(Ep 3) Proactive Planning: Simple Steps for Weekly and Monthly Prep

In This Episode We Discuss

• Introduction to Life Prepping: Understanding the concept and its benefits.
• Bulk Buying Strategies: Tips on purchasing in bulk to save money and time.
• Home Organization: Effective methods to keep your living space tidy and efficient.
• Productivity Tips: Techniques to enhance daily productivity and manage time better.
• Practical Applications: Real-life examples and actionable advice for implementing life prepping.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE HERE

Prepping: Not Just for Doomsday

Today, we’re diving into prepping. No, not doomsday prepping with buckets of rice in the basement. We’re talking about life prepping – tips and systems that help make life run more smoothly. These are things I do (or strive to do) regularly, and they make a big difference when I stick to them.

Monthly Prep: Setting the Foundation

Bulk Buying

One of the most impactful things I do at the start of each month is bulk buying. We’re on a once-a-month paycheck, so I order staples that will last us through the month. Here’s a glimpse of what goes on my list:

• Toilet Paper and Coffee: These are essentials we can’t live without.
• Pantry Staples: Flour, baking soda, oats, grains, and more. I often order these through Azure Standard, which offers great deals on certain items.
• Trace Minerals: I mix these with water and coconut water for a daily boost of vitamin C and hydration. This habit has helped me stay healthy all winter.

I also stock up on animal feed and other household necessities to avoid last-minute trips to the store.

Deep Cleaning

Monthly deep cleaning keeps things organized and fresh:

• Fridge: I clean out expired items, wipe down shelves, and reorganize everything.
• Pantry: While a deep clean is more of a quarterly task, I do a solid reorganization monthly, especially when my Azure order arrives.
• Car: A thorough clean-out, including vacuuming and organizing.

Calendar Updates

At the beginning of each year, I print out a monthly calendar and keep it on the refrigerator. Each month, I update it with important dates, birthdays, and events. This helps me stay on top of things and plan ahead, including purchasing gifts and cards.

Weekly Prep: Keeping the Wheels Turning

Tidy Up

Sunday afternoons are my prep time. Here’s what I typically do:

• Car: A quick tidy-up to remove clutter and keep things organized.
• Fridge: Tidy up the fridge, discard old items, and make space for new groceries.
• Meal Planning: While I’m not a strict meal planner, I do prep breakfasts, lunches, and snacks for the week. This includes:
  • Boiling eggs
  • Making granola
  • Washing and cutting fruits and veggies
  • Preparing dips and snacks

Grocery Shopping

I do a weekly trip for fresh items, though this varies with the seasons. In spring and summer, we rely more on our garden produce and farmer’s markets, reducing the need for store trips.

Flexibility and Grace in Your Routines

While I strive to stick to these routines, life happens, and I give myself grace when things don’t go as planned. The key is to do what works best for you and your family, adjusting as needed. If you have any tips or systems that work for you, I’d love to hear them!

About Caitlin

I’m Caitlin, a Barefoot Blue Ridge homegrown mama living in Western North Carolina. I homeschool my two children, work from home, and run a blog and YouTube channel under the name “Homegrown Hopes.” My family also operates a reclaimed wood business. With so many irons in the fire, adding a podcast seemed like a natural next step.

Thank You To Our Sponsor

This episode of the Homegrown Hopes Podcast is The Holistic Homestead Conference! Have you ever dreamed of slowing down and becoming more intentional? Of not relying so heavily on the grocery store, but instead honing the skills to grow and preserve your own food and medicine. Have you yearned for a simpler way of life and a community to learn alongside? Then the Holistic Homestead Conference is for you. Sixteen hands-on classes, a delicious farm-to-table lunch, tons of homestead vendors, and much more!

Resources Mentioned

GRAB MY FREE PRINTABLE WEEKLY & MONTHLY CHECKLISTS HERE

DOWNLOAD MY FREE 2024 MONTHLY CALENDAR HERE

TRY AZURE STANDARD HERE
(code NEW10 for 10% off of new orders of $50+)
(code NEW15 for 15% off of new orders of $100+)

Where To Find Me

Caitlin of Homegrown Hopes Website | YouTube | Instagram | Podcast | Facebook | Pinterest

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