^^^^^ Hi LoneWolf,
I may be mistakenly under the impression that batteries shouldn't be touching say end to end, vaguely remember something about polarities and to keep the contacts from each other, never was quite sure on that.

If that is an issue, was thinking to store them vacuum packed, 4 to a run, AA, AAA, 123. 9V is what my various lights and things use now.

When I buy them in bulk, say 40 AAs, now I have a mess once the package is open.

Thinking vacuum packing them in 4s, trimming up the excess, dating them may help and put them in several bags I'm setting up, BoB, First Aid, Range, as each one has its own light or lights. I use them anyway with everything so rotation wouldn't be a big deal, use some, replace them, as there's excess in the house in organizer draws that fit quite well, if the dates are older in the vacuum pack.