Written by Bernie Carr
As the new year approaches, it’s a great time to reflect, reset, and get ready for what lies ahead. Whether you’re an experienced prepper or just starting out, the beginning of the year is an ideal opportunity to assess your preparedness goals, update your supplies, and ensure your plans are ready for whatever 2025 might bring. Here are practical steps to prepare for the new year while staying organized and resilient in your apartment lifestyle.
1. Review and Update Your Emergency Plan
A new year means new opportunities to evaluate your emergency preparedness plan.
- Check contact lists: Update phone numbers and emergency contacts for family, friends, and neighbors. Create a texting tree, an easy project you can complete in a few hours.
- Review evacuation routes: Ensure your planned routes are still viable and consider alternative paths in case of road closures. Consider how your will navigate during a disaster.
- Reassess meeting points: Confirm that your designated meeting spots are still safe and accessible.
If you don’t have an emergency plan yet, now is the perfect time to create one. Tailor it to your specific living situation, considering factors like local risks (e.g., floods, earthquakes) and the layout of your apartment building.
2. Restock and Rotate Your Emergency Supplies
The start of the year is an excellent time to inventory your emergency supplies.
- Check expiration dates: Inspect food, water, and medication for expiry. Rotate items to ensure nothing goes to waste.
- Refill basics: Stock up on essentials like batteries, first-aid items, and non-perishable food.
- Upgrade equipment: Consider replacing outdated or damaged gear, such as flashlights, water filters, or power banks.
Aim to have at least a three-day supply of food, water, and other essentials per person in your household.
3. Set Financial Goals for Prepping
Preparedness doesn’t have to break the bank. Use the new year to plan your prepping budget.
- Create a savings plan: Set aside a small amount each month for emergency supplies or larger prepping purchases.
- Look for sales: Keep an eye out for deals on bulk items, survival gear, and food storage supplies.
- DIY where possible: Learn to make or repurpose items to save money, such as creating your own first-aid kits or homemade cleaning solutions.
Having a financial plan ensures you can build your preps steadily without unnecessary stress.
4. Organize Your Living Space
Apartment living often means limited storage, so organization is key.
- Declutter: Donate or sell items you no longer use to free up space for prepping supplies.
- Use vertical storage: Shelving units, over-the-door organizers, and stackable bins can maximize your storage potential.
- Designate prepping zones: Create specific areas for emergency items, tools, and food storage to keep everything easily accessible.
A clean, organized space helps you stay prepared and makes your apartment feel more livable.
5. Develop New Skills
Preparedness isn’t just about supplies—it’s also about knowledge and skills. Consider learning something new in 2025 to enhance your self-reliance.
- Learn basic first aid: Knowing how to treat minor injuries can be invaluable in an emergency.
- Practice cooking from scratch: Experiment with budget-friendly meals using pantry staples.
- Explore DIY repairs: Learn simple fixes for appliances or furniture to save money and reduce waste.
Look for local workshops, online classes, or even YouTube tutorials to develop new skills that align with your prepping goals.
6. Strengthen Community Connections
No prepper is an island—building relationships with neighbors and local groups can make a huge difference.
- Introduce yourself to neighbors: Exchange contact information and discuss how you might support one another during emergencies.
- Join local preparedness groups: Many cities have community organizations focused on disaster response and preparedness.
- Share knowledge: If you’re comfortable, teach others about basic prepping tips to strengthen your community’s resilience.
A strong support network can be a game-changer during emergencies.
7. Plan for Long-Term Goals
While day-to-day preparedness is essential, it’s also important to think long-term.
- Build a year-round prepping calendar: Break down tasks like replenishing supplies, checking gear, or rotating food into manageable monthly goals.
- Expand your skills: Set goals to learn advanced prepping techniques, like water purification or off-grid cooking.
- Invest in quality gear: Consider purchasing durable items like a solar generator, multi-tool, or water storage system as part of your long-term strategy.
Planning ahead ensures steady progress and keeps you motivated throughout the year.
8. Stay Informed
The world is constantly changing, so staying up to date on news and trends is crucial.
- Monitor local risks: Stay aware of weather patterns, potential hazards, and community alerts in your area.
- Follow prepping resources: Subscribe to blogs, podcasts, or YouTube channels that focus on preparedness tips and trends.
- Review lessons from the past year: Reflect on what worked and what didn’t in your prepping journey, and adjust accordingly.
Knowledge is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your preparedness toolkit.
9. Practice Self-Care
Preparedness can sometimes feel overwhelming, so don’t forget to care for yourself.
- Set realistic goals: Avoid burnout by focusing on small, achievable steps.
- Make time for relaxation: Incorporate activities that bring you joy and reduce stress.
- Focus on health: Staying physically and mentally healthy is one of the best ways to prepare for challenges.
A balanced approach ensures you’re not just prepared but also thriving.
10. Celebrate Your Progress
Finally, take a moment to celebrate how far you’ve come. Every item added to your kit, skill you’ve learned, or plan you’ve created is a step toward a more secure and confident future.
Final Thoughts
As 2025 begins, let’s commit to building a resilient, resourceful, and prepared lifestyle. By taking these steps, you can face the year ahead with confidence, knowing that you’re ready for whatever it may bring.
What are your prepping goals for 2025? Share your plans and ideas in the comments—I’d love to hear from you!
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About the author
Bernie Carr is the founder of Apartment Prepper. She has written several books including the best-selling Prepper’s Pocket Guide, Jake and Miller’s Big Adventure, The Penny-Pinching Prepper and How to Prepare for Most Emergencies on a $50 a Month Budget. Bernie’s latest e-book, FRUGAL DIY has just been released on Amazon. Her work appears in sites such as the Allstate Blog and Clark.com, as well as print magazines such as Backwoods Survival Guide and Prepper Survival Guide. She has been featured in national publications such as Fox Business and Popular Mechanics. Learn more about Bernie here.
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