Micro Prepping Checklist – First 30 Days!

First Week Micro Prepping Checklist

Goal: In just one week, take meaningful steps toward real-world preparedness — with low cost, low stress, and big impact.

 Day 1: Water Essentials

• Store at least 2 gallons of water per person (or purchase bottled water).
• Research and order a basic water filter (like Sawyer Mini, LifeStraw, or Grayl).

Tip: Refill clean juice or soda bottles with tap water if buying bottled water is too costly!

 Day 2: Food Basics

• Add 3 extra days’ worth of shelf-stable food (soups, beans, rice, canned meat, peanut butter, etc.).
• Check expiration dates — focus on foods you already eat.

Tip: Choose foods that require little or no cooking in case of a power outage.

 Day 3: Light, Power, and Communication

• Buy or locate a battery-powered flashlight.
• Buy extra batteries.
• Find a small battery bank for your phone.

Bonus: A cheap hand-crank flashlight/radio combo is a great micro prepping upgrade.

 Day 4: First Aid and Health

• Assemble a basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic, pain relievers, any personal meds).
• Add soap, sanitizer, wet wipes, and face masks for sanitation.

Tip: Dollar stores often sell decent first aid basics for a few dollars!

 Day 5: Important Documents

• Gather copies (paper and/or digital backup) of key documents:
  • ID and driver’s license
  • Passport
  • Health insurance cards
  • Emergency contacts
  • Bank account info

Tip: Save secure copies on a USB flash drive or encrypted cloud storage.

 Day 6: Shelter and Warmth

• Store emergency blankets (Mylar survival blankets) or extra regular blankets.
• Add emergency ponchos or raincoats.

Bonus: Look for portable tarps (great for emergency shelters).

 Day 7: Personal Protection and Tools

• Add a multi-tool (pocket knife, pliers, screwdriver combo) to your kit.
• Create a small cash reserve ($20-50 in small bills).
• Review simple home safety measures (working smoke detectors, fire extinguisher).

Tip: Know where your home’s water, gas, and power shutoffs are located.

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Progress Tracker:

Task	Completed
Water stored
Food added
Light and power ready
First aid kit prepared
Documents copied
Shelter materials stored
Tools and protection ready

Congratulations! 

By the end of one week, you’ll have:

• Emergency food and water
• Power and light backup
• Basic first aid
• Access to critical documents
• Shelter options
• Simple tools for survival

You’re now more prepared than 90% of the population — and you’ve done it without stress or breaking your budget!

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Next 30 Days Micro Prepping Challenge

Goal: Expand your micro prepping foundation to cover one full month of everyday emergencies — step-by-step, at your own pace.

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Week 2: Food, Cooking, and Everyday Comforts

Day 8:

•  Add a small camping stove or alternative cooking method (butane stove, propane grill, Sterno cans).

Day 9:

•  Stock up extra fuel (butane, propane, alcohol fuel) safely.

Day 10:

•  Expand your pantry: Add an additional 7 days’ worth of shelf-stable food.

Day 11:

•  Learn 2 no-cook meals you could make with your emergency supplies.

Day 12:

•  Buy basic spices, instant coffee/tea, and comfort snacks for morale.

Day 13:

•  Prepare a simple manual coffee or tea-making setup (optional luxury, big morale boost!).

Day 14:

•  Practice cooking one meal using only your emergency gear.

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Week 3: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene

Day 15:

•  Practice using your water filter (test it with tap water or a clean source).

Day 16:

•  Add water purification tablets or extra filters to your kit.

Day 17:

•  Assemble a simple sanitation kit:

  • Trash bags

  • Toilet paper

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Wet wipes

Day 18:

•  Create a “no running water” bathroom plan (bucket toilet kit, or know nearby facilities).

Day 19:

•  Store extra soap, dish detergent, and laundry soap sheets.

Day 20:

•  Stock 5–10 gallons of extra water (if you have space).

Day 21:

•  Simulate 1 full day without tap water to find any weak spots.

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Week 4: Safety, Security, and Energy Independence

Day 22:

•  Install or check smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, and fire extinguishers.

Day 23:

•  Set up a basic emergency communications plan with friends/family (text first, calling tree).

Day 24:

•  Add motion lights or simple door reinforcement for home security.

Day 25:

•  Stock a solar charger or hand crank charger for small devices.

Day 26:

•  Learn basic first aid skills (bandaging, CPR basics) — YouTube and Red Cross apps are great free resources.

Day 27:

•  Practice a 5-minute “grab-and-go” drill — pack your emergency bag quickly.

Day 28:

•  Review and update your important documents and emergency contacts.

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Bonus Final Two Days: Emergency Living Drill

Day 29:

•  Simulate a 24-hour emergency:

  • No tap water

  • No power

  • No internet

  • Use only your micro prepping supplies

Day 30:

•  Reflect:

  • What worked?

  • What was harder than expected?

  • What will you improve next month?

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Progress Tracker:

 

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Congratulations: You’re Micro Prepping Certified! 

After these 30 days, you’ll have:

 30+ days of food and water
 Basic shelter, light, and cooking options
 Emergency communications ability
 Practical first aid and sanitation readiness
 Confidence that you can handle real-world disruptions

Small steps = massive resilience.

You’ve proven that prepping doesn’t require thousands of dollars, a cabin in the woods, or a complete lifestyle overhaul. It just takes consistent, practical action.

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Optional: What’s Next After 30 Days?

• Expand to a 3-month supply (food, water, medicine).

• Learn gardening, home repairs, and self-defense basics.

• Connect with a local or online prepping community (like PreppingCommunities.com).

• Develop a bug-out plan if evacuation becomes necessary.