I just told people I did it because I remembered a certain squall line that wiped out the power north and northwest of town, for miles around, for close to a week. Lost everything in my fridge and freezer, the area stores were all closed till power was back (and they had to dump most of their fresh/frozen stock anyway)...and I wasn’t going to be caught flatfooted like that again. They actually agreed with me!
They parrot the brainwashing until it happens to them... Then reality smacks them and they understand.
There are plenty of out of sight storage spaces in our homes. Under and behind furniture. Clean out cabinets and closets to make room for what’s really needed.
Those square milk crates will hold 36 regular sized canned foods. Cover them with decorative fabric. They’re stackable.
Don’t get rid of anything that could be used during shtf. Keep the kids’ bow and arrow set. Keep the kids’ old backpacks because those are small and can be carried by the young and old. Get a supply of rags from old towels and linens. Just think before tossing.