I've always liked to have a “little
put back”. Mostly because I hate to run out of something.
So, without even knowing about what
“prepping” was, we made a plan. It was a very slow start, because
we didn't have a clue.
Our first goal was to be prepared for
6 months here at home. I currently over a year worth of preps. I handle the “home” (food, medical,
everyday items, etc.), DH handles the defense & the “go”
plan.
I
simply started by making a list of everything thing we used everyday.
Literally, from the time I woke up I wrote down what we used...
Things like: water, meds.
(prescription and OTC's), TP, eye glass cleaner, soap, shampoo,
conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, cotton swabs, moisturizer
etc...
This is list “A”. We established
that we would set aside 10% of each paycheck for prepping. Slowly,
every payday, added to the “little put back”.
If I used
one, I would buy two. This simple tip is so efficient. Since you
are simply adding by what you use, each time you use it; it
automatically increases your stores based on your usage. For these
items I listed on “list A” I probably have three years worth of
these items stored now.
I utilized Walmart & Amazon free
online shipping. Order it and have it shipped to my home.
Now Part 2: Simply using this
list, I worked at developing alternative back-ups that were more self
sufficient. I am still working on that.
Water: Besides having about 6
months of actual water stored in the house, I also have rain barrels
to replenish the water supply.
Meds. (prescription and OTC's):
Medications are tough. I do what I can. I will note that often (not
always) you are able to place your refill order about 10 days early.
Utilizing this method will allow you to have some back stock on
medications that you need.
TP: While I still keep adding
to my toilet paper stores, I do have a back up plan ready. I consider
t.p. a luxury that I would really like to have.
I have personal
cleaning cloths already prepared. I took some old soft clothes and
cut them up into squares. Light colored clothes is for cleaning after
urination. Black colored clothes for use after a bowel movement. The
black ones could be used by a woman during menstruation.
Each
person would have their own set.
There would be two covered, lined
pails. This would be a great place to use old plastics grocery bags,
if you store them.
Treat the cloths as you would old fashioned
diapers.
Eye Glass Cleaner: I kept my
last empty bottle and added a tiny bit of vinegar. Now I clean my
glasses with that.
Soap: I have about 4 years of
soap in my stores. This year I will working on learning to make my
own soap.
Shampoo: I no longer store actual shampoo. I
now use only baking soda and water to wash my hair.
Conditioner: I no longer store
conditioner. I now use apple cider vinegar and water to condition my
hair.
I also have learned to make my own
natural apple cider vinegar from scratch.
Toothpaste:
I have about three years of toothpaste stored. Today I made mt first batch of toothpaste. I read several different recipes and decided to go with 3 T. Coconut Oil, 3 T. Baking soda, a little honey & Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil to taste. I tried it out and it's not bad. I will give you more updates later.
Toothbrushes: Haven't figured out a back up for
this one. I just keep adding toothbrushes to my stores.
Cotton
swabs: Again, no back-up. So I keep adding to my
supplies.
Moisturizer: I no longer use or store my
fancy $17 moisturizer. I now use and store coconut oil. I use coconut
oil for so many things.
