Preparedness, Part 2: What I’m Actually Stocking & Why
🛠 Consider these areas as you start to prepare…
If someone peeked into my YouTube or Google history lately, they might be in for quite the treat. I definitely didn’t expect to be researching:
“Survival uses for common household items”… “How to plan for a Great Depression”… “Essential survival foods”… or the “Best alternatives to toilet paper”.
Let’s just say... our dining room table has slowly become a supply staging area—and my teenagers have thoughts about it. There’ve been plenty of eye rolls and side glances, and honestly, I sympathize a bit with Noah and his Ark and all of the criticism he endured. 🛶
I’m not preparing for a flood, exactly. I don’t even know what I’m preparing for. But my gut is nudging me—hard. Maybe it’s another health crisis, a natural disaster, or economic uncertainty. Whatever it is, I’m trying to listen. So yes... the Easter baskets this year included portable bidets and safety whistles. Lucky them, right?
🛒 Stock What You’ll Actually Use
Before buying out Costco, take a moment to reflect on your family’s actual routines and preferences. Campers and hikers often already have a solid head start—think: flashlights, backpacks, tarps, water bottles, rope, first aid kits. No need to reinvent the wheel—just gather what you already own and organize it in one place.
Pro Tip: The best advice I kept hearing from experienced preppers? Know where your supplies are. Flashlights won’t help much if you can’t find them. Use clearly labeled bins or containers and store them in a centralized, easy-to-access spot.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly what I’ve been gathering: pantry staples, practical gear, comfort items, and my Top 10 Must-Haves for a more intentional (and hopefully less overwhelming) approach to readiness.
📡 Communication
This was a new area for us. We’d never talked about an emergency plan before, but now we’ve agreed on a few key things—where we’d meet, how we’d get in touch, and who goes where. And if I’m being totally honest - there’s still more for us to discuss.
Here are the types of communication and options that we are starting to consider:
Apps with mesh networks (may still work without cell service)
HAM or CB radios (these require some setup, licensing, and know-how)
💧 Water
Clean water becomes one of the most valuable resources in an emergency. Experts recommend at least 1 gallon per person per day, and ideally a 14-day supply per person.
Ways to collect rainwater and store water:
Fill your bathtub or containers before a storm using a bathtub water storage kit
Use collapsible water containers or rain barrels
Install a permanent rain catchment system
In a pinch, you can even access emergency water from your water heater if needed
Safety Tip: In a true emergency, shut off your home’s main water supply and plug the drains to prevent backflow or sewage backup.
For more information on water during an emergency, this resource offers great advice.
🍽 Food & Pantry Essentials
Let’s be honest—food is at the heart of any good emergency plan. The key is to stock what you’ll actually eat, and build around what your family already loves and uses.
The general rule of thumb?
First in, first out. Use your oldest items first, then rotate and replenish. In an emergency, you’ll also want to cook your most perishable food first.
Here’s what I recommend focusing on:
🥫 Pantry Staples
Start with what you eat often, and build from there. This list is a starting point—adapt it based on your household’s preferences and dietary needs. For us, a well-stocked pantry is part of our everyday life, so I’m layering in shelf-stable items that offer comfort and flexibility.
And yes... Oreos made the list. Because a little comfort food matters—especially when things feel uncertain.
Canned beans & soups
Rice, pasta, quinoa
Nut butters & shelf-stable milks
Crackers, granola bars, trail mix
Shelf-stable proteins (like tuna, jerky, or canned chicken)
Baking basics (flour, sugar, baking soda)
Coffee, tea, and electrolyte mixes
Treats (because morale matters!)
Here’s an expanded list: 10 Essential Foods to Stock & Why. These pantry items are shelf-stable, energy-dense, protein-packed — and reliable in a crisis. This lists also has the suggested amounts to stock + tips for each pantry staple.
🌀 Tip: Check your pantry every 6 months to rotate stock and refresh supplies.
🔥 Cooking Without Power
Think through how you’d cook if the grid went down. During Hurricane Helene, I made “Campfire Pasta” on our outdoor patio with a Solo stove—and let me tell you, it hit the spot.
Options to consider:
Fire pit or charcoal grill
Outdoor camping stove like BioLite
Propane-powered or solar ovens
Don’t forget cooking supplies too—manual can openers, pots, utensils, aluminum foil, and a way to boil water.
🐾 Pets Count Too
If you have pets, make sure they’re covered. We’re aiming for at least a 30-day supply of food (& treats), plus any medications for each of ours.
“Preparedness isn’t panic. It’s simply the peace of knowing you’ve already thought it through.”
🗒 Curious what’s in my shopping carts?
💭 Final Thoughts
This isn’t about fear. It’s about care. It’s about preparing in a way that says: “I’m paying attention.” That’s all.
Bonus Mindset Tip: That shopping cart full of cute swimsuits? It can wait. When we shift our focus to preparedness—even a little—it reframes what “necessity” really means. And that perspective is powerful.
Next up, in the third post of this Preparedness Series, I’ll share more about the gear and equipment I’ve chosen, as well as the skills and mindset that help maintain this steady, grounded approach. Because having the tools is great—but knowing how to use them, and trusting yourself in the process? That’s where the real magic is.
Your future self and family will thank you! Happy prepping!
P.S. If you want a sneak peek:
🛒 View my full emergency supply list here »
(includes pantry staples, household goods, personal care items, medications, and practical gear I’ve found helpful—or wish I had sooner).
