How to Start Prepping: 10 Top Supplies You Need

I have OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder, which can be a blessing and a curse. Sometimes it manifests in ways that are sort of useless but when it comes to being prepared it helps me stay on top of things.

Of course, I hope I will never need my emergency supplies, but it’s comforting to know that if anything happens I will be covered.

Being prepared is actually a very natural need. Even animals do it by storing food for the winter. For us humans, we don’t know what kind of emergency situations may present themselves. It could be a global event, like the pandemic, or it could be something that impacts us individually on a smaller scale like job loss.

I don’t know about you, but I rest easier at night knowing that I have what I need in case of some disaster. I’m going to share with you some of the items I started with to get myself prepared.

1. Rice

Rice is a great staple to keep around for emergencies. It’s easy to store because it lasts a long time. Just be sure to keep it sealed properly so you don’t have to worry about bugs.

2. Porridge oats

Do yourself a favor and keep a bag of porridge oats in your prepper pantry. Oats are a convenient and easy breakfast food. They can also come in handy for making snacks like granola mixes or oat bars.

3. Pasta

Like rice pasta is easy to store because it lasts a long time, so you don’t have to worry about it expiring. It’s also really easy to make. It’s a great staple to have in case of emergencies.

4. Canned tomato sauce

Since you’re stocking up on pasta, it’s a good idea to get some canned tomato sauce as well. It will add some flavor and nutrition to your pasta. Canned goods are always great when you’re looking for something that will last.

5. Cous cous

This one may surprise some of you. I recommend it because it’s very convenient. You don’t even really need to cook it. You just pour boiling water over it. I make it by just pouring some into a container and adding boiling water. Then I just cover the container for a few minutes and it’s done. I got one made from semolina flour.

6. Fish or meat

Consider getting some canned tuna or any other kind of fish or meat. Our bodies need protein. Fish and meat are great sources of protein. Having the canned products will give you peace of mind knowing that they will last a long time.

7. Canned peas

Peas are another great source of nutrition. You can also get canned beans and canned vegetables. Canned products are great for stockpiling because you don’t need to do any cooking. All you need is a can opener and you have nutritious food ready for you to eat. It’s also another food that will take a long time to expire.

8. Water

This is an important one. Stock up on clean water in case of emergencies. We cannot survive without water so buy yourself as many bottles as you can and maybe even get some water filters.

9. Oil

Get yourself some olive oil or vegetable oil. Whatever you prefer for cooking will be fine. Make sure you pick some up and store it away.

10. Sanitary items

This category is for anything you need for personal hygiene. I recommend getting soap, toilet paper, and paper towels. Wet wipes are another great thing to have around, especially if there are problems with the water supply.

How to start prepping

I hope you find this helpful. Consider your own personal needs when creating your emergency prep supply stock. The items I listed are very basic things that most people need but you can add or subtract items based on what you eat and how you live.