Do you remember the days when people used to make fun of preppers? I do. Because I was made fun of, a lot. By friends, family, the weird neighbor who never would tie their robe when getting their mail. But after the events of 2020 the laughter just seemed to…well... go the way of bacon at a paleo buffet. It just stopped. In fact, it not only stopped, but I had those same friends and family (thankfully not the weird neighbor) coming to ask me for help. (Which, I gladly gave and without any I told you so I might add.) Not only did my own circle come around to the idea, but it seems the US has as a whole. That is why, today, I am going to share with you a few tips on how to get started becoming a prepper yourself.
Tip number one. Learn to embrace the weird. Prepping is a strange world with a lot of strange characters. It’s just part of the deal, so the sooner you get used to it, the easier and less weird it becomes. (Ironic I know.)
Tip number two. Shop the sales. There’s nothing a prepper hates more than spending a ton of money on the basics. It’s one thing to go all out on a bunker in the foothills of Colorado. It’s another to pay full price for batteries and toilet paper. (And we all know how much people love their toilet paper.) So, be on the lookout for when your local stores are having sales on all the necessities, and don’t be afraid to clip coupons. Those babies can save you bundles. Just don’t go crazy.
Tip number three. Have a good place for storage. It’s one thing to be prepared and have all the necessities to survive an apocalypse. It’s another to have all those things and be tripping over them all over your house. Whether it’s a closet, basement, shed, etc. Have a place dedicated to storing all of your survival items. And keep it organized. Being disorganized in an emergency is how you get people killed, mainly yourself. Bonus tip, keep all the little things in labeled cardboard boxes. It’ll keep it out of the way, but easy to access and it won’t get lost.
Tip number four. Be aware of your inventory. This part is crucial. Make sure you’re keeping track of what you’re buying and how much of it. This will be vital if an emergency does happen because then you’ll know how to ration and how many you can ration for. Whether it be food, supplies, or other equipment.
Tip number five. Watch out for expiration dates. Nothing is worse than buying cardboard boxes or huge cans full of food, only to have it go bad before you can use them. When you’re buying food to have in an emergency, go with either freeze dried (which can last up to 25 years) or, look at the expiration dates on the packaging and make a note on your inventory list when they need to be used and replaced. If you know you aren't going to use them before they go bad, donate them to a local food bank. It’s win-win. Also, side note, have a variety of different foods on hand. Store things that can be eaten with and without a power source. As one may not always be available.
I could go on, but I’m going to leave you with this. Start simple. There’s no need to go crazy at the beginning. There will be plenty of time for that later when the zombie apocalypse is upon us. Happy prepping!
