For at least a month now, whenever I go into the grocery store, there is a shortage of something. One week it was meat. Another week it was cheese. One time butter and bacon was nonexistent. It really is hit and miss some days.
I have had a “preparedness” mindset for awhile now. Even before the pandemic began. But over the past year or so, I really have felt the need to keep a prepared pantry. Now, I definitely am not perfect, and have a ways to go. But I am trying my best to stock up on what I can.
Last year, an emergency pantry was my focus. I’m so glad that I have put some things away in long term storage, but now I want to begin filling a “working pantry.” This is a pantry I will turn to on a regular basis, and hopefully will rotate items as we eat our regular meals.
I also have been working on stocking up on things like diapers and laundry. I’m posting a short YouTube video below about my latest Amazon order below. I love to purchase big items online, because that is one less item to take up space in my cart. Space is at a premium since we have a large family, and I would rather my cart be filled with food, and not diapers.
An easy way to begin to stock up on things without breaking the bank, is to purchase one “extra” while shopping. Instead of buying one can of soup, by two. Instead of purchasing one container of laundry detergent, buy two. Before you know it, you will have a nice little supply on hand in case a need arises.
I’ve been implementing this strategy, along with purchasing a twelve pack of several canned goods each week. I hope this is helping us to become better prepared.
Are you doing any extra stocking up? If so, please feel free to share your strategies below. I would love to hear them!
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
Psalm 91: 1-3
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Have been stocking up since the summer, I too have felt it prudent to have a good store, I did in 2019 and was so very glad of it here in the uk. I cannot see the shortages as we are shielding still, but family keep telling me there are things missing in the shelves here. You are very wise with a large family to think ahead and put away what you can. The blog bluebirds on the farm from Australia did a very good series on preparedness over 30 days it was very good and brought up things I hadn’t thought of. Blessings sue
Thank you so much for sharing, Sue! I will definitely check out that blog for more ideas.
I admire your generation for realizing that in the long run you will save money.
My parents and in-laws did this right up until they passed away. Their generation was the Depression Era generation and they saved EVERYTHING–for example:
Tin foil if it was slightly used, waxed paper, “Baggies” (Ziploc wasn’t around then), soap slivers, buttons, old shirts (for rags), milk bottles (first they were glass and then plastic) for starting vegetables–you name it, they saved it all.
We used to joke that they saved all this stuff–until WE started doing it and realized that throwing out things that you could reuse was a smart move.
So for us we have been doing this for 50 years. None of that had anything to do with the lockdowns or cargo ships stuck at a port, or any other “crisis;” it is just one of the ways to be a good steward of what He has provided.
Thank you so much for sharing, Marlene!
LOL: I meant that SAVING things you could reuse was a smart move,” not “throwing out things…”
I had stocked up before the pandemic but I started getting a little lax after a year in… I am trying to gear back up again now. I think I will have to remain vigilant from now on!
Same here! Thank you so much for sharing.🙂
Depending on what part of the country you live in it’s always best to buy things offline and Shop in places you wouldn’t normally go to. Ethnic food stores for instance have lots of great Foods, things like handles fuel etcetera. All is really good to look at things that are Basics like lots of water per day per person, water filters, extra fuel for heating etcetera. I’ve had a pantry closet for several years and really hit it hard this spring when I can see the writing on the wall. Fuel is going to be a big issue as far as heating so any alternative heating sources you can do is good! I have quite a few posts on my blog with lots of ideas from the last several months
These are all great ideas, Nancy!
We try in small ways to stock up, but seems we end up eating our stores! Have to work on that!
Congratulations on being featured this week at the Homestead Blog Hop! Sharing for others to see, and pinning!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Homestead Blog Hop
We do the same thing. Thank you so much, Laurie! I appreciate it so much!❤️