Starting a prepper pantry is something you should do as soon as you can, so you can be prepared for whatever life throws your way. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a catastrophic event, being prepared is key.
Easy ways to start your prepper pantry
If you have done any research on how to be a proper or create your own prepper pantry, you have no doubt seen hundreds of pages of material for people that already seem to know what to do. This can be a bit overwhelming for the beginner prepper; but do not be discouraged! Starting a prepper pantry does not have to be as difficult as you think. There are actually plenty of ways to easily start and maintain your own prepper pantry.
How do you plan on cooking? Be sure your prepper pantry includes a plan! This means having a plan, a backup plan, and all the cookware, cooking utensils, and heating elements you’ll need. Whether you plan to cook on a grill or with a solar oven, having everything together in or near your prepper pantry can help save time and headache later.
Number one: Start Small
Don’t try to buy out the whole canned goods aisle at once. Instead, buy a few extra cans of what you would normally buy. Wait for sales and stock up, but don’t go too crazy all at once. It’s okay to take your time stocking up.
Grab a few gallons of water to store. Stock up on other essentials like batteries and any other power sources. Think about what you may need during an emergency, and start adding them to your prepper pantry or other space.
Just getting a few extra things every time, you shop can really add up. Make sure you have enough space to store the extras you get.
Number two: Choose the Right Space
A prepper pantry should be in a cool, dry area. Be sure to avoid garages and attics, since these places can get really humid and hot as temperatures fluctuate outside. You should also choose a place that has plenty of room for shelving, and is safe from vermin or pests that can destroy your stock.
If you don’t have a space like this in your home, it’s easy to make one! Grab a few pieces of wood and add shelving to any closet. Even the coat closet will work; your coats can be stored in the garage or attic without any problem. You can also add shelving to an existing pantry, essentially doubling the space you are able to use.
Number three: Experiment
If you haven’t already started, try out some easy recipes with shelf stable foods. Eating the same thing over and over gets old, fast. If you find yourself in a position to need your prepper pantry, you will be glad to have a bit of variety in your diet.
Take a look around Pinterest, try new things, and add extras to your pantry as you discover things you and your family enjoy. Ask your family for help, I bet they have plenty of ideas to get you started!
Number four: Remember the Basics
If your pantry is bare and you’re starting from Ground Zero, I recommend stocking up on items like:
- water
- cooking oil
- vinegar
- rice
- flour
- coffee
- cereal
- potato flakes
- sugar
- herbs and spices
- pasta
- beans
- vanilla
- peanut butter
- canned fruits
- canned vegetables
- vitamins and supplements
How much of each is enough? That answer varies from family to family, and how prepared you want to be. How much water is enough? Again, the answer depends but I’ve seen anywhere from 50-100 gallons of water per person as a good measurement. That’s a LOT of water, but we use water for everything and it would be the first thing to run out if we didn’t stock up well!
Sometimes the most basic supplies can be forgotten because they are so obvious. Save money by buying at Costco or Sam’s, and purchasing items like beans, flour, sugar, and cooking oil in bulk. You will want to be sure you have plenty of foods with lots of protein and nutritional value. Empty calories have no place in a prepper pantry.
Number five: DIY Shelf Stable Foods
Canning, pickling, and drying out foods are actually very simple thanks to modern technology and appliances. One of the best parts about this is that you can preserve your favorite things all by yourself! With a little bit of practice and the right tools, you can preserve meats, fruits, and vegetables for your daily AND prepper pantry.
Some of my favorite foods to dehydrate include:
- bananas
- dates
- apples
- tomatoes
- mushrooms
- peppers
You can also can foods like salsa, pasta and pizza sauces, and soups: anything shelf stable.
Number six: Grow your own food.
If you don’t have a garden yet, now’s a great time to plan one! A garden can provide nutrition for the whole family, and it’s fresh and organic. I’ve seen small gardens yield dozens of pounds of tomatoes, which can provide delicious nutrition year round. Even if you don’t have a ton of space, you can start a container garden or a square foot garden. These are both popular methods for families that don’t have huge yards or acreage. If you have an acre or more of land, your garden could be massive!
Now that you know the five easiest ways to start your very own prepper pantry, go forth and prep! Once you take that first step and give it a try, you will see just how easy it can be to prepare for anything that comes your way.