I'm getting access to a commercial kitchen in Feb. They are ok with me having my own stand alone cupboard or pantry for my dry goods and I'll lock it up daily.
My plan is to bring along what I need for each order per week. Cutters, fondant, colors, etc.

That's a lot of stuff to haul each way. I know it can be done but just wondering how those of you who rent kitchens do it - maybe there's a special secret that's made things easier for you? any tips for being more organized? I'm just looking for advice to make it easier on my back and on the amount of time I have to spend in just packing and unpacking.
Thanks!!

I am exactly at the same place you are in this endeavor, and thinking the same thing. My only conclusion was to be extremely organized so that everything I need for the cake will be with me. Uh yeah so I'll be watching this thread Good luck and congrats.

We rent three standalone cupboards for dry goods storage at our rented commercial kitchen, and we also have space in the shared refrigerator. The only items that are taken into the kitchen are replacements for ingredients we're running low on, and the only items that come out are cakes that are being delivered.

How about one of those craft containers that is on wheels for tips, bags, etc.. You could use the cubbies in that to hold just about everything you'd need to decorate. (It looks like luggage) Here is a link to one:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002JPKVS0/?tag=cakecentral-20

Hi, I didn't get a reply notice so I just noticed some responses.

This kitchen is like a galley style so pretty tight. I think I'll do what you do, Jason, and try to put as much as I can into the standalone cupboard.

But I LOVE that rolling craft container link! If I could most of my small goods in there, I'd be set up to decorate anywhere! Not a bad price either. I already have to haul my 2 mixers back and forth so this would save me. Right now it looks like it would take about 1/2 hour just to set up to start baking...yikes.

Thanks everyone. If anyone else has any advice, please please tell me. Being organized is not my strong suit but I do it when I have to.

Sounds like space is tight. At my rented kitchen I use a plastic "garbage can" with wheels for my bags of flour and sugar. I use the cupboard space for pans, cutters, and other baking utensils.

gingerbreadtogo- do you take the garbage cans of flour/sugar home with you? I like the idea but not sure how to transport it.

Law in Calif is you cannot store anything at home. So I keep can at kitchen, at least it can roll out of the way- but it does take up space.

We use Cambro 18qt plastic containers to store flour on-site, a 50lb bag of flour just about fits into two of the 18qt containers. Smaller Cambro containers work well for holding dry ingredients we buy in quantities smaller than 50lbs, they are also good for holding frosting.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001BZGS40/?tag=cakecentral-20

Here, I am allowed to carry things back and forth so I'm glad for that.

I'm wondering how you know if someone isn't using your flour or putting a contaminant in your bin? You must lock it up when you leave?

Thanks for the info on the bins.

I'm having the same dilemma with storage space. I took a tour of the commercial kitchen I will most likely end up using, and they have metal shelving that they rent out, but there's no way to lock anything up. I guess it's just a trust thing there.

I can't believe there aren't more options for renting commercial kitchens in LA. There are 2 that I've found, and both are a 20 - 30 minute drive for me, assuming no traffic. And I live in the city, not outside of it somewhere! One has a lower security deposit and no minimum hours, but they are only open from 7am to 6pm. The other has a higher deposit, and has a waiting list to even be able to use the kitchen. It's making me want to start my own commercial kitchen rental place!

Anyway, just wanted to add my little rant of frustration.

Some people at my kitchen lock up, but we don't really have issues with people stealing..we are all in the same boat...How great you can haul things back and forth..kind of a pain, but more convenient..

Yes, I guess it IS nice to take back and forth...saving me cost on containers anyways!

I guess I was more concerned about contamination than anything esp. if I do nut-free products. Locking up is the only way I would do this.

I wish I could find something like that in TN. I found out that Cumberland University has a commercial kitchen that they rent out but it's huge. I haven't called to see if they rent small parts out or not.

Christy