Onward Preparedness!

 

Once upon a time..

 

 ( almost 2 years ago )

 

I was standing in my basement staring at my entire wall of totes filled with baby clothes.

 

I couldn't believe I had an entire wall of stored baby stuff!

 

I knew it wasn't functional to hold on to all of my baby stuff anymore.. because the Doctors told me I needed to be done having children. -- But  I was kinda in denial about it.

 

 I was grieving. 

 

I knew I should do something about the space... to make it more functional for my family.... and it felt so sad to part with it.. so.... I prayed to have the energy and strength to let it go.

 

My prayers were answered.

 

I went to work.

 

I sorted through everything.

 

As I sorted... memories of each of my children came with each outfit. 

 

 I held onto very few sentimental items.

 

I kept moving forward.. knowing many people would benefit with the used clothes.

 

These were just clothes!!!  Not my children.

 

I needed to let go.

 

While I was going through things..

 

I also had some " I wish I had done this differently " moments.

 

Like.. why didn't my sisters and I all share ONE bassinet.  ONE Saucer??

 

They take up SO much space.. and are used for such a short period of time.

 

I was foolish.

 

Now.. I know better.. and can at least help others to live with more simplicity.

 

As I sorted through the clothes.. I only kept 3 or 4 very special outfits.. and then had a huge yard sale and sold all of the rest.

 

Every bit of the baby stuff was gone.

 

Others could use it now.. and I was free to use my new space.

 

Make it more functional for my family.

 

It felt good.

 

Now.. it was the fun time.

 

What could I do with all of this free space.. and money from the Yard Sale?

 

Become more Prepared.

 

So.. for almost 2 years.. I have been adding "functional" things to those totes that once held my babies clothes and I continue to fill them with things that our family regularly uses.

 

I wish I could share with you the peace of mind that I feel when I walk through and see the things we have filled the totes with.

 

******

 

In our church -- we are advised to store food and other essential items that we can use in case of need.

 

It could be Preparedness for a flood, earthquake or other natural disaster..  or for Unemployment.

 

Every time Chad has been unemployed.. we have been blessed with our storage.

 

I was able to even help other families.. while we were out of work.

 

I have a testimony of it.

 

So.. I thought I would share my space with you.. and what my preparedness room looks like.

 

 

We have over 12 ft ceilings in our basement.. and to make good use of storage space...my husband went to work making another level to our room soon after we moved into our home.

We store our food at the basement level..

and most of the other preparedness items are on the 2nd level.

I use up every bit of space I can for storage! 

 

 Even my decorations.

 

 My wreaths are only used once a year.. so this space is very functional for me.

Going up the stairs.. facing the wall of preparedness. 

 

 That sounds so funny.. but it's what I call it.

 

I could have shopped and bought all of the same colored totes to make it look beautiful.. but I just don't care about it that much with this space. 

 

 I was all about recycling those baby totes and being frugal!

Chad copied the way my Dad always built shelves.. and they are so wonderful and sturdy.

The wood doesn't bow with weight.. and they are solid.

 

 What are each of the totes?

 

Top row ( left to right )

 

 Maxi Pads ( feminine needs ) 

Tampons ( yes.. I have a huge tote for them alone )

 Medicines

 Back pain relief  ( back braces, ice packs etc )

 Travel toiletries ( shampoos, lotions, soaps from hotels etc )

Emergency Preparedness items

 ( matches, glow sticks, pretty much everything for survival )

Shampoo/conditioner

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Hairspray/Mousse/Gel

 

2nd shelf down

 

Bars of Soap

Liquid Soap

Cotton Balls and Q-tips

Asthma

Dish washing Soap

Hydrogen Peroxide

Rubbing Alcohol

Medical and First aid

 

3rd shelf Down

 

Paper bowls and Napkins

Utensils

Foil, Ziploc and Plastic wraps

Paper Cups

Paper Plates

 

Bottom Row

 

Shoes to Grow in

Clothes for Oldest daughter  ( clothes to grow into )

Clothes for son ( to grow into )

Clothes for youngest daughter ( to grow into )

Foam cups

 

Items stored in the room -- but not with the totes

 

Paper Towels

Toilet Paper

Candles ( don't ever de-junk candles! )

 

I do not coupon.

 

All of these items have been gathered just by watching sales.

 

In the Summer..  I stock up on paper goods when they go on sale for cheap.

 

Most of my totes are full!!

 

So.. what's on the opposite side of the Preparedness wall?

 

  My seasonal decorations.

 

  It keeps me from getting too much.. because it has to fit here!

Why do I store the items in totes?

 

Keeps it together, free from dust, bugs, and etc.. and protects it against flooding/water.

On the bottom rows.. I not only label on the front of the totes.. but also on top too.. to make it easier to see what's inside.

 

While I know we could LIVE without many of the items stored.. I don't want to.

 

Storing many paper goods can help me for a while if water had to be rationed.

 

When my husband was out of work for 9 months.. I was amazed at just how much toilet paper we went through.

  My goal this year is to get a lot of toilet paper. 

 

Note to husband: 
 For my birthday I want Toilet Paper. 

 

It feels comforting to know we are prepared! 

You can do it too!

 

We don't have a perfect storage for our family yet -- but we are on our way!!

 

Today I am Grateful for:

 

Forgiveness.

 

Friendships.

 

Prayer.

 

Sleep.

 

I purchased Downton Abbey Season 3 yesterday.

Almost finished.... can't wait to chat soon!