How To Start Prepping in 2024 (The 3 Phases of a Newbie Prepper)

Imagine waking up one morning to find the world has changed overnight. Power is out, stores are closed, and your city is in chaos. What’s your plan? Do you scramble for supplies, or do you calmly execute a well-thought-out preparedness strategy? Prepping isn’t just for doomsday scenarios; it’s about being ready for anything life throws your way. Whether you’re navigating a natural disaster, economic instability, or a simple power outage, having a plan can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the three phases of prepping: Budget Bare-Bones, Moderate, and No Expense Spared. Each phase builds on the previous one, ensuring you can start small and scale up as your needs and resources grow. This isn’t about fear-mongering; it’s about practical, sensible steps to safeguard your family and your peace of mind.

Our mission is clear: to equip you with the knowledge and tools necessary to face any challenge head-on. We’ll walk you through each phase, providing actionable advice and essential tips to help you become more self-sufficient, resilient, and ready for whatever the future holds. Let’s embark on this journey together, one step at a time.

Phase 1: Budget Bare-Bones Readiness

Getting Started on a Budget

Prepping isn’t about luxury; it’s about practicality. When starting to prep on a tight budget, the first step is adopting the right mindset. Remember, every small step you take now is a step toward security and peace of mind. Don’t be overwhelmed by the grand scale of preparedness. Focus on what you can do today with what you have.

Essential Supplies

Even with a limited budget, you can gather essential supplies to form the foundation of your prepper kit. Here’s a breakdown of the bare minimums:

Water

Bottled Water: Start by purchasing a few gallons of bottled water. It’s cheap, readily available, and essential for survival.
Water Purification Tablets: These are inexpensive and can purify water from natural sources, making them a valuable addition to your kit.

Food

Non-Perishable Items: Stock up on affordable, long-lasting foods such as:
- Rice: A staple food that’s inexpensive and has a long shelf life.
- Beans: Dried beans are cheap, nutritious, and easy to store.
- Canned Goods: Look for canned vegetables, fruits, and meats. They are relatively inexpensive and have a long shelf life.

First Aid

Basic First Aid Kit: Assemble a kit with the following items:
- Bandages and Gauze: Essential for treating cuts and wounds.
- Antiseptics: Items like alcohol wipes and hydrogen peroxide to disinfect wounds.
- Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.

Tools

Multi-Tool: A versatile tool that combines several functions into one, such as pliers, knife, and screwdrivers.
Flashlight: Ensure you have a reliable flashlight with extra batteries.
Fire Starter: Options like matches, lighters, or a ferro rod are essential for starting fires in emergencies.

Basic Skills

Developing essential skills can significantly enhance your preparedness, often at little to no cost. Here are some critical skills to focus on:

First Aid: Learn basic first aid skills. Free courses are often available through local community centers or online platforms.
Basic Self-Defense: Knowing how to protect yourself and your family is invaluable. Look for community classes or free online tutorials.

Building a Budget Bug-Out Bag

Creating a cost-effective bug-out bag is crucial for any prepper. Here’s how to assemble one without breaking the bank:

Choose a Sturdy Backpack: Look for a second-hand or discounted backpack that’s durable and large enough to carry your essentials.
Pack Essentials: Include the basic supplies listed above:
- Water and Purification Tablets
- Non-Perishable Food Items
- Basic First Aid Kit
- Multi-Tool, Flashlight, and Fire Starter
Clothing: Pack a change of clothes, focusing on durable, weather-appropriate items.
Personal Hygiene Items: Include travel-sized toiletries like soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, and hand sanitizer.
Important Documents: Make copies of essential documents (IDs, insurance policies) and keep them in a waterproof bag.

Tips for Budget Prepping

Shop Smart: Look for sales, discounts, and bulk buying opportunities.
DIY Solutions: Make your own first aid kit, fire starters, or even dehydrated foods.
Utilize Community Resources: Many communities offer free courses in first aid, self-defense, and other valuable skills.

By focusing on these budget-friendly essentials, you can lay the groundwork for a more secure and prepared future. Remember, the goal is to start small and gradually build up your supplies and skills. Prepping on a budget is not only possible but also highly rewarding as you take control of your readiness, one step at a time.

Phase 2: Moderate Readiness

Taking It to the Next Level

As you progress in your prepping journey, it’s time to elevate your readiness to the next level. This phase involves enhancing your supplies and skills, ensuring you are better equipped to handle more complex and extended emergencies without compromising on practicality or budget.

Expanded Supplies

Building on the basics, Phase 2 focuses on expanding and upgrading your supplies. Here are the additional items to consider:

Water

Water Filtration System: Investing in a reliable water filtration system, such as a portable water filter or a countertop model, ensures you have access to clean water from natural sources. These systems are more sustainable than relying solely on bottled water and purification tablets.

Food

Freeze-Dried Meals: Lightweight and long-lasting, freeze-dried meals are an excellent addition to your food supply. They are easy to prepare—just add hot water—and provide a variety of options to prevent food fatigue.
Bulk Grains and Legumes: Purchase grains and legumes in bulk to save money and ensure you have a substantial supply. Items like oats, quinoa, and lentils are versatile, nutritious, and have a long shelf life.

First Aid

Comprehensive First Aid Kit: Upgrade your basic kit to include more advanced supplies. Add items such as a tourniquet, suture kit, and a wider range of medications. This enhancement ensures you are better prepared for more serious injuries and illnesses.

Tools

Quality Multi-Tool: Invest in a high-quality multi-tool that can withstand heavy use. Look for one with additional features like a saw, wire cutters, and a can opener.
Durable Flashlight: Upgrade to a more robust flashlight with higher lumens and longer battery life. Consider models that are waterproof and impact-resistant.
Fire-Starting Kit: Enhance your fire-starting capabilities with a comprehensive kit that includes waterproof matches, a ferro rod, and fire tinder.

Shelter

Emergency Blankets: These are compact, lightweight, and can reflect body heat to keep you warm in emergencies.
Tents: A small, easy-to-set-up tent provides shelter and protection from the elements.
Sleeping Bags: Ensure you have sleeping bags rated for the lowest temperatures you might encounter in your area. This ensures warmth and comfort during unexpected stays outdoors.

Skill Development

In Phase 2, investing in skill development becomes crucial. Learning advanced skills will not only increase your preparedness but also boost your confidence in handling various situations. Here are some areas to focus on:

Wilderness Survival: Take courses or read books on wilderness survival to learn skills like foraging, shelter-building, and fire-making.
Advanced First Aid: Enroll in an advanced first aid course to learn how to handle more severe injuries and medical emergencies. Knowing how to perform CPR, treat fractures, and manage bleeding can be lifesaving.
Navigation: Understanding how to navigate without GPS is vital. Learn to use a map and compass, and consider taking an orienteering course.

Community Involvement

Prepping shouldn’t be a solitary endeavor. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals can provide support, share knowledge, and offer resources. Here’s how to get involved:

Local Prepper Groups: Join local prepper or survivalist groups. These communities often hold meetings, workshops, and practice drills.
Online Forums: Participate in online forums and social media groups focused on prepping. These platforms are excellent for exchanging ideas, learning new tips, and staying updated on the latest trends and information.

In Phase 2, you’re enhancing your readiness by expanding your supplies, upgrading your gear, developing advanced skills, and connecting with a community of preppers. These steps ensure that you are better prepared for a wider range of emergencies and can handle more extended disruptions with confidence and resilience. Remember, the journey of preparedness is continuous, and each phase builds on the previous one, leading you towards comprehensive readiness.

Phase 3: No Expense Spared

Ultimate Preparedness

Welcome to the pinnacle of prepping. In Phase 3, we explore the realm of ultimate preparedness, where the sky’s the limit. This phase is for those who have the resources to invest heavily in top-of-the-line gear, comprehensive supplies, and advanced training. Here, we ensure every aspect of your preparedness is meticulously covered, providing peace of mind in any scenario.

Comprehensive Supplies

In this phase, your prepping strategy includes the best equipment and supplies available. Here’s what you need to consider:

Water

Advanced Filtration Systems: Invest in high-end water filtration systems such as reverse osmosis filters, UV purification systems, and portable desalination units. These systems ensure you have access to clean, safe water in any environment.
Water Storage Tanks: Large, durable water storage tanks can hold significant quantities of water, providing a stable supply during extended emergencies. Consider tanks with built-in filtration to ensure ongoing water quality.

Food

Long-Term Food Storage Solutions: Stockpile a variety of long-term food storage solutions, including freeze-dried meals, MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat), and canned goods. Ensure a balanced mix of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats.
Variety of Preserved Foods: Invest in a wide range of preserved foods such as dehydrated fruits and vegetables, vacuum-sealed meats, and gourmet canned goods. This variety prevents food fatigue and ensures a nutritious diet.
High-Quality Freeze-Dried Meals: Brands like Mountain House and Augason Farms offer high-quality freeze-dried meals that are easy to prepare and have a long shelf life.

First Aid

Professional-Grade Medical Kits: Equip yourself with professional-grade medical kits that include advanced supplies such as surgical tools, IV kits, and comprehensive wound care products.
Prescription Medications: Ensure you have a stockpile of necessary prescription medications. Work with your healthcare provider to obtain an extended supply and learn about proper storage.

Tools

High-End Multi-Tools: Invest in premium multi-tools from brands like Leatherman or Gerber, offering robust construction and a wide range of functions.
Solar-Powered Flashlights: Choose solar-powered flashlights to ensure a reliable light source that doesn’t depend on batteries. Models with USB charging capabilities can also power other devices.
Advanced Fire-Starting Equipment: Consider advanced fire-starting tools such as plasma lighters and high-quality ferro rods. These tools are durable, efficient, and can ignite in various conditions.

Shelter

High-Quality Tents: Purchase top-tier tents designed for extreme weather conditions. Look for features such as reinforced seams, waterproof materials, and ample space.
Portable Stoves: Invest in efficient, portable stoves for cooking. Options include propane, butane, or multi-fuel stoves that work in diverse environments.
Luxury Sleeping Arrangements: Ensure comfort with high-quality sleeping bags, inflatable mattresses, and portable cots. Prioritize items that offer insulation, durability, and ease of transport.

Communication

Satellite Phones: Stay connected with satellite phones, ensuring you have communication access even in remote areas where cell service is unavailable.
Emergency Radios: Invest in multi-band emergency radios with features like NOAA weather alerts, hand-crank charging, and solar power options.

Advanced Skills

In Phase 3, honing advanced skills is crucial. Consider professional training in the following areas:

Tactical Defense: Learn advanced self-defense techniques and tactical strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones in high-risk situations.
Advanced Medical Training: Pursue certifications in advanced first aid, wilderness medicine, or even paramedic training. These skills are invaluable in emergencies.
Wilderness Survival: Gain expertise in wilderness survival through courses that teach advanced shelter-building, navigation, and foraging techniques.

Personalization and Customization

Ultimate preparedness is not one-size-fits-all. Tailor your supplies and skills to your specific needs and environment. Consider:

Climate and Terrain: Customize your gear to suit the climate and terrain of your location. For instance, desert survival requires different supplies than forest survival.
Family Needs: Ensure your preparedness plan accounts for the needs of all family members, including pets. This might involve additional food, medications, and comfort items.
Special Requirements: Address any special requirements such as dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or disabilities. Adapt your supplies and training to meet these needs.

Investment in Sustainable Solutions

Sustainability is key in ultimate preparedness. Investing in renewable and sustainable solutions ensures long-term self-sufficiency:

Renewable Energy Sources: Solar panels, wind turbines, and portable generators provide reliable power. Solar chargers for devices are also a valuable addition.
Sustainable Food Production: Develop sustainable food sources through gardening, aquaponics, or small-scale livestock. This reduces dependence on stockpiled food and ensures ongoing nutrition.
Off-Grid Living Arrangements: Consider secure, off-grid living solutions such as self-sustaining properties with independent water and energy supplies. These arrangements offer resilience against prolonged societal disruptions.

Phase 3 is about achieving the highest level of preparedness. By investing in the best supplies, honing advanced skills, and customizing your approach to suit your unique needs, you ensure maximum readiness for any situation. This phase represents the pinnacle of self-sufficiency and resilience, empowering you to face any challenge with confidence and peace of mind.

Conclusion

Prepping is not just a one-time task; it’s a journey of continuous improvement and adaptation. We’ve navigated through three distinct phases of preparedness, each tailored to different levels of commitment and resources.

Phase 1: Budget Bare-Bones Readiness Starting on a budget, this phase emphasizes the importance of the right mindset and the value of small beginnings. We’ve covered the essentials like bottled water, non-perishable foods, a basic first aid kit, and simple tools. Even with limited resources, you can establish a solid foundation for your preparedness journey.

Phase 2: Moderate Readiness Taking it to the next level, we expanded our supplies and skills without breaking the bank. This phase includes investing in a water filtration system, bulk grains and legumes, a comprehensive first aid kit, and quality tools. We also highlighted the importance of skill development and community involvement, encouraging you to learn advanced skills and connect with like-minded individuals.

Phase 3: No Expense Spared In the ultimate preparedness phase, we explored the top-of-the-line gear and comprehensive supplies for those with no budget constraints. This phase is about achieving the highest level of preparedness, with advanced water filtration systems, long-term food storage solutions, professional-grade medical kits, high-end tools, and sustainable living investments. It’s about tailoring your supplies and skills to your specific needs and environment, ensuring maximum readiness for any situation.

No matter where you start, the most important step is to start. Assess your current level of preparedness and take the next step, whether it’s building a budget bug-out bag, investing in advanced supplies, or joining a prepper community. Remember, preparedness is a journey, and every step you take brings you closer to self-sufficiency and resilience.

Resources and Next Steps

To help you on this journey, we’ve compiled a list of additional resources, including detailed guides, checklists, and community forums. Here are some valuable links to get you started:

Remember, the key to successful prepping is continuous learning and adaptation. Stay informed, stay prepared, and stay resilient. Your journey to preparedness starts now.