Being prepared isn’t just about having a bunker full of supplies. It’s about developing a mindset and skills that serve you every day, not just during emergencies. These quick hacks will boost your self-reliance and preparedness without breaking the bank or taking up too much time. From clever storage solutions to multipurpose tools, these tips will help you become more resourceful and ready for whatever life throws your way. Whether you’re a seasoned prepper or just starting out, these practical ideas will enhance your daily life while preparing you for the unexpected.
DIY Fire Starter
Turn dryer lint and empty toilet paper rolls into effective fire starters. Stuff the lint into the cardboard tube and wrap it in wax paper. These lightweight, compact fire starters burn for several minutes, making them perfect for camping or emergency situations. Store them in a waterproof container for easy access. For added effectiveness, you can also add a few drops of candle wax to the lint before stuffing it into the tube.
Penny Can Alcohol Stove
Create a portable stove using two soda cans and denatured alcohol. Cut the bottom inch off one can, punch holes around the rim, and nest it inside the other can. Fill with alcohol and light. This ultralight stove boils water in about 5-7 minutes and is perfect for bug-out bags or camping trips. To improve efficiency, create a windscreen using aluminum foil wrapped around a piece of flexible wire.
Altoids Tin Survival Kit
Transform an empty Altoids tin into a compact survival kit. Include items like a mini lighter, fishing line and hooks, safety pins, water purification tablets, and a small folding knife. This tiny kit easily fits in a pocket or glove compartment, ensuring you’re always prepared. Consider adding a small signal mirror and a few feet of duct tape wrapped around a credit card for additional versatility.
Vacuum Seal Important Documents
Protect crucial documents from water damage by vacuum sealing them. Use a food saver to create airtight, waterproof packages for birth certificates, passports, and insurance information. Store these in your bug-out bag or safe for quick grab-and-go access during emergencies. For added security, include a USB drive with digital copies of these documents in your vacuum-sealed package.
DIY Water Filter
Create a simple water filter using a plastic bottle, cotton balls, activated charcoal, and sand. Layer these materials in the bottle, with small holes in the cap. This filter can remove sediment and some contaminants, making water safer to drink in a pinch. For best results, use a combination of fine and coarse sand layers, and replace the materials regularly to maintain effectiveness.
Duct Tape Around Water Bottles
Wrap a few feet of duct tape around your water bottles or flashlights. This gives you access to this versatile tool without taking up extra space in your pack. Duct tape can repair gear, create shelter, or even serve as first-aid tape in emergencies. To prevent the tape from leaving residue on your items, first wrap them with a layer of wax paper before applying the duct tape.
Soap-Infused Sponges
Melt soap into kitchen sponges for compact, multi-use hygiene tools. Heat soap in a microwave and pour it over sponges in a muffin tin. These soap-sponges lather easily and can be cut into smaller pieces for backpacking or bug-out bags. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to the melted soap for its natural antibacterial properties.
DIY Char Cloth
Make char cloth for easy fire starting. Cut 100% cotton fabric into small squares and place them in a metal container with a small hole in the lid. Heat the container over a fire until smoke stops coming out of the hole. The resulting char cloth catches sparks easily, making fire starting a breeze. Old denim jeans work particularly well for this purpose due to their durability and tight weave.
Egg Carton Fire Starter
Create long-burning fire starters using cardboard egg cartons, dryer lint, and melted wax. Fill each egg cup with lint, pour melted wax over it, and let cool. Cut apart for individual fire starters that burn for 10-15 minutes each. For an even longer burn time, mix sawdust with the dryer lint before adding the wax.
PVC Pipe Storage
Use PVC pipes to create waterproof storage containers. Cap both ends of a pipe section to store matches, documents, or other small items. These can be buried for caches or used in vehicles for secure, water-resistant storage. Paint the exterior with camouflage colors if you plan to use them for hidden caches.
DIY Rocket Stove
Build an efficient cooking stove using cinder blocks or bricks. Arrange them in an “L” shape with a feeding tube for fuel and a chimney for the flame. This design concentrates heat, allowing you to cook with minimal fuel even in windy conditions. Add a metal grate on top to support your cooking pot and improve airflow.
Solar USB Charger
Create a simple solar USB charger using a small solar panel, a USB female port, and some basic wiring. This DIY charger can keep your small electronics powered during outages or outdoor adventures. Ensure you have a compatible battery bank for storage. Mount the solar panel on a hinged board to easily adjust its angle for maximum sun exposure throughout the day.
Vaseline Cotton Balls
Make waterproof, long-burning fire starters by coating cotton balls in petroleum jelly. Store in a small container. These can burn for up to 5 minutes each, giving you plenty of time to build your fire even in damp conditions. For extended storage, vacuum seal small batches to prevent the petroleum jelly from drying out.
DIY Hand Sanitizer
Mix 2 parts 91% isopropyl alcohol with 1 part aloe vera gel to create effective hand sanitizer. Add a few drops of essential oil for scent if desired. This homemade version is cost-effective and ensures you always have a supply on hand. Store in small, refillable bottles for convenient carry in your car, bag, or pocket.
Tin Can Hobo Stove
Transform an empty #10 can into a versatile stove. Cut air holes around the bottom and a larger hole for feeding fuel. This simple stove can burn twigs and small branches efficiently, making it perfect for camping or power outages. Create a removable wire grate to sit on top for better pot stability and improved airflow.
Rainwater Collection System
Set up a basic rainwater collection system using your roof and gutters. Direct water into food-grade barrels or cisterns. Just one inch of rain on a 1,000 square foot roof can yield over 600 gallons of water. Remember to filter and purify before drinking. Install a first-flush diverter to improve water quality by redirecting the initial, dirtier runoff.
DIY Mosquito Repellent
Create an effective mosquito repellent by mixing equal parts water and witch hazel with 15 drops each of citronella, lemongrass, and eucalyptus essential oils. This natural spray keeps bugs at bay without harsh chemicals. Shake well before each use. For added effectiveness, plant mosquito-repelling herbs like citronella, lavender, and marigolds around your outdoor living areas.
Coffee Can Faraday Cage
Protect small electronics from EMP (electromagnetic pulse) by storing them in a metal coffee can lined with cardboard. Ensure the lid fits tightly. This simple Faraday cage can safeguard items like small radios or spare phone batteries. Test your Faraday cage by placing a cell phone inside and calling it – if it doesn’t ring, your cage is working.
DIY Waterproof Matches
Make standard matches waterproof by dipping them in melted paraffin wax. Let them dry on wax paper. These waterproof matches will light even after being submerged in water, ensuring you can start a fire in any condition. Store them in a waterproof container with a striker strip glued to the outside for a complete, weather-resistant fire-starting kit.
Solar Oven From Car Sunshade
Create a simple solar oven using a reflective car sunshade. Form it into a cone shape and secure with clothespins. Place a dark pot in the center. On sunny days, this can reach temperatures of 200°F (93°C), enough to warm food or purify water. Line the inside of the cone with black construction paper to increase heat absorption and cooking efficiency.
Penny Battery Tester
Test if batteries still have charge using a penny and a small piece of wire. Touch the wire to the positive end and the penny to the negative end. If the penny gets warm, the battery still has juice. This works for AA, AAA, C, and D batteries. For more precise results, use a multimeter to measure the actual voltage output of the battery.
DIY Soil Test
Test your soil pH using vinegar and baking soda. Place soil samples in separate containers. Add vinegar to one – fizzing indicates alkaline soil. Add water and baking soda to another – fizzing suggests acidic soil. No reaction in either test indicates neutral soil. For more accurate results, invest in an inexpensive soil pH testing kit available at most garden centers.
Crayon Candles
Turn crayons into emergency candles by burning them with the paper label intact. The paper acts as a wick, and one crayon can burn for about 30 minutes. Keep a pack in your emergency kit for a colorful and compact lighting solution. Stand the crayon in a small, heat-resistant container to catch any melted wax and prevent fire hazards.
DIY Electrolyte Drink
Create a rehydration solution by mixing 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1 quart water. This homemade electrolyte drink can help prevent dehydration during illness or extreme heat, and costs pennies to make. Add a splash of lemon juice for flavor and extra vitamin C.
Soda Can Signal Mirror
Fashion an emergency signal mirror from the bottom of a soda can. Polish it with chocolate or toothpaste until it’s shiny enough to reflect sunlight. Punch a small hole in the center for aiming. This can signal rescuers from miles away on sunny days. Practice using your signal mirror on a friend to understand its range and effectiveness before you need it in an emergency.
Petroleum Jelly Lip Balm
Make multi-purpose lip balm by melting equal parts beeswax and petroleum jelly. Pour into small containers. This balm moisturizes lips, protects against wind burn, and can even help start fires in a pinch. Add a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a soothing, cooling effect.
DIY Compass
Create a basic compass using a needle, a leaf, and a small pool of water. Magnetize the needle by rubbing it on your clothes, then place it on the leaf in the water. The needle will align with Earth’s magnetic field, pointing north-south. To improve accuracy, use a larger leaf and float it in a larger container of still water.
Eggshell Seed Starters
Use empty eggshells as biodegradable seed starters. Fill half shells with soil and plant seeds. When ready to transplant, crush the bottom slightly and plant the whole thing. The eggshell provides nutrients as it decomposes. Write the plant name directly on the shell with a permanent marker for easy identification.
Pillowcase Go Bag
Transform a pillowcase into a quick grab-and-go bag. Fill it with essential items and tie the open end. In an emergency, you can grab your pillow, which is actually your packed bag. This dual-purpose item saves space and ensures you don’t forget crucial supplies. Use a brightly colored pillowcase to easily distinguish it from regular pillows and add a list of contents inside for quick reference.
39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
When it comes to prepping, most folks focus on the big three: water, food, and weapons. But in my years of experience, I’ve learned that true preparedness goes way beyond these basics. There’s a whole world of items that can make or break your survival situation. I’ve put together a list of 39 often-overlooked but essential preps to get hold of after you’ve taken care of food and water to take care of your immediate survival needs, and weapons to defend your family and property and to hunt. Trust me, you’ll want to add these to your stockpile before it’s too late.
Read More: Be A Preparedness Pro | 39 Essentials to Stockpile Beyond the Big Three
50 of the Best Guns Ever Made
Some guns earn their place in history by changing how firearms are designed, others by proving themselves reliable no matter the circumstances. A few achieve iconic status because of their sheer innovation or excellence. The Browning Auto-5 revolutionized autoloaders, the Ruger 10/22 redefined versatility, and the Remington Model 700 became the backbone of American bolt-action rifles. These firearms aren’t ranked in any particular order, but each has earned its way onto this list. Whether you’re here to celebrate timeless craftsmanship or find inspiration for your own collection, this list dives into firearms that left an undeniable mark.
Read More: 50 of the Best Guns Ever Made
21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving garden and a bountiful harvest. But you don’t need to rely on synthetic fertilizers or harsh chemicals to boost your soil’s fertility. I’ve spent years experimenting with natural soil improvement techniques, and I’m here to share what works for me. These 21 methods will help you nurture rich, living soil that’ll make your plants sing. Whether you’re working with sandy loam or heavy clay, there’s a natural solution here that’ll transform your dirt into black gold. Get ready to dig in and give your soil the TLC it deserves. I practice permaculture, working with nature, without resorting to chemical solutions, and my homestead thrives. We grow a huge amount of food every year, without depleting our soil and without needing chemical intervention.
Read More: 21 Natural Ways to Improve Soil Quality Without Chemicals
