How & Why to Start a Prepper Pantry Today
Have you started thinking about starting a prepper pantry? I want to share some of the reasons I started one recently and why you should consider doing it too. I’m also going to show you some of the products I bought and tell you how to start your own prepper pantry.
Prepping is a basic human function. We prepare all our lives. We prepare for the work week ahead. We prepare for the grocery store by making lists. We prepare for going on vacation by booking flights, hotels, and activities. Every human is designed to prepare. Even animals prepare by storing food for the winter. It’s a perfectly natural thing to do.
A prepper pantry will keep you prepared for unforeseen circumstances. Things such as job loss, inflation, a weather emergency, and issues with the water supply can come out of nowhere. You want to prepare and make sure you have the supplies you need to live your day-to-day life normally and comfortably.
I have started a rotating food pantry. I buy things that I typically would eat such as cans of tuna and get a couple of extra cans for my prepper pantry. This way I know I have a supply of my regularly used items.
1. Personalize your list
Consider what is most important to you and your family and start there. You can start small. Make a list, put them in order of priority, and start working towards those goals.
Set yourself a budget. You can add an extra $20 a week to your grocery budget. This will enable you to accumulate supplies in your pantry. Start small. Figure out what is important to you and your family and just grow from there. It's not going to happen overnight. Just figure out your priority items and start from there.
2. Make some space
Try to find a space within your home. I cleared out my bathroom closet. I moved things around and created two open shelves for my food storage. You could also store it in another closet, underneath beds, or in your garage. You might not want to put food in the garage due to the risk of moisture.
3. Extra freezer space
Consider getting a second refrigerator or a standalone freezer. A deep freezer would be best. That will be important for storing up proteins like meat. You should also store canned meats, beans, or legumes for additional protein.
4. Emergency savings
Start a savings account for emergencies. It is always useful to have money designated for emergencies. That emergency could be your refrigerator breaking, someone losing their job, or some other unexpected expense.
5. First aid
Keep a supply of first aid items on hand. Make sure you have band-aids, hydrogen peroxide, and rubbing alcohol. Stock anything you might need for a medical emergency.
6. Pet supplies
Don't forget to stock supplies for your pets. Make sure you have extra pet food on hand and treats. You want to keep your pets healthy and happy.
7. Gas
Keep a full tank of gas in your car at all times. I try not to go below half a tank. You can also store gas in your home.
8. Paper supplies
Make sure you have enough paper products on hand. You will want to stock toilet paper, tissues, and paper towels. If there’s a situation in which there’s no water and you can’t do laundry or wash dishes you will need some disposables.
9. Clean water
Always keep a supply of clean water. There could be circumstances in which your water is shut off or there was a natural emergency. We can’t live without water so this is an absolutely essential stock item.
10. Use my inventory for ideas
I picked up potato flakes made from dehydrated potatoes. If you can, find potato flakes that have no fillers or junk in them. I also got some ramen and some cans of diced tomatoes. I use diced tomatoes a lot in recipes. I’m storing some tomato paste to make my own pasta sauce if need be.
I got cans of beans in case there's a shortage of meat. I picked up two cans of cannellini and one can of pinto beans. Our bodies need protein so be sure to stock some protein-packed foods.
I picked up three bags of pink Himalayan salt. Salt is great for cooking and preserving foods. I'm trying to learn to can and pickle things and that requires lots of salt and vinegar.
In addition to my regular budget, I keep extra cash on me for groceries for my pepper pantry. This way I always have that cash on hand when I see a good deal on something. Take advantage of sales for stocking your pantry.
Don't forget to stock up on spices. I have some garlic powder and some red pepper flakes. I plan to store up other spices like black pepper and Italian seasoning. I also have two cans of corn and two jars of pickles because they were on sale at Aldi.
If you see a sale grab those items and check your expiration dates. Rotate your pantry so you’re not stocking expired items.
I stocked up on bathroom supplies like toothpaste, hand soap, and toilet bowl cleaner. I bought some body wash, a face wash, and some rubbing alcohol. I use vinegar, and essential oils to clean so I got some of that as well.
I also got matches. They are another great thing to keep handy in case of power outages. I plan to stock up on candles and flashlights.
How & why to start a prepper pantry
I hope it was useful to hear some of the reasons I think a prepper pantry is worth the effort.
I’m working on mine slowly and consistently so I don’t get overwhelmed. Are there items I didn’t mention that you think are worth stocking for emergencies? Leave me a comment and let me know.
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A manual Can opener
Most persons who live in Florida should know and do this.. It that time of year again. I live in the rural area so I alway have goodies on hand so I don't have to go to the store for just one thing. Main shopping done once a month, but it is just for two persons. Also I have taken up vacuum canning special for dry goodies, like flour, dry beans, pancake mix, bis quick. etc.