A minimalist tries to prepare for the apocalypse.

A few years ago my wife and I downsized to a small studio apartment. We each got rid of 2-3 carloads of stuff. A few months ago, we moved to a cozy 1-bedroom apartment with an outdoor patio, and after unpacking we got rid of another carload. This process was extremely helpful in reducing our stress levels and making our living space easier to maintain. I’ve been leaning toward minimalism for some time now, and still have a few items I need to get rid of, but overall I’m pretty satisfied with where I’m at.<br><br>Then, the earth started to shake, tsunamis began to rise, and a global pandemic set in. Suddenly, I found myself second-guessing the fruits of my minimalist labour. Should I have held onto that extra water filter? Did I make a mistake giving away my second flashlight? It was unsettling, to say the least. <br><br>Eventually, I started to compose myself. This past week, I’ve started to prepare for the uncertainty ahead, and through this process I’ve realized just how beneficial minimalism has been. When shit hits the fan, I don’t think about acquiring more stuff, but rather ensuring I have a home to safely harbour it in. <br><br>Here are a few things I’ve done recently, in the spirit of a minimalist preparing for the apocalypse:<br><br>1. I shut all my savings accounts, liquidated my assets and put my money into cash that I hid safely in a fireproof safe. <br><br>2. I sold my car and invested in a 125cc automatic scooter that’s 75mpg. I can now park in the most secure place in the building, and never have to worry about finding parking again. <br><br>3. I protected my home by purchasing renter’s insurance, and used the refund money from my former bank accounts to set up a state-of-the-art home security system. <br><br>4. I ditched my gym membership and set up a home gym on my patio, complete with a pull-up bar, dumbbells, a yoga mat, a few resistance bands, and an exercise ball. <br><br>5. I streamlined my wardrobe by getting rid of all extraneous clothes not suitable for working out or colder weather. <br><br>6. I purchased a small generator that can be charged by solar, USB, wall power, or car power. It’s rechargeable and so far I’ve used it to power my refrigerator and fan in case of a power outage. <br><br>7. Instead of stockpiling food and water, I’ve invested in a portable water filtration system, a portable camping stove, and collapsible water containers. This way, I’ll never have to worry about expired food products or running out of clean water. <br><br>8. I consolidated my toolkit from two large plastic containers to a small leatherman multitool that fits in my pocket. <br><br>9. I bought a few high-quality, medical-grade masks and gloves that I can wash and reuse. This way, I don’t have to worry about constantly acquiring more. <br><br>10. I’ve honed my skills as a cook and now focus on creating healthy and efficient meals with minimal ingredients. <br><br>11. I purchased a small tent and sleeping bag, in case I ever have to evacuate my living space. <br><br>12. Instead of buying a large flashlight, I invested in a high-quality headlamp that I can wear around my neck. It’s more practical and offers me far more light than any flashlight I’ve ever owned. <br><br>13. I’ve put my living space in order, ensuring everything has its place. I can now move quickly and efficiently in case of an emergency.<br><br>I’ve realized that the act of acquiring more is in fact not the key to survival, but rather the skill of discernment. True resilience and versatility come from knowing what you have, and knowing best how to utilize it.<br><br>Tonight, as I recline in my cozy bed and look over my small collection of belongings, I feel a deep sense of peace. A minimalist, prepared for the apocalypse.