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Using the phrases minimalist and prepper in the identical sentence appears to contradict one another.
So much in order that it makes one marvel if they could be a minimalist whereas on the identical time being a prepper.
To have a greater grasp of this concept it could be useful to shortly outline these two phrases.
Definitions of Minimalist vs Prepper

Minimalist
A minimalist is somebody who removes extra possessions from their life and tries to dwell with solely what they want.
Prepper
A prepper is an individual who works in the direction of being as ready as potential for emergencies or disasters by stockpiling provides, equivalent to things to eat, water, medical provides, and different instruments.
So, on one hand, we now have a minimalist who lives with as few possessions as potential and then again, we now have a prepper who stockpiles as many emergency provides as potential.
Is there a method to mix these two completely different existence and turn into a minimalist prepper?
I imagine there may be.
On the floor, a minimalist and a prepper seem like full opposites. But I imagine there may be one widespread thread between them, lowering stress.
A minimalist accomplishes this by not having as many physical gadgets. Having loads of stuff can weigh an individual down, be a supply of distractions, in addition to any monetary elements concerned.
A prepper reduces stress by acquiring emergency provides to be ready for when one thing dangerous occurs.
As a prepper, it’s reassuring to have years’ value of things to eat, water, and different provides nevertheless it will also be slightly taxing.
Those provides require house, your consideration, and probably upkeep, and maintenance to not point out the monetary aspect.
i’ve been what you would possibly call a full-blown prepper in that i’ve had loads of stuff. i’ve additionally been on the alternative finish of the spectrum and owned a small variety of gadgets.
Having lived each methods because it pertains to this matter and, in my view, there’s something to be stated about that outdated saying, “less is more.”
If you might be discovering your self pressured or desirous to dwell a less complicated life-style, listed below are some strategies to turn into a minimalist prepper.
Top 7 Ways to Downsize
There are many issues an individual can do to perform being a minimalist prepper however listed below are a number of broad strategies i’ve made to individuals through the years.
Needs Vs. Wants
This is the primary space that must be addressed and in case you are sincere with your self, this course of may also help you to cut back quite a bit.
Grab a pen and a chunk of paper and draw two columns. Label one column “needs,” and the opposite column “wants.”
Now begin going by means of what you’ve or what you suppose it is advisable be ready and place that merchandise within the applicable column.
It is sweet to have backups inside your provides however at what level does it change from being a backup to having an extra variety of gadgets which will by no means be used?
I’ll offer you a private instance that can be a typical one amongst many preppers.
A knife is without doubt one of the most essential instruments to have and there aren’t many people on the market which have just one.
A knife is so essential that having a number of backups is a superb thought.
But i’ve recognized many individuals, together with myself, which have far more than just some. Most of these knives won’t ever be used significantly and thus flip into a group. And this occurs with many alternative gadgets throughout our provides.
Multipurpose Items
Trading in single-use gadgets for ones which have a number of capabilities helps to cut back the general variety of gadgets you’ve.
People who’ve a BOB or an out of doors pack are in all probability already doing this as a result of it reduces a bag’s weight.
For instance, there are emergency radios which have serval capabilities on them equivalent to an AM/FM radio, emergency/climate radio, flashlight, and can be utilized as a charging station for a smartphone. This turns 4 units into one.
Another instance can be to have a Leatherman style multitool that mixes ten or extra instruments into one package deal.
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However, there will be one catch to this approach.
Single-use gadgets are often extra sturdy and of upper high quality which will be misplaced on gadgets that pack many alternative capabilities.
But in the event you take the time to totally analysis merchandise, high quality multipurpose gadgets will be discovered.
Look To History
This part is considerably just like the above however can be barely completely different. A contemporary bug out bag is filled with fashionable conveniences, and single-use instruments.
Many of them are useful and do supply a stage of safety however aren’t requirements. This could sound a bit hypocritical however right here is an instance.
A GPS system is extremely helpful, and that I usually inform individuals they need to use them because of their effectiveness and ease of use.
But they are often costly and like all know-how, they will fail. They are depending on a community and require an influence supply.
Whereas a easy map and compass are reasonably priced, will
nearly final ceaselessly and are mainly failsafe.
In a real survival state of affairs or a long run SHTF event, all these conveniences will fade away, forcing us again to the fundamentals.
Therefore, I usually counsel trying to historical past and see what individuals equivalent to Native Americans or the lengthy hunters carried with them to outlive each day.
They carried fewer gadgets than we do now as a result of these gadgets have been extremely sturdy, have been taken care of, and had a number of completely different makes use of.
Transportation
This suggestion could ruffle a number of feathers however once more, keep in mind to be sincere together with your evaluation.
If you own a vehicle or multiple, take a second to contemplate in the event you want it.
Most of us, together with myself, can’t fathom not owning a automobile as a result of we’re all the time busy and don’t dwell near our jobs or shops that promote the requirements.
Owning a automobile can be deeply ingrained in our tradition.
But bear in mind what place and the way you reside, and a automobile might not be as vital as you suppose.
This is particularly true of city areas what place one may commerce in a automobile for public transportation, a bicycle, and even strolling.
Getting rid of a automobile can lower your expenses and scale back stress as a result of they require an individual to:
- Buy a automobile
- Buy a driver’s license and renew it
- Buy license plates and renew tags
- Buy insurance coverage and hold it updated
- Buy gasoline
- General upkeep and maintenance
- Having a spot to retailer the automobile may additionally value cash
Do not get fallacious, i’m not saying that any of the above are detrimental causes to own a automobile, however loads of money and time is put into owning one.
Depending on the way you want to dwell, an individual can go with out this main merchandise.
Knowledge, Skills, Gear
When speaking about survival conditions there’s a pyramid diagram that describes the connection between knowledge, skills, and gear.
It appears to be like like this.
The dimension of every part represents its stage of significance.
Gear is nice to have however it could not all the time be out there and with out the ability and data to make use of it, gear is nugatory.
Knowledge and expertise weigh nothing and might by no means be taken away from you. And after all, with out the need to outlive, the above two sections don’t matter.
Simply put, focus extra on acquiring data and working towards expertise over the pursuit of shopping for an increasing number of stuff. Of course, have the fundamentals of what you want however you must have extra data and ability than gear.
Obtaining data prices nothing however your time. Practicing a few of these expertise could value nothing whereas others could require a small funding.
But the sum of money invested will shortly pay itself again as a result of self-reliant expertise are essential life expertise.
Here are some nice matters to find out about because it pertains to preparedness or survival conditions.
- Food preservation methods such as dehydration, salting, and canning
- Navigation
- Wild edibles. There is things to eat throughout us if you understand what place to look.
- Identifying crops, bushes, animals, fish, bugs
- First support
- Trade expertise equivalent to carpentry, electrician, and many others.
- Sewing: i’ve saved loads of garments as a result of I understand how to switch buttons or repair rips and tears.
- Gardening: There is nothing higher than consuming things to eat that you’ve grown
- How to make a fire: One of crucial expertise to know, in spite of everything, it made us who we’re at the moment.
- How to make a shelter: Knowing how you can shield your self from the weather is essential.
Slow down and Focus
Nowadays, many individuals are consistently on the go, multitasking at each flip and in search of the following process that may present immediate gratification.
By slowing down and specializing in the easy joys of life it’s possible you’ll uncover that lots of the wants in our lives are needs which can be each burdensome and anxious.
An awesome instance is a smartphone. I may make the argument that almost all of us don’t want one. Sure, we’d like a cellphone to call pals, household unit, or assist in the case of an emergency.
But virtually all the opposite capabilities of a smartphone we don’t want in our pocket 24/7. They are a comfort at greatest and a significant distraction at worst.
Replacing these needs with extra significant moments and duties helps to take away muddle and total, positively profit one’s well being.
Living off the Land
I feel that is the final word reply to turning into a minimalist prepper.
Yes, in the event you purchase land you have to tools and equipment to boost crops or livestock however it’s a much less complicated lifestyle in comparison with fashionable requirements.
Please be aware that I used the phrase less complicated and never troublesome, as that is a vital distinction.
It is less complicated as a result of if you wish to eat you develop, elevate, hunt or fish to get your things to eat versus working at a job to earn money to purchase a automotive to journey to a retailer to buy things to eat that might not be the healthiest choice.
However, it’s harder as a result of it requires extra physical exercise and time in your half.
Many of the instruments wanted for this life-style will final a lifetime if used and maintained correctly.
Deciding to turn into a farmer or homesteader if you’ll, concentrates your focus right down to your rapid space and what must be completed each day to dwell and survive.
This means an individual shall be busier taking good care of what must be carried out fairly than filling some void with further issues.
Wrap Up
Being a minimalist prepper could not look the identical as being a real minimalist, nevertheless it actually affords a way of life that could be less complicated and fewer anxious.
My closing thought on the matter is that this. Make positive you’ve the fundamentals i.e., things to eat, water, medical provides, emergency plans, pertinent instruments, a BOB, and the talents to constantly deal with your self and others.
Once your bases are lined you possibly can then determine what is the cost of a minimalist you want to be.
Thanks for studying and keep ready however probably with rather less stuff.
Are you a minimalist prepper? Sound off within the remark part beneath and tell us about it!
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