Prepping can be an empowering journey, but I know firsthand how easy it is to stumble when you’re just starting out. With all the gear, information, and advice out there, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what’s truly important. Trust me, I’ve been there.
The key is to focus on practical skills and long-term planning rather than getting distracted by doomsday scenarios or stockpiling unnecessary gadgets. Whether you’re just getting into prepping or you’ve been at it for a while, here are 15 common mistakes many new preppers make—and how you can avoid them to stay ahead of the curve.
1. Focusing Too Much on Gear
It’s tempting to start buying all the latest survival gadgets, but this is one of the biggest mistakes a new prepper can make. While gear is important, it won’t save you if you don’t know how to use it. Instead of loading up on equipment, focus on learning skills like fire-starting, shelter building, and basic first aid. Invest in quality over quantity, and make sure you’re familiar with every tool in your kit.
2. Forgetting to Rotate Food Supplies
Storing emergency food is essential, but forgetting to rotate it can lead to spoiled or expired goods when you need them most. A common mistake is stockpiling cans and dried foods without tracking expiration dates. Avoid this by creating a simple rotation system where you use older items first and replace them with fresh supplies regularly. That way, your stockpile will always be safe to eat.
3. Overlooking Water Storage and Purification
Many new preppers focus on food and shelter but forget about water. This can be a dangerous oversight since clean water is the most critical survival resource. Make sure you have a plan for both storing water and purifying it. Aim to store at least one gallon per person, per day, and invest in reliable purification methods like filters, tablets, or boiling.
4. Neglecting Physical Fitness
Preparedness isn’t just about having the right tools; it’s also about being physically able to handle emergencies. Many new preppers overlook the importance of physical fitness. Whether it’s carrying heavy supplies, walking long distances, or building shelters, you need strength and endurance. Start incorporating physical training into your routine now—your body is just as important a tool as any survival gadget.
5. Failing to Have a Comprehensive Plan
Having a stash of food and water is great, but without a plan, you won’t know what to do when disaster strikes. Many preppers forget to create a clear emergency plan for their family. Avoid this mistake by planning evacuation routes, communication methods, and meeting points ahead of time. Make sure everyone in your household knows the plan inside and out.
6. Ignoring Everyday Skills
In the rush to prepare for a disaster, many new preppers overlook skills they could use in everyday life. Learning how to sew, cook from scratch, garden, and perform basic repairs will not only help you during a crisis but also make your daily life more self-sufficient. These skills reduce your reliance on modern conveniences and can be a real asset in tough situations.
7. Stockpiling Without Proper Storage
It’s easy to start piling up food, water, and supplies, but storing them improperly can render them useless. Heat, humidity, and pests can all destroy your carefully prepared stash. Be sure to store your goods in cool, dry places, using airtight containers for food and rotating stock regularly. Invest in good shelving, vacuum-sealed bags, and even temperature-controlled storage if possible.
8. Not Accounting for Special Needs
A common mistake is forgetting about individual needs when prepping. If you or a family member have specific dietary requirements, medical conditions, or depend on prescription medication, you’ll need to account for that in your plans. Make sure to stock extra supplies of any necessary medication, consider dietary needs, and keep backup equipment if someone relies on things like glasses or hearing aids.
9. Depending Too Much on Technology
In today’s world, it’s easy to depend on technology like GPS, smartphones, and digital tools. However, in an emergency, these might not work. Avoid this mistake by learning basic navigation skills, how to read a map, and keeping a compass in your kit. Being able to function without electronics is crucial if the grid goes down or there’s a loss of power.
10. Buying Cheap, Low-Quality Gear
When you’re new to prepping, it’s tempting to go for the cheapest supplies available, especially when you need a lot of them. However, this can backfire, as poor-quality gear often fails when you need it most. It’s better to spend a little more upfront on durable, reliable equipment than to risk your safety on tools that might break or malfunction in a crisis.
11. Overlooking Financial Preparedness
Being financially prepared is just as important as having physical supplies. Many preppers overlook the importance of financial security when disaster strikes. Aim to have an emergency fund that can cover basic expenses for at least a few months. Cash on hand is also vital in case ATMs and banks aren’t operational during a crisis.
12. Ignoring Community Networks
Prepping doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. Many new preppers focus only on their household’s needs and forget about building a network of trusted neighbors or fellow preppers. In a crisis, working together can make survival easier. Reach out to others in your community, and consider forming mutual aid groups to share skills, resources, and support.
13. Failing to Practice with Your Gear
It’s not enough to own survival gear—you need to know how to use it in a real-world situation. Many new preppers make the mistake of stockpiling equipment without testing it. Take time to practice using your tools, whether it’s setting up a tent, using a water filter, or starting a fire. This hands-on experience will help you avoid costly mistakes in an emergency.
14. Underestimating Mental Preparedness
Surviving a disaster is not just about physical readiness—it also requires mental toughness. Many preppers focus on stockpiling supplies and forget to prepare mentally for the stress and uncertainty of a crisis. Practice mindfulness, stress management, and problem-solving skills to help keep a clear head when things get tough. Mental resilience is one of the most important survival tools you can develop.
15. Expecting Everything to Go According to Plan
It’s crucial to have a plan, but expecting things to go exactly as planned can leave you unprepared when they don’t. Flexibility and adaptability are key to surviving unexpected situations. Build a mindset that prepares for uncertainty and allows for quick adjustments. Always have backups and be ready to pivot if things don’t go as you anticipated.
