I couldn't do without a storage room. I already get jittery when I only have 5 packets of sugar or 5 packets of flour left. I simply don't like shopping; sometimes I go a whole month without it. Drinks are always difficult for me, as they take up quite a bit of space. A lot of room is taken up by at least 6 crates of water, one crate each of cola, lemonade, pale beer, and wheat beer should definitely be there. Plus juices and wine. Personally, I wouldn't want to have that in the utility room – so if I were you, I would section off a room for food and drinks, depending on how much you want to store. I wouldn't worry too much about the temperatures as long as there is no south-facing window involved.