Apartment Prepping

[carhugger_prep]

Hey guys,
In the next the year and a half or so I plan to move into my own place for the first time, I am going to a local college near my parents and to save money I live with them. I just want to get your input on preps I should do for an apartment.

I have already thought of:

• Collapsible barriers of doors and windows
• Using a spare closet for food, water, and gear
• And bug out routes from the apartment

 

[jimLE]

for the closet.milk crates for the one gallon jugs of water,and emergency foods.maybe 5 gallon buckets as well.
a b.o.b/g.h.b stashed some where.

 

[carhugger_prep]

for the closet.milk crates for the one gallon jugs of water,and emergency foods.maybe 5 gallon buckets as well.
a b.o.b/g.h.b stashed some where.

I had thought about using a closet as a place to store preps but didn't think about milk crates. I also thought about maybe getting a 5'x 10' storage unit at the storage unit place next to the apartment complex I am looking at.

 

[jimLE]

a storage unit is a good idea,especially seeing how it's walking distance,and as long as you have the money for it..and if you do go with that,maybe go with shelves in it.not only have them lineing the walls.but have 1 set going from front to back,and in the middle.and maybe have some sort of transportation in there as well.like a motor cycle and/or bicycle..and keep a eye on the place.this way,you'll know when there's the least amount of people there,to none at all.that way you can take stuff there,with out anyone knowing what you have there.

 

[Maverick]

You can use 5gal buckets (w/lids) and make your own furniture or/and legs for a bed. In my daughters place I put 8 5gal buckets in the closet and plywood on top of the buckets and carpets the plywood that way the closet still had a floor for the shoes, here is a couple of pictures (use your imagination) this way you can hide your stash in the open

 

[Gazrok]

Getting your first place, you have more priorities than preps. But you also likely won't have a huge budget. Here's where I can help.

You'll NEED:

Furniture (at least a bed, and a decent chair, something to eat on (even if just a TV tray), as well as some place to put clean clothes) - Craig's List and local Facebook Yard Sale sites (for your city) are GREAT for this. Do NOT go to thrift shops and Goodwill etc. for this....as for some reason, they only overprice furniture. I would also recommend a couch/futon for friends to sit on, and a coffee table. You could also feel out your parents, see if there is any furniture they want to get rid of and get a new one, so you can take the old.

TV - If your parents will let you take one you already use, great, otherwise, pretty big expense, but check places like Craig's List for best prices most of the time. Can usually get a working HDTV for about 50-100, whereas a new one will typically run about 170 and up (at least here)

Kitchen Utensils (at least a few place settings, and some basics like slotted spoon, serving spoon, chef knife, ladle, etc.) - These are great to get at a dollar store

Glasses/Plates, etc. - These are great to get at a dollar store (for just a few place settings). WalMart and Target will have good deals on sets of these too.

Pots/Pans (at least a basic saucepan, frying pan, and baking sheet...don't go cheap here, get something that will hold up) - Don't skimp here, decent prices at discount stores like WalMart, Target, etc. even better at outlet type stores.

Toiletries - Something you likely never had to buy while at home (paper towels, toilet paper, shaving cream, shampoo, body wash, OTC meds, deodorant, all that stuff). - Great to get at dollar store too

Linens - Another thing you likely never had to buy before (sheets, towels, pillow cases, etc.) - Again, discount stores are good for it. Higher thread count typically means more comfort, but the price starts going higher and higher. Jersey fabric is a good, cheaper substitute too.

Cleaning Supplies - Again, something you likely never had to get. (get an all-purpose cleaner, like 409, a few chamois cloths, a floor cleaner, some dish soap, sponges, broom, dust pan, push mop, etc.) - Dollar store for most all of it.

As you can see, there is a LOT of expense other than just your rent and deposit to consider. Keep in mind you'll also likely have to put down a deposit for your Electric, and you may have a Water bill as well, or other kind of Maintenance Fee in an apartment. Not to mention if you want Wi-Fi, or Cable.

Not meant to discourage, just don't want to see you get hit with the surprise expenses.....

 

[jimLE]

good points.my mom has a lap desk for lap tops.in which she use's for setting her plates of food on,while sitting in her recliner..

Furniture (at least a bed, and a decent chair, something to eat on (even if just a TV tray), as well as some place to put clean clothes) - Craig's List and local Facebook Yard Sale sites (for your city) are GREAT for this. Do NOT go to thrift shops and Goodwill etc. for this....as for some reason, they only overprice furniture. I would also recommend a couch/futon for friends to sit on, and a coffee table. You could also feel out your parents, see if there is any furniture they want to get rid of and get a new one, so you can take the old.

 

[carhugger_prep]

You can use 5gal buckets (w/lids) and make your own furniture or/and legs for a bed. In my daughters place I put 8 5gal buckets in the closet and plywood on top of the buckets and carpets the plywood that way the closet still had a floor for the shoes, here is a couple of pictures (use your imagination) this way you can hide your stash in the open

View attachment 5562View attachment 5563

Didn't think about using a 5-gallon bucket as part of furniture. But that just gave me the idea to find a old spool for wire and turn that into furniture but where the wire would be could hold preps while be covered by a wood cover of some sort to hide them.

 

[jimLE]

maybe install curved doors on the spools

 

[Gazrok]

Easiest way to make curved doors, masonite and 2x2's..

 

[Silent Bob]

If you get an apartment with a small attic space, do not place any web gear or other plastic/woven gear in the attic. Typically, the temperatures get anywhere in the 160 degree range. I know some will dispute this, but I placed a food temp sticker on some gear I stored up there and it got really hot. High temperatures like those fatigue the plastic making them very brittle and with web gear cause a dry rot that typically will not show until you begin to hump the woods, then nothing like a woven harness or backpack strap to go on you. Sucks and unless you have a replacement makes it totally FUBAR. We saw this with a ton of material we stored in the desert in SWA and some of the stuff was factory fresh, just been stored in very hot warehouses and then the stuff just got red tagged by the DRMO guys.

Good luck on your new abode!

 

[jontte]

just make use of any space you have,as I have done here.
got a balcony,get some flower pots and plant your own herbs,easy,freash and non-expensive too
one thing that popped up in my mind,do you have to change the locks? as you don't know how many "spare keys" have been made,yup more expences but more security.

 

[Gazrok]

Pretty good point, if you rent. One SHTF prep may be to have a spare door lock onhand, where only YOU have the key, in case things go south. Only takes a few minutes to change it out.

 

[carhugger_prep]

I actually just had another idea for the closet I could convert into a prepping closet. The idea is have specialty containers i.e. for viral outbreak, EMP, zombies, civil unrest. The containers would have preps meant for just that type of scenario.

 

[Warriorhealer22]

As usual, Gazrok is right. You are just starting out, but I believe you already have a BOB so that's taken care of. For most disasters you are just going to stay in place. It is only when it becomes unlivable that you should move. I am a Craigslist, Goodwill type and garage sale aficionado, so if you don't have much money, they are your best bets.

Choosing an apartment is in fact part of your prepping. Remember what is most important- water, fire, shelter, food. Your apartment is your shelter. Try to keep to the 1st or 2nd floor. It will make moving in easier and getting out without using stairs easier. (As a paratrooper at Ft Bragg, I found out that a drunk male can survive jumping off a 3rd floor balcony but I don't recommend it) If you can afford it, definitely get a balcony a la jontte. Plant some stuff, you can also use it as an alternate escape route. You can also get a small solar set up- later on, like at Harbor freight with one or 2 marine batteries (6 volt batteries are the standard for solar, but the marine batteries are more affordable at first.) Then you can have some electricity for when the power goes down. You don't have to keep it out there to be seen. Most apartments with balconies allow for grill cooking- alternate means of cooking and warmth so get a super small propane grill and a charcoal grill- you can burn wood in them. Look at garage sales for these. Of course a balcony entrance had to be protected as well as your main door. Most likely, your kitchen appliances will already be in place so not much choice there. People through kitty litter boxes away and those plastic ones are rectangular and use space more efficiently than round containers. Don't get caught up in prep specific equipment. Also, use small steps when buying supplies, a little every month gets the job done.

Make sure no one sees any prep specific materials going in your place. No one needs to see gas mask, or solar panel boxes going in your place, or you carrying them out to the trash. Same goes for guns. I had a guitar case for years when I was an apartment dweller. Also, I like the idea of a off site storage area, if you can afford it. I did. Whatever you store in there, the outermost layer should be a plain cardboard box, to keep people from seeing what's in there. Also, and overly heavy duty lock can be a clue you have nice stuff there.
Don't turn your apartment into a party place- no one needs to see what's in your closets. If you really want a lot of storage space, have a 1 room apartment and can have a social life that doesn't have you bringing people back to your place- get a futon to act as a sofa and a bed then you can have the bedroom as nothing but storage.

Good luck, lets hear some more and remember, we prep to live, not just survive

 

[jontte]

3rd floor?? you had to leave in hurry

 

[Warriorhealer22]

3rd floor?? you had to leave in hurry

Ha ha, I do believe it was the alcohol and stupidity of youth that caused it!

 

[jontte]

yup,indestructible as young,sometimes I wonder I'm still alive with all fingers and both eyes...

 

[Gazrok]

I too am a big fan of sites like Craigslist, and the local Facebook yard sale sites. Can really save HUNDREDS here. In addition though, check for local auction sites too. Some only sell NEW things that are slightly damaged or otherwise weren't retailed.

Example, a $200 grill sold for $50 because it didn't have the two wheels. The two wheels were $20, total expense = $70 for a $200 grill, otherwise brand new shape (was a display model for example).

 

[jimLE]

camping gear can be a pluss.a winter time sleeping bag,for the cold nights.maybe even a tent for winter use.especially if you have a little propane heater,that'll work with/fit any propane tank..this all a person has to do.is have at it.and saty warm,with out useing any more propane,then necessary..

 

[Silent Earth]

camping gear can be a pluss.a winter time sleeping bag,for the cold nights.maybe even a tent for winter use.especially if you have a little propane heater,that'll work with/fit any propane tank..this all a person has to do.is have at it.and saty warm,with out useing any more propane,then necessary..

VENTILATION VENTILATION VENTILATION, Every year too many folks kill themselves at home using camping and bbq cookers

 

[AuntieB]

for the closet.milk crates for the one gallon jugs of water,and emergency foods.maybe 5 gallon buckets as well.
a b.o.b/g.h.b stashed some where.

Just a note on the jugs of water and milk crates. They are wonderful and I have them myself but please make sure you have them sitting on something. I had a jug of water leak. I did not notice for a while until I walked into the closet and felt the wet. I now have my milk crates stacked on an old plastic lid that has a good lip on it.

 

[user 6501]

Many re-purposed containers are not meant for long term storage. How much is your property worth to you? I use Scepter water cans, for less expense pop/soda bottles are made to hold pressure and are free to replace even if you don't drink the stuff.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I think the best prep for an apartment dweller is to eventually get out of the apartment. Save as much $$ as you can and buy a house, or better yet buy some acreage and build a house.

 

[jontte]

that's one I'm doing myself right now,trying to do enough work and get some spare cash for relocating
wan't out of this city...asap..

 

[Brent S]

I think the best prep for an apartment dweller is to eventually get out of the apartment. Save as much $$ as you can and buy a house, or better yet buy some acreage and build a house.

I agree on getting your own place. Most people spend way too much of their income on housing. Between the actual cost and financing it's a huge chunk of take home pay each month, for thirty years. Early on in life I realized I wanted someplace of my own. My first place was a dive, but was improved and made a profit when selling. Every move made equity and before you knew it I was mortgage free. I'm a big believer in sweat equity. Building is the least expensive, but is daunting for a first timer. Also without some cash, most banks will not loan to a first time builder. They don't want to get stuck with a half built house that's not up to code. You can find run down places and take a couple years to fix them up using garage sale/craigslist scavenged stuff.

 

[Silent Earth]

I agree on getting your own place. Most people spend way too much of their income on housing. Between the actual cost and financing it's a huge chunk of take home pay each month, for thirty years. Early on in life I realized I wanted someplace of my own. My first place was a dive, but was improved and made a profit when selling. Every move made equity and before you knew it I was mortgage free. I'm a big believer in sweat equity. Building is the least expensive, but is daunting for a first timer. Also without some cash, most banks will not loan to a first time builder. They don't want to get stuck with a half built house that's not up to code. You can find run down places and take a couple years to fix them up using garage sale/craigslist scavenged stuff.

I think if I was blessed with being able to live in the US I would rather be " trailer" trash or a Redneck in a modest home with no mortgage than a wage slave paying out for 40 years for a house that will probably start to disintegrate in 50 years.

No disrespect meant but I saw first hand what passes for new homes in Kansas which were basically timber framed drywall sheds , shingle roofs and cement facings. I saw houses in Liberal KS that were life expired at only 50 years old !!
Being a silver haired snowbird with a huge Winnebago does appear appealing

 

[lonewolf]

I think if I was blessed with being able to live in the US I would rather be " trailer" trash .
I think i'd go for a moveable trailer/caravan, if things got too hot in one location it would be possible to move to a more remote location, that way my "house" would come with me and if I found somewhere I wanted to put down roots I've already got accommodation without having to resort to living in brush shelters whilst building something else.

 

[Mountain trapper]

I agree on getting your own place. Most people spend way too much of their income on housing. Between the actual cost and financing it's a huge chunk of take home pay each month, for thirty years. Early on in life I realized I wanted someplace of my own. My first place was a dive, but was improved and made a profit when selling. Every move made equity and before you knew it I was mortgage free. I'm a big believer in sweat equity. Building is the least expensive, but is daunting for a first timer. Also without some cash, most banks will not loan to a first time builder. They don't want to get stuck with a half built house that's not up to code. You can find run down places and take a couple years to fix them up using garage sale/craigslist scavenged stuff.

I bought my first house when I was 19. At that time my goal was to buy a new home every 5 years for double the money as the last house. I pretty much stuck with that plan over the last 40 years. Made good money on every property I sold too. Also owned some rentals houses, apartment buildings and condos. I loved receiving those rent checks every month! One of the farms I owned was in the CRP program. That's where you get paid NOT to farm. What a scam. But the checks were nice.
Real estate is still the best investment there is. When a person rents they're just paying the mortgage for the owner.

 

[lonewolf]

I've only ever owned one house and I lost that in the divorce in the 80s, never been able to get enough money to buy another one, my area is low wage high house prices, I've had to rent for the last 36 years.