row of flat, stackable 2.5-gallon containers.
These solutions let you store water where you’re already using space, without adding clutter.
Space-Saving Containers
Consider stackable or space-saving containers, such as water bricks, or collapsible containers that you can empty when they’re no longer needed.
Stackables:
2.5-gallon rectangular jugs (the kind with a built-in spout) stack easily and are designed for repeated use. Store half-liter water bottles in rows under beds or in your bedroom closet. Stackable water-storage cubes can also be stored in cabinets or a laundry nook.
Collapsible Containers:
Keep collapsible containers folded in a drawer. You can fill them up whenever there is a hurricane watch or storm warning. Ideally, the containers should be BPA- free, collapsible, and portable.
Under the Bed Spaces
You can store water under the bed using flat one-gallon jugs, or cases of half-liter bottles. You can store them in rolling under-the-bed storage bins. Label the bins with the purchase date so you’ll remember to rotate the water bottles regularly.
Ideas to Consider:
If your lease allows it, install wire shelving above the washer/dryer to store bottled water.
Add a narrow rack in a hallway and use one shelf for water storage.
Appliances and Cabinets
Try storing 2.5-gallon water containers under the kitchen sink.
You can also store half-liter water bottles under a bathroom vanity.
Should You Use Vertical Storage?
I generally would not recommend vertical storage for water. It is too heavy and offers a risk of falling on someone’s head. Years ago, when I was just getting started preparing for emergencies, I made the mistake of storing a gallon of water on top of the refrigerator. It accidentally toppled over my head after it shifted from frequent use of the refrigerator door.
When an Emergency Is Imminent: The Bathtub Trick
Every time a hurricane was headed to Houston, I used the bathtub to store water. A regular-sized tub can hold 40-60 gallons of water, but you do have to set it up for clean water. To keep your water clean, use a bathtub water liner or a bathtub water bladder.
Keep in mind that they’re not for long-term storage, but they are a great way to prepare for predicted weather events such as hurricanes or snowstorms.
Rotate Stored Water
Most prepackaged bottled water lasts for around one to two years, as long as it is stored properly away from heat. If you fill up storage containers with tap water, you should rotate them every 6-12 months.
Label all stored containers with the date they were stored. One way to date them is to place a piece of tape on the container and use a Sharpie marker to mark the date. Store older containers in front so you can use them first. Use them up for cooking, making coffee, or drinking. Or use it to water plants or clean as the water gets older.
Have Multiple Water Sources—Not Just Stored Water
You should have both stored water and ways to acquire clean water during emergencies.
Water Filters
Invest in a good water filter to ensure you can purify water if the tap is contaminated. Consider:
- Portable survival filters (e.g., straw-style or pump-style)
- Countertop gravity filters, if you have space
- Individual bottle filters
Ways to Collect Water Indoors
You can collect water from various sources, such as rainwater from your balcony, melted ice, defrosted freezer pack, and ice cubes from your freezer.
Water from the hot water heater may also be available, but many condos don’t give residents access if it is a shared building system. It’s best to check where your water heater is located before an emergency happens.
Other Creative Places You Can Use for Storing Water
If you feel like you’ve run out of options, try these spots:
Behind a couch: Push the sofa forward a bit, and add flat containers between the couch and the wall.
Empty suitcases: Most suitcases remain unused for most of the year. Why not store your bottled water inside?
Balcony storage closets: If you live in a temperate climate without freezing, you can store water in a balcony storage cabinet.
Avoid storing anything heavy on flimsy shelves, on glass tables, or on top of fridges or tall cabinets, where it could fall on someone.
Pay Attention to Condo Rules and Weight Limits
Water weighs about 8.3 pounds per gallon, so it is heavy. Be mindful of weight limits and the risk of leaks.
Avoid storing water on upper shelves.
Spread your water storage across different rooms in your home.
Do not store large water canisters on your balcony unless you’re sure it’s allowed and that they’re within weight limits.
Gallon jugs eventually leak, so inspect your storage periodically.
Storing water in a small space can be challenging, but not impossible. You just need to do a bit of planning to make the most out of your space. Using these condo-friendly tips, you can implement a water storage plan that fits your needs, keep your household safe and comfortable no matter what emergencies may occur.
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