Prepping in Stages:

How to Build Your Ideal Home Without the Overwhelm

Do you ever feel paralyzed by the thought of prepping? You look at beautiful, 50-acre self-sufficient homesteads on social media and then look at your own backyard (or balcony) and think, “I’ll never get there.”

The secret to success isn’t doing everything at once—it’s prepping in stages.

Most people want to do something to secure their future; they just don’t know what to do first. I want the fully functional homestead, the ultimate bug-out rig, and the ability to be ready for anything. But, like you, I have a limited budget, a busy life, kids with commitments, and a habit of wanting to do everything yesterday.

To solve this, I decided to work towards my goals incrementally. By prepping in stages, I can prioritize my projects, manage my time, and stay within my budget. Here is how I am breaking down my long-term goals into bite-sized pieces.

1. The Medicinal Herb and Flower Garden

I want medicinal plants available at all times, but I’m not a master herbalist yet. Part of my plan to begin prepping in stages involved small, manageable steps:

• Research: I purchased books about healing plants and started cataloging what already grows in my neighborhood. You’d be surprised what “weeds” in ditches are actually powerful medicines!

• Landscaping: Instead of a massive separate garden, I started tucking medicinal plants into my existing landscaping.

• Documentation: I take pictures of local plants, print them out, and create a binder with uses, warnings, and identification tips. This “Community Field Guide” is a prep that costs almost nothing but provides immense value.

2. Preparing for Beehives

I’m not ready for active beehives today, but I am “bee-prepping” in stages. My region is dry, so pollen can be scarce. To get ready, I have:

• Started meeting local “bee people” who are willing to mentor newbies.

• Transitioned my yard to be bee-friendly by planting low-water, deer-resistant flowers.

• Eliminated all harsh chemicals that are harmful to both humans and pollinators.

• The Result: When I finally get my hives, the environment will already be primed for them to succeed.

3. The “Two-Day” Chicken Coop

I am currently too busy for a flock of chickens, but I didn’t let that stop me. I have an insulated shed that I’ve been prepping in stages.

• I built nesting boxes on one side and fold-up roosts on the other.

• I installed a small window for essential ventilation.

• I am currently acquiring posts and fencing from secondhand sources.

• The Readiness Factor: I use the shed for storage for now, but I am within 48 hours of having a fully functional coop if the need arises.

4. Greenhouses and Gardening for Novices

I acquired a greenhouse secondhand, and prepping in stages meant taking the time to fix broken panels and set it up right.

• I built raised beds for my starts and installed a 6-foot fence to keep the deer at bay.

• I set up a drip system with extra pieces to expand as my skills grow.

• Learning Curve: I’m a novice gardener, but by starting small, I’m figuring out which plants thrive in my specific micro-climate before I try to feed my whole family from the dirt.

5. Learning Traditional Skills: Canning and Candle Making

Prepping in stages isn’t just about “stuff”; it’s about skills.

• Canning: I’m relearning the art of the pressure cooker and water bath. I’ve been hunting for jars and tools at thrift stores and garage sales to keep costs low while I learn from “old hands” and YouTube.

• Candle Making: My first attempt had limited success, but I’m prepping in stages by gathering old wax to recycle and experimenting with different wick sizes. It’s a learning experience, and every failure is just a lesson in self-reliance.

What’s on Your List?

How will you begin prepping in stages? We all have long-term goals and “too many irons in the fire.” The key is to keep an eye on the horizon while continuing to live your best life now.

It is a balance we all need to strive for. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to start your homestead—start the stage you are in today.

 Get more ideas on how to start your prepping journey right now!