The quality of your pellets is deteriorating with heat,time ,sunlight etc. If you lived in the high desert keeping it in the cabinets might work OK but in most places i'd keep it in the freezer.Your pellets might grow bacteria with the help from the moisture from condensation when pellets are transferred from freezer to room temp in a closed container.So i'd freeze small amounts that can be used quickly.I don't have this issue often anymore because the birds eat large bags of pellets relatively quick,but treat type foods (seeds,Nut-Blend Pellets,etc) i keep in the freezer.