The Prepping Thread - A Newer Beginning ;)

Si_Clist

silver-oldie said:

@Si_Clist just wanted to ask do you buy HD mylar bags or standard ones?
Thanks 

We like the HD ones - they're significantly stronger so they stand up better to being re-used 

marycanary

CCW007 said:

@Si_Clist this seems to be our model, it's a 7 ton Forest Master.  They seem to be around. £400, we bought it with my parents so paid half each.



Busy day splitting logs ready for next winter

This is brilliant! I'm green with tool, space and log pile envy!

Si_Clist

marycanary said:

This is brilliant! I'm green with tool, space and log pile envy!

Me too.   We're so short of space that we had to store the last two loads of logs like this with a tarpaulin over!  They've now got two growbags of strawberries sitting on top in growbag trays ...

silver-oldie

Si_Clist said:

silver-oldie said:

@Si_Clist just wanted to ask do you buy HD mylar bags or standard ones?
Thanks 

We like the HD ones - they're significantly stronger so they stand up better to being re-used 

Thank you

elaine241

I store my logs in the metal cages that IBO containers come in. They are strong enough to hold all the logs piled high and allow the air to circulate to continue drying. I must admit they are thrown in them not like si-clist's serious tidy log pile! the good thing about using IBO cages is that they can be moved with the tractor and pallet forks. I split a whole containers worth on my own the other night. I find it strangely therapeutic splitting logs. 

We are flat out lambing atm which means we are all tired, lacking regular sleep and seriously grumpy!

ZsaZsa

Can I ask, when prepping, how do decide when enough is enough? I know this is very subjective as we all have our own reasons and motivations, but I don’t know anyone in the “real world” to bounce ideas off. (My friends just don’t “get it” and never seem to plan too far ahead, I’m sure they think I’m a bit crackers)

For me, I started prepping and building good stocks when I started my family. We were setting up a new business so income was sporadic, we live semi rurally so prepared for winter weather, and my childhood was a little unstable so there was a huge desire to create a safe buffer. I’d build up stocks for the winter, semi run down over the summer and then build up again.

Then Brexit happened, so I didn’t run my stocks down as much as I would have previously, and then, of course, COVID! 

Moving forward to now, we’re a family of 4 (2 young teens), our income is still a little erratic but much more stable than the early days. We’ve got a healthy stocked larder (for most dry goods probably 9months worth), full freezer, plenty of toiletries, and if I could shift myself into gear and lose some weight I’ve probably enough clothes for a decade! We’ve a little put by for a rainy day

BUT, I can’t seem to stop putting things by. I had a mammoth supermarket delivery yesterday, because I think if I buy at this weeks prices, that’s got to be better than buying in 2,3,4 months time when prices will be higher. But actually I’m sat here today, still with the shopping not put away because I haven’t found a space for it  all yet, the cupboards are already rammed along with my various other hidey-holes. I feel like I’m in constant battle with myself over when enough is enough.  Am I the only one? 

newlywed

@ZsaZsa no you’re not the only one. We live in a fairly small flat so limited on space, no attic or under stair cupboard or anything like that. Kitchen is being renovated very slowly so lacking cupboards in there too!

I am trying to keep at least two weeks worth of food in stock (even just before our fortnightly shopping delivery is due).  We probably have a bit more than that now as I have various rice options hidden in the wardrobe.

I think i need to list out what we actually have and how long that could last us.

I did read that in a case of natural disaster etc it can take three days for help to arrive, so I might need to organise some bottled water in case but not sure where I would put that just now.

cuddlymarm

It is difficult to decide. I have the theory that we can survive for about a month without buying anything but fresh stuff but we haven’t got a lot of storage space. My stocks also tend to release money to use elsewhere in case of a big expense or at Xmas I buy the extras and less of the basics if this makes sense.
It’s a strange world at the moment, a tomato shortage is something I would never have thought of. Also work got an email saying they can’t get hold of lettuce ( quite difficult when you sell salad sandwiches) 

I really wish spring would arrive properly with a little more warmth. Brrrrr

ZsaZsa

cuddlymarm said:

It is difficult to decide. I have the theory that we can survive for about a month without buying anything but fresh stuff but we haven’t got a lot of storage space. My stocks also tend to release money to use elsewhere in case of a big expense or at Xmas I buy the extras and less of the basics if this makes sense.
It’s a strange world at the moment, a tomato shortage is something I would never have thought of. Also work got an email saying they can’t get hold of lettuce ( quite difficult when you sell salad sandwiches) 

I really wish spring would arrive properly with a little more warmth. Brrrrr

You’ve articulated here what was in my mind, i feel like my stocks are just like a little bit of extra money in the bank. I’d heard about tomatoes but no idea about lettuce too. I did start veg growing 4or 5 years ago, can’t wait for the warmer weather so things can really get going. I hope your supplies even out soon 🤞🤞

daz378

Prepping is about   the breathing space your preps allow you...it is subjective  and dependent on income, your living space....I live in a small flat    I generally shop   1  or 2 shopping baskets a week..but every shop  I always buy something extra towards my stores...have you heard about what's happening in Shanghai    zero covid strategy  means people are being locked in their homes....take care