Guest Post: Tips for Preparedness in Apartements

Today's post is from Bernie from The Apartment Prepper's Blog.   I love the focus of her blog.  While there are many preparedness sites / forums / blogs,  most of them are "geared toward people who own their homes or have a retreat!"  (Bernies' words, not mine).  I guess that is understandable when you consider storing a year's worth (or more) of food and supplies.  However, that obviously isn't a reality for many.  I think she had a fabulous idea to start a blog that focuses on helping those living in smaller spaces prepare.

I asked her to share just 5 of her top tips for those living in small space that may be struggling with Preparedness b/ co f their space limitations.  I have quite a few questions / requests for this type of post.  There is no way for Bernie to cover everything here, so if you struggle with this, I suggest checking out the wealth if information she has on her site!


Here is what she has to say:

Preparing for an emergency is essential for anyone regardless of the type of dwelling you live in.  Most survival and preparedness sites are written for people with an abundant amount of space, which becomes daunting when trying to prepare in a small apartment or condo unit.  I used to think it was impossible, but tried it anyway.   I do not have a huge emergency stash, but its enough to make me sleep better at night knowing I have prepared as well as I can for my family.

For any apartment dwellers who would like to get started in preparing for an emergency, here are the top 5 tips that I have found to be most helpful:

1. De-clutter on a regular basis

Let’s face it, preparedness involves setting aside essential supplies.  Lack of space is the biggest challenge for those of us who live in small apartments.  To create space for your emergency supplies, you need to first get rid of un-needed items.  Find a drawer or closet that you can designate for emergency supplies.  Then get rid of stuff all over your home that you no longer need.  If you have books or electronics, sell them on Craiglist or Ebay, or just donate them and get the tax credit.  Once you have created some space you will feel like you have room to breathe, and space for your supplies.

2. Determine what your family eats and uses on a regular basis and make a list.

Buy only what your family will use.   A good way to get started is to record what your family uses in one week:  breakfast lunch and dinner foods, toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste etc.  This will give you an idea of what you want to stock up on.  The last thing you want is to buy stuff that no one wants to eat because you felt they are good emergency items.  A lot of “emergency lists” might include canned tuna as a good emergency food.  But if no one in your family will eat tuna, then there is no point in stocking up on it, even if its on sale.  Only buy what your family will eat or use.  This way you don’t waste money or space.

3. Take inventory of what you have.  

When starting out, check your pantry and closets and find out what you already have as far as preparedness supplies.  Do you have flashlights, First Aid kit, and a way to cook if the power goes out?  This way you avoid buying stuff you don’t need.

4. Rotate your storage items.    

Pay attention to expiration dates and use items before they expire.  I like to use a Sharpie marker and write down the expiration dates on canned foods so the dates are easy to spot. Keep the “soon to expire” items in the front of the shelf and use them as soon as possible.

       5.  Be mindful of your privacy and security.  

Apartments have more comings and goings and residents usually do not know each other.  Keep your blinds and doors closed at all times, and be careful who sees your emergency supplies.  I like to hide everything from plain view, particularly when maintenance people come or management comes in for inspections.

There are so many more preparedness tips for apartment preppers.  For additional information, please visit my blog, http://apartmentprepper.com

Bernie Carr is the author of The Prepper’s Pocket Guide:  101 Easy Things you Can Do to Ready Your Home for a Disaster.   She runs The Apartment Prepper’s Blog, http://apartmentprepper.com