The One Year Urban Survival Plan – Month 1

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The One Year Urban Survival Plan - Month 1

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” – Vincent Van Gogh

This month, we're going to cover the basics: How to create a basic survival kit, which types of foods to stockpile, how to save money and find good deals, and what to do if there's a power outage and you no longer have a heater or air conditioning.

Table Of Contents
  1. 72-HOUR KIT
  2. FOOD AND WATER
  3. SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

72-HOUR KIT

Your 72-hour kit is your first line of defense. It should be your first priority when getting prepared for a disaster. Originally, I was going to suggest you start working on your bug out bag first, but that will take several months, and a disaster could happen at any time. With a 72-hour kit, you'll be ready if a disaster strikes this month.

First, you need to get a container for your 72-hour kit. Get a large tote like this one so you can throw it in the back of your vehicle in case you need to evacuate. I recommend getting one with wheels in case you end up having to walk.

72-Hour Kit Checklist

Below is a list of what to put in your 72-hour kit. You probably already have a lot of these. Go ahead and put them in a box or tote, and purchase whatever you don't have yet.

Note: In the coming months, you’ll start building your bug out bag. And if you want, you can take items from the 72-hour kit and put them into your bug out bag. The purpose of making the 72-hour kit first is to get you prepared for a short-term disaster as quickly as possible.

FOOD AND WATER

What Foods Should You Store?

Shopping Cart in Store

Since you probably already spent a lot of time and money on your 72-hour kit, and since it already includes 3 days of food and water, you're not going to start your 3-month supply of food and water this month. Instead, we're going to talk about the types of food you should stockpile.

In the original One Year Urban Survival Plan, I told people exactly what foods to buy each month, but I'm not gonna do that this time. Everyone likes different foods, and everyone is used to cooking with certain ingredients. Plus, some people have dietary restrictions. So if you just buy what I tell you to buy, chances are, a lot of the food will go uneaten and end up expiring.

Instead, you should store foods you like. Being able to enjoy the same foods you already like during a disaster will make it a lot easier to cope. So, over the next 11 months, you're going to choose a dinner recipe every month until you have 11 recipes you can use during an emergency.

They can be recipes you already like, or they can be new recipes that sound good. However, all of the ingredients need to be shelf-stable, which means no fresh produce or meat, and no ingredients that need to be refrigerated or frozen.

And they need to be recipes you can make over a fire, grill, camp stove, or some other cooking method that doesn't require electricity (I'll talk more about your options later).

Key Point to Remember: Eat what you store; store what you eat.

What About Perishable Ingredients?

If one of your favorite recipes requires refrigerated food such as meat, chicken, cheese, milk, or eggs, you can buy canned meat, canned chicken, canned cheese, powdered milk, and powdered eggs. As for butter, you can buy canned butter or powdered butter, but in most recipes, you can substitute coconut oil instead.

If you eat a lot of fresh fruits, veggies, and meats, then purchase dehydrated or freeze-dried fruits, veggies, and meats. Or for a cheaper option, you can dehydrate these things yourself with a dehydrator. Another option is to can these foods using a pressure canner or water bath canner (I'll talk more about these methods later).

Long-Lasting Foods to Consider

At the same time, you should store some long-lasting foods and figure out what meals you can make with them. Odds are, most of your favorite pantry foods only last a few months, but the following foods can last several years even in their original packages:

  • Canned food
  • Cornstarch
  • Dried beans
  • Honey
  • Oats
  • Pasta
  • Potato flakes
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Vinegar
  • Wheat berries
  • White rice
  • Here are some more examples

One idea is to look over all the ingredients you already have in your cupboard plus the long-lasting foods listed above, then enter them into a site like Supercook.com. When you do that, it will spit out thousands of recipes to choose from, and you can even filter them by meal types and ingredients.

A note about flour: Although you can store flour, there are many benefits to storing whole grains instead. They're healthier, and they can last for decades when stored properly. You can grind whole grains into flour later using a grain mill (in case of power outages, get a hand crank mill, not an electric mill).

What About Health and Nutrition?

The main problem with shelf-stable foods is they tend to be very high in sodium and carbohydrates, so if you're eating them every day, your health is going to suffer. The same goes for dehydrated and freeze-dried foods. Manufacturers usually add lots of sugar and sodium to extend their shelf life.

I already mentioned that you should think about canning and dehydrating fruits and vegetables, but I'm mentioning it again because it's important. Food that you preserve yourself is going to be much cheaper and much healthier than store-bought foods, even the “low sodium” ones.

However, even if you're canning and dehydrating food, you're still going to be eating a lot of shelf-stable foods. And not only are these foods high in sodium and carbohydrates, they're also low in vitamins, minerals, and fiber. That's the other reason these foods will take a toll on your health.

Because of this, I highly recommend storing some multivitamins and fiber supplements. This will make it easier for your body to cope with a diet of mostly processed foods. You should also consider growing some fresh herbs and sprouts in your kitchen for extra fiber and nutrients (I'll talk more about that later).

Another thing to keep in mind is macronutrients. There are three main types of macronutrients that we get our calories from: fat, protein, and carbohydrates. Since most emergency food is high in carbohydrates, make sure you're also getting plenty of fat and protein—things like ghee, canned meat, olive oil, and peanut butter.

What About MREs (Meals Ready to Eat)?

While MREs can be good for bug out bags, I don't recommend stockpiling lots of them. They're very expensive, and they're very unhealthy.

I know that if you have the money, it's a lot easier to just buy three month's worth of MREs and then forget about them until disaster strikes. But trust me, once disaster strikes, you're going to be miserable eating bland MREs day in and day out.

Plus, your blood-pressure will spike, your health will decline, and you'll feel like crap.

What About Breakfast and Lunch?

So far, I've written this section with dinner recipes in mind, but breakfast and lunch are important too. Again, I'm not going to tell you exactly what foods to stockpile, but there are a bunch of suggestions in the appendix.

For breakfast and lunch, I'd advise against meals that require a lot of cooking. During a long-term disaster, you don't want to use any more fuel than you have to. The same goes for water. If you're cooking a big breakfast or lunch, you're going to use even more water for cleaning pots and pans afterward.

That doesn't mean you can't cook at all during breakfast or lunch. Heating up some water so you can make oatmeal, or heating up a small pan so you can turn powdered eggs into scrambled eggs, is no big deal.

But in general, try to store foods that you can simply open and eat such as cereal, trail mix, granola bars, canned soup or chili, Starkist Lunch To-Go kits, and so forth.

What About Sweets?

I know I've said a lot about the importance of nutrition, but I still think you should store at least a few sweets. I'm talking about things like hard candy (which won't melt if the AC goes out), and the ingredients to make things like cookies and brownies (there are a few suggested recipes in the appendix).

Obviously, you don't want to eat desserts every day, but a few pieces of candy here and there, and a delicious dessert once or twice a week can be a huge morale booster (especially for children).

What About Condiments, Seasonings, and Basic Ingredients?

Condiments like ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, and salsa can usually be stored at room temperature until they're opened. However, you'll need to refrigerate them after they're open. That's why you should purchase very small bottles, so you can use it all at once.

If you're in a smaller group of people and that isn't realistic, you could get the individual condiment pouches they have at restaurants. Every time you get fast food, ask for a bunch of extra condiments, then store them in a container in your pantry. Or you could just buy them online.

For every recipe you choose, make sure you have all the spices, seasonings, and other ingredients they require. Most of these don't need to be refrigerated, so storage shouldn't be a problem. However, if you run out of a certain ingredient, there is likely a good substitute you can use instead.

More Info on Food Storage:

Food and Water Checklist for Month 1

  • Make a list of recipes you could cook during a long-term disaster (check out the appendix for a list of recipes that use shelf-stable ingredients; try to find recipes that have about 800 calories per serving).
  • Think about whether you're going to purchase canned, powdered, dehydrated, or freeze-dried versions of dairy, meat, fruits, and veggies, or whether you want to learn how to preserve them yourself.
  • Think about what you could have for breakfast and lunch. Make a list of foods you like that don't require any cooking.
  • Get some long-lasting candy and/or snacks.
  • Get enough multivitamins and fiber supplements to last three months.

Next month, you'll start stockpiling food and water, and I'll explain how to store water long-term.

SKILLS AND SUPPLIES

Frugal Living

Scissors and Coupons

Originally, home security and self-defense were going to be the first skills I covered. But toward the end of working on this plan, I realized it's better to learn about frugal living first. Why?

To adequately prepare for a major disaster, you're going to need to stockpile a lot of tools and supplies, and that's going to cost a lot of money. To avoid financial problems, the first thing you should do is learn how to save money and make do with less.

Remember, being frugal isn't just about saving up for survival supplies; it's about getting by during a long-term crisis. If another Great Depression happens (and I believe it will soon), everyone will have to learn how to get by on less power, less water, and less stuff in general. It's better to learn now before the economic crisis arrives.

And even if an economic crisis never happens, being frugal is still worth it. It will help you save money and be more financially stable in the long run.

Note: I thought about including a section on budgeting and creating an emergency fund, but these are things that everyone should do, regardless of whether they're preparing for a disaster. I highly recommend using a budgeting app or budgeting software to help you track your expenses and save up extra money for a rainy day.

Ways to Lower Your Bills

Here's a list of things you can do to lower your monthly bills:

Audit Your Subscriptions

Every month, check your subscriptions. Do you really need five different streaming services? Are you still using that app with the monthly fee? Will you ever go back to the gym, or could you start working out at home instead? Make sure you're not paying for anything you don't use or don't need.

By the way, there are apps such as Rocket Money that analyze your account, find recurring expenses, and even help you cancel unwanted subscriptions. They cost very little and more than make up for it in the long run.

Look for Cheaper Options

Most people would save several hundred dollars per year by simply switching car insurance. Check a comparison site such as coverage.com to see if you can find a cheaper rate.

Review your mobile phone plan and see if you can find a better deal from another carrier. Do the same with your cable bill, your insurance, and anything else you pay for on a regular basis.

Consolidate and Negotiate Debt

If you have high-interest debts, try consolidating them into a single loan with a lower interest rate. If you've already done that, see if you can negotiate for a lower rate. Sometimes all you have to do is threaten to move your debt elsewhere, and they'll lower your rate.

Regularly check to see if you can refinance your mortgage and get a lower interest rate and monthly payments.

The Debt Snowball vs. Avalanche

Many financial advisors recommend the “debt snowball.” This is where you put any extra money you have toward your smallest debt. Once that is paid off, put that payment and any extra toward the next smallest debt.

However, you'll save more money if you first focus on the loan with the highest interest rate. That's called the “debt avalanche.” The debt snowball is great if you want the psychological boost of paying off a debt sooner, but the debt avalanche is better in the long run as you'll waste less money on interest.

Buy Cheaper Foods

Everybody knows that eating out is a waste of money, but even if you already eat at home every day, you can still save money by purchasing simpler ingredients. Instead of buying boxed or frozen meals, buy the basic ingredients and make it yourself.

For example, instead of buying a Stouffer's lasagna, just make a lasagna from scratch. If you don't have a lot of time during the week, you could cook a few meals on the weekend and freeze them for later in the week.

Lower Utility Bills

There are lots of things you can do to lower your power or water bill:

  • Change the Thermostat – Wear more layers in the winter and use fans in the summer. Learn to handle colder or warmer temperatures now so you'll cope better during the next blackout.
  • Lower the Temperature on Your Water Heater – Most people have their water heaters set way to high. Lowering it to about 120°F will save you money and you won't even notice the difference.
  • Hang Up Thermal Curtains – Thermal curtains help keep heat outside in the summer and keep heat inside in the winter.
  • Seal Leaks Around Windows and Doors – Use weather-stripping around doors to stop air leaks.
  • Turn Off or Unplug Anything You're Not Using – We all know to turn off lights, but keep in mind that many devices, even phone chargers, will draw a little bit of power if they're plugged in. Be sure to unplug anything you're not using.
  • Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – Next time you purchase something such as a washer, dryer, or dishwasher, get one that is designed to be energy-efficient.
  • Use LED Lights – These take far less energy and are just as bright.
  • Fix Any Leaky Pipes or Dripping Faucets – It might not seem like much, but that wasted water adds up after a while.
  • Take Shorter and/or Fewer Showers – Only shower if you've gotten dirty or sweaty. And when you shower, limit it to 5 minutes. Also consider cold showers so your water heater uses less energy.
  • Install Low-Flow Showerheads and Toilets – After a year, they'll pay for themselves, and then you'll start saving money.
  • Wear Clothes Longer – Again, if you haven't gotten dirty or sweaty, the shirt or jeans you've been wearing are probably fine. Spray some Febreeze on them and hang them up. Just don't do this too many times.
  • Wash More Clothes At Once – Try to fit lots of clothes into your washer at once so you're able to do fewer loads and thereby use less water.

Finding Good Deals

Whether you're shopping for groceries, clothing, or anything else, there are a few things you can do to get a better deal:

  • Use Coupons – Search for coupons, but only use them for things you were going to purchase anyway.
  • Buy Generic – For most things, generic is as good as the name brands.
  • Sign Up for Store Loyalty Programs – Oftentimes, you'll get exclusive deals this way.
  • Shop Seasonal Sales – Immediately after a holiday is a great time to find good deals.
  • Compare Prices Online – Make sure no one has the same thing for less.
  • Buy in Bulk – This is especially helpful when purchasing things like food and household items.
  • Shop at Discount Stores – Consider joining a wholesale store like Costco or Sam's Club. Also check out places like Goodwill or military surplus stores.

Search Flea Markets and Garage Sales

Flea Market from Above

I almost included this under “Finding Good Deals,” but I decided to give it its own section to make sure you understand how important it is.

When searching for survival gear and supplies, you can often find great deals at yard sales, garage sales, flea markets, etc. You could find tools, canning supplies, camping gear, fishing equipment, winter clothing, etc. If you have time, check one or more of these places on a weekly basis.

Buy Once, Cry Once

When I was in my early twenties, I bought a $10 pair of sunglasses at Walmart. After about a year, they broke, so I bought another $10 pair. This continued every year for five years.

Finally, I purchased a $50 pair, and I've had them for nearly a decade. By purchasing a more expensive pair, I actually ended up spending less money in the long run. Instead of spending $10 a year, it's come to about $5 per year.

That's what “buy once, cry once” means. It sucks spending a lot of money on something, but it's worth it because you won't have to purchase it again (at least not for a long time). So when you're shopping for tools, gear, or anything you'll use more than once, don't immediately grab the cheapest option.

However, you shouldn't purchase the most expensive option either. Oftentimes, the mid-priced items are just as good as the most expensive items. As a rule of thumb, purchase things that are in the middle of the price range or a little lower. That's where you're likely to get the best bang for your buck.

And be sure to do your research. Check reviews and find out if the brand you're considering has a good reputation.

Get Some Multipurpose Items

Multipurpose items are everyday items that can be used for a variety of purposes. Coffee filters are a great example. Even if you don't drink coffee, it wouldn't hurt to get some coffee filters because they can be used to clean things, sprout seeds, pre-filter water, start a fire, make a bandage, make a cold compress, as toilet paper, as a disposable plate or bowl… You get the idea.

If you have a variety of multipurpose items on hand, you have options. You'll be able to do a lot of things with only a few items. Below is a list of 50 multipurpose to consider getting (if you don't have them already). Each one links to an article that lists their many uses.

Repurposing and Upcycling

As a prepper, it's important that you repurpose and upcycle everything you can.

If you studied the list of multipurpose items, you're already familiar with the concept of repurposing. It means using items for things other than what they were originally intended for. Examples include:

  • Using dental floss as fishing line.
  • Using a bandana as a tourniquet.
  • Using a metal coffee can as a cooking pot.
  • Burying an old refrigerator and using it as a mini root cellar.
  • Using plastic grocery bags to keep your shoes dry in wet weather.
  • Putting aluminum foil on windows to keep out the heat during a power outage.

Upcycling, on the other hand, means modifying an item or even combining multiple items into something new. Examples include:

  • Making tears in a trash bag to use it as a poncho.
  • Turning a tin can into an emergency stove. (see here)
  • Drilling holes in old buckets and using them as planters.
  • Combing sawdust and melted wax to create a fire starter. (see here)
  • Cutting a bottle in half and using it as a mini greenhouse for seedlings.
  • Turning an old satellite dish into a solar oven by covering it with aluminum foil.

There are countless ways to upcycle and repurpose things to help you save money or cope during a disaster or long-term crisis. Before you throw something away, consider whether it can be repurposed or upcycled into something useful, especially if it will save you money. (See the “More Info on Frugality” section below for articles with more ideas.)

Make Your Own Stuff

In some cases, you can save money by making household items yourself. It's not that hard to make things like:

I understand that people are busy and not everyone has time to make their own stuff, but if you do have the time, it's worth it. Just be sure to do the math to find out how much money you're actually saving. Some items—such as laundry detergent—are more worth the trouble than others.

Sewing Supplies

Speaking of frugality, another way to save money is by fixing clothes you'd normally throw away. Pants or shirts have a tear? Try fixing them instead of replacing them.

But this isn't just about saving money. During a long-term crisis such as economic depression, new clothes may be hard to find or too expensive. Fixing old clothes, or altering them so that someone else can wear them, might become a matter of necessity. That's why you should gather some basic sewing supplies.

Sewing a Button

Here's a list of things to put in your sewing kit:

You don't necessarily have to get all of those things. It just depends on you and what you might need. You could also buy a pre-assembled sewing kit, which won't cost as much. Just make sure it has everything you might need for your wardrobe.

Sewing Basics

I'm not going to teach you everything you need to know about sewing in this guide. Rather, I'm just going to give you an idea of what's involved.

Warning About Electric Sewing Machines: Nowadays, most people use an electric sewing machine. This will be problem during power outages or periods when electricity is only available intermittently. Consider whether you have a reliable way to power your sewing machine. If not, you should focus on sewing by hand.

To sew by hand, there are a few things you'll need to learn:

  • Threading a Needle and Using a Thimble – Threading a needle is the first thing you should learn, but be sure to use a thimble to protect your fingers.
  • Stitching Techniques – There are many different stitches that are useful for different things including the running stitch, the basting stitch, the back stitch, the whip stitch, and more. You'll need to learn several of them.
  • Sewing Patterns – You need to be able to read and follow sewing patterns in order to create new garments or alter existing ones, making sure the pieces fit together correctly.
  • Fabric Selection – You'll need a basic understanding of the various types of fabrics and what they're used for. Some materials are better for certain projects than others.
  • Measuring and Cutting – Measuring and cutting fabric correctly is vital to make sure pieces fit together the right way.

Basic Sewing Projects

If you're not sure where to begin, starting by practicing these:

  • Attaching or Reattaching Buttons – Learning to sew on a button is a fundamental skill that will come in handy countless times if you're trying to extend the life of your clothing.
  • Fixing a Hole – There are several ways to fix a hole, depending on what type of fabric or garment it is. Techniques like patching or darning (which involves weaving thread over a hole to close it) are both effective methods.
  • Hemming – This is crucial for adjusting the length of pants, skirts, dresses, and sleeves to ensure a proper fit. It's a valuable skill for personalizing the length of new garments or adjusting hand-me-downs to fit correctly.

If you want to dig deeper, I recommend getting a good sewing book such as Visible Mending: Repair, Renew, Reuse The Clothes You Love or Simple Hand Sewing: 35 Slow Stitching and Mindful Mending Projects.

More Info on Frugal Living:

Managing Temperatures

Staying Cool Without Power

Heat Wave in City

Most people don't realize how much we rely on air conditioners to keep us alive. In 2023, a study found that if a power failure struck Phoenix in the midst of a heat wave, about 12,800 people would die.

Thanks to the invention of air conditioners, people have spread to parts of the world that they used to avoid. Now, countless people live in areas where their lives would be at risk if the grid went down. If an EMP took down the grid across a continent in the middle of summer, millions would die of heatstroke in the first day.

With cold weather, you can at least bundle up or build a fire. But with hot weather, your options are limited. Now is the time to create a plan for what to do if the power goes out in the middle of summer.

Supplies for Staying Cool

  • Shade for Your House – Do anything you can to create shade around your house. Awnings, canopies, hedges, fences, trees, etc. The more shade there is on your house, the less it will heat up.
  • Heat Blocking Curtains – These curtains are thermal insulated and designed to keep heat out. Putting them up now could lower your power bill in the summer.
  • Cooling Towel – Cooling towels are specifically designed to help you cool off. Soak it in water, then apply it to your face or wrap it around your neck. You could also use a washcloth or a bandana.
  • Battery-Powered Fans – Stock up on camping fans and handheld fans, and make a plan to either recharge them or recharge the batteries they require using solar or wind power. There are also neck fans, which wrap around your neck and blow air on your neck and face.
  • Spray Bottle – Use a spray bottle with a fan. A bit of mist with a breeze can help your body cool down faster.
  • Portable Air Conditioner – If you get a portable air conditioner, put it in the smallest bedroom in your house as it won't be powerful enough to cool your entire home. Be sure to put weatherstripping around the door to keep cool air from escaping.

Note: If you decide to get a portable air conditioner, you need to have a plan to keep it running during a power outage, such as a generator. Several good solar panels can also keep a small AC unit running on sunny days.

Tips for Staying Cool

  • Put Aluminum Foil on the Windows – Aluminum foil will reflect sunlight and heat away from your home, potentially keeping it a few degrees cooler.
  • Open Your Windows – If your windows are shaded by a tree or structure and there's a breeze outside, open two windows to create some cross ventilation. If your windows aren't shaded, then wait until the sun goes down and open them to let the hot air out.
  • Stay Hydrated – Drink plenty of water and take electrolyte tablets to help stay hydrated. Even if you aren't thirsty, keep sipping water anyway.

Practice Living Without AC

When the day finally comes when the power is out during the summer, you may forget some of these tips. To prevent that, go ahead and practice living without AC for one day during the summer. Just turn it off, use the supplies and tips listed above, and see how it goes.

You'll be much better prepared if you know what it's like ahead of time. You may also come up with new methods for keeping cool.

Staying Warm Without Power

Thousands of people die from heat every year, but even more people die from the cold. Fortunately, staying warm should be easier than staying cool as long as you have the necessary supplies.

Ways to Heat Your Home

When staying warm indoors, you need to be careful. Smoke or carbon monoxide are both very deadly, so make sure you have functioning, battery-powered smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.

Here are some ways to heat your home:

  • Fireplace – This is obvious. Just make sure the flue is clear so you don't have smoke backing up into your home.
  • Wood-Burning Stove – Not only does this keep the room warm, you can also cook on it. You may need to get one professionally installed to make sure all the smoke goes outside.
  • Kerosene Heater – Some kerosene heaters are designed to be safe to use indoors. However, make sure your model is rated for indoor use, and be sure to crack a window for ventilation.
  • Propane Heater – Some propane heaters are also designed for indoor use. But again, make sure your model is meant to be used indoors, and crack a nearby window for ventilation.

Warning: With either of the last two options, you should keep a carbon monoxide detector in the same room just to be safe.

Whatever method you choose, make sure you have plenty of fuel such as firewood, kerosene, or propane.

Supplies for Staying Warm

  • Window Insulation – You can buy window insulation kits to stop heat from escaping your home. Another option is bubble wrap, or you could just hang blankets in front of your windows.
  • Draft Stoppers – Put these under doors to keep heat from escaping the room.
  • Thermal Underwear – If you don't live up North, you might not realize what a huge difference this makes. Thermal underwear allows you to withstand much colder temperatures than usual by retaining more of your body heat.
  • Hand Warmers – In an emergency scenario, you can use hand warmers and body warmers for instant heat.

Tips for Staying Warm

  • Stay In One Room – During a gas or power outage in the winter, everyone should hang out in one small room. Your collective body heat will keep the room warmer. You could also set up a tent in your living room and hang out in there.
  • Use Blankets – I know this one is pretty obvious, but don't just use any blanket. Get some good wool blankets, or even some Mylar blankets. If you put a Mylar blanket under your regular blanket, it will keep you much warmer because it'll reflect your body heat back at you.
  • Wear Multiple Layers – The more layers you wear, the easier it is to stay warm. And again, wool is your best option.
  • Open the Curtains When the Sun is Out – If the sun is shining directly on a window, be sure to draw the curtains so the sunlight can get inside and create a greenhouse effect in your home. Draw the curtains once direct sunlight isn't hitting the window anymore.

Practice Living Without Heat

You should also practice living without your central heater for a day. Turn it off and use the winter supplies and tips for staying warm listed above. If you do this, you'll be more likely to remember the tips during a power outage, and you'll get better at using and organizing your winter supplies.

More Info on Managing Temperatures:

Skills and Supplies Checklist for Month 1

  • Look for ways to lower your bills.
  • Learn how and where to find good deals.
  • Remember to “buy once, cry once.”
  • Study the list of multipurpose items.
  • Gather any multipurpose items that could be useful to you.
  • Look for ways to repurpose or upcycle things you own.
  • If you plan to learn about sewing, gather sewing supplies.
  • Practice some basic sewing projects.
  • Gather supplies for staying cool in the summer.
  • Practice living without AC for a day.
  • Decide how you'll heat your home during a winter power outage.
  • Gather supplies for staying warm in the winter.
  • Practice living without your heater for a day.
  • Set aside $40 cash. (You'll do this every month, and by the end of the year you'll have nearly $500.)

Previous: Introduction | Next: Month 2 | Return to: Table of Contents