Storing root vegetables for winter...how do you do it?

[easygo]

I just got my garden emptied out a few days ago and I have about 40-50lbs of carrots and about 20-25lbs of beets that I want to store. Previously this bounty would get put into an unheated room and then use it while it lasts or until it goes bad. I remembered that years ago my grandmother used to store potatoes in sand and just dig the out as needed. Would this work with carrots and beets as well? I was thinking of getting some play sand at a box store and that could serve as storage in a mice-proof container in the basement.
Please help me out with suggestions ideas or experience. I know that the carrots will not last long. Unfortunately I have no time to can this stuff but would hate to waste it. All my neighbors have gardens son I could not possibly give it away.
Thank you

 

[easygo]

In the spirit of the site I went to take a quick picture of the subject of the discussion. Don't look at the potatoes tho. We had a bad year and a lot of that will be saved for next year's seed.

 

[tungularafishcamp]

We store our stuff in sawdust in those rubbermade totes with the lids left loose. Keep the totes as cool as possible without freezing and of course dry. Root cellar is ideal.
Rick