I hate to tell you this, but it is time to spring clean. I know… I hate it too. But never fear, I have some great advice for you, if I do say so myself.
First, let me answer a few of your questions. Why should I spring clean? I’m glad you asked. Imagine this scenario: There has been a tornado, your house was not destroyed but it has been badly damaged. The entire town is in ruins. The grocery stores have been wiped out and you know it is only a matter of time before the looting starts. You and your spouse decide that is best to load up the minivan, taking your chances that you can make it around the debris, and head to your relative’s house in north Georgia. He has a drinking problem and likes to talk a lot, but it’s better than nothing.
Now here is where this story takes a turn. It is time to grab what you can and head outa’ dodge. You will either be able to put your hands on what you need OR you will spend your time scrambling through every room in the house looking for and deciding on what stays and what goes. You cry over old photos and accidently leave behind important documents.
You will be so much better off in an emergency type of a situation if your home is not cluttered with stuff that you really don’t use anyway.
So here’s the plan. Get rid of the things in your house that you have not used in the last six months to a year. Stage an area for your important documents and emergency essentials.
Consider the following:
- Keep a well-stocked pantry. Check the dates on your cans and other perishables. Get rid of the stuff that is out of date. Always incorporate a rotation system for your canned goods. Put the new stuff in the back and use the older stuff first.
- Go through your clothes. Get rid of clothes that you have not worn last season. Keep warm clothing that could be worn outdoors in the winter. Keep wool socks and extra underwear. Keep sun hats and rain proof jackets.
- Go through all of your paper documents. Create a binder with clear sleeves for all of the important stuff. Scan those same items into a PDF file and store them on a USB drive. Shred or burn other documents that you no longer need. You don’t want that stuff out there floating around.
- Go through your memorabilia. You can’t take it all with you in an emergency situation. Take pictures of the things that you want to remember and put them on a USB drive or make a photo album. This works great for trophies and all of the little treasures that your children have made through the years. Then either part with your special items or store them in an area that is dedicated to things that you will not be taking with you in an emergency type of situation.
- If you have a library full of books, put the important ones in a special area that you intent to keep in this situation. There may be a situation where you cannot rely on mapquest or google. There are some fantastic reference books available.
- If you have small kids, make sure that you are mindful of their favorite toys, stuffed animals or blankets. Again you cannot take everything with you and a little normalcy is important for the little ones. A deck of cards will go a long way with the older kids and adults.
- Have a go-bag packed and near an exit ready to grab and go.
- Hold a garage sale or list a few items that you can part with on Craig’s List; you could raise money for that Berkey water filter that you have been wanting.
Ultimately your goal is to simplify. Not only will this help with your preparedness, but will aid in your overall happiness :-). Now grab a few boxes and trash bags and get busy! If you read this all the way to the end, you must think it is a good idea. Head knowledge does you no good if you do not act on it!
