Starting A New LTFS On A Budget

 

A big life change and cross country move into a darling tiny home on a small lot in a 55+ community in the mountains required a lot of downsizing in order for me to be able to successfully accomplish this goal.  That included the complete obliteration of my two year long term food storage system (LTFS).  I literally gave it all away and believe me when I say, it hurt, a lot.  The big question once I got here was would I build a new one and before I was even settled in I knew the answer.  Yes!

 

I was able to bring the dehydrated and freeze dried foods

As the summer was winding down and we headed into fall I was already working on a new plan and a strategy.  The first thing I did was to sit down with the spreadsheet I had made up for tracking the inventory of my old LTFS and reconfigure it for my current lifestyle.  The most important question one should ask is who are you stockpiling for?  Me,

 

Slowly I am beginning to add items like those
2 big jars of peanut butter behind the cocoa powder

The next thing I did was go through the spreadsheet and eliminate everything I personally do not want to eat and anything that wasn’t a necessity.  Next I determined how much of each item I will need to store in order to feed myself for six months.  I decided to do this in baby steps for several reasons.  One, I don’t have the space in this home I had in my last one.  Two, I don’t want this process to have a big impact on my budget. Three, I don’t want to acquire too much and risk food waste.  Four, I want the time to make wise decisions about what I am stockpiling and how much I am paying for it.

 

I made this spreadsheet to help me plan and track my inventory

I even got some freebies!

In the past I have talked about all the reasons why I have one, not the least of which is simply to be prepared for any unexpected situation that may arise.  Inclement weather and power outages, unforeseen financial situations such as car or home repairs, a sudden loss of income, there are many reasons to be better prepared.  Having a LTFS system in place has allowed me to be able to successfully retire early and combat the rise in grocery prices we’ve been seeing.  It also gives me great peace of mind.

The cloth storage cubes I bought at Dollar Tree can safely
hold lighter items like dehydrated potatoes, pasta and baking mixes 

My first LTFS did not happen overnight.  I began in 2020, during the pandemic, after witnessing seemingly normal people act anything but normal as grocery store shelves were cleared and fights broke out while people panic shopped.  I decided right then and there to take steps to insure and protect my family.  Now that my children are grown and I’m an empty nester I still see the value in keeping and maintain a LTFS in my retirement years.  I just don’t need to feed a family or prepare to feed anyone else, but myself right now.

 

I used the other cube for extra household items, toiletries, etc.

I have begun by making a detailed list for my new LTFS with just the basics.  Safeway had a sale on canned tomatoes so I purchased six cans in a variety that I could use to make pasta sauce, soups and chili.  I then added a two pound bag of rice, a two pound bag of pinto beans, a one pound bag of black beans and a pound of dry pasta.  The FREE table at the club house offered me the opportunity to add another two pound bag of pinto beans, another can of diced tomatoes, a can of green beans and a package of powdered milk.  Next I added ten pounds of flour – 5# of all purpose flour and 5# of whole wheat flour that I keep in my freezer, two boxes of Jiffy corn muffin mix, another pound of pasta, two forty ounce jars of peanut butter – one creamy and one crunchy and a pound of lard.  I know this doesn’t sound like a lot of food right now, but it’s a start.

 

I had room to pack the TP and Kleenex supply - Thank goodness! 😂

Moving forward I will be adding items to my regular shopping cart to add to my six month stockpile and updating my spreadsheet as I do.  I want to add another pound of black beans, more canned goods, some dry potatoes and a bit more pasta, as well as some more beef and chicken to the new freezer  and plenty of frozen vegetables to the new refrigerator so I will be working on that next.  Once I’ve accomplished my six month plan I will begin again and work on extending my LTFS to a one year supply.

 

I'm adding things a little bit at a time as part of my regular shops

The biggest thing for me when I initially began my LTFS plan was to realize I don’t eat as much as I thought I did and to scale my needs accordingly.  With that in mind I don’t think it will take me long to complete the six month plan as we head into winter.  In fact, I feel confident I’ll be working on my one year plan soon enough.  By steadily working on it each week as I do my regular grocery shopping I’m sure I’ll be back on track and stocked up in no time.  Is this way of stockpiling and preparing something you think you could do right now?

 

Setting Up My Dining Room

 

My dining room is situating between the kitchen and the living room area with a little nook or bay window, if you will.  I decided to really maximize this space by tailoring the table and chairs to fit this unique area.  I had an idea to find a triangular shaped table and only have two dining chairs.

 

As luck would have it I was able to order a guitar pick dining room table in the perfect size to nestle inside the nook right up against the window so it wouldn’t stick out into the walkway.  On each side I positioned two simple mid century modern style chairs I ordered from, of all places, Home Depot.  This set up is perfect for me and Yes!  I really do sit at the table and eat my meals.

 

The bonus came when my tiny freezer showed up and fit in the space between the dining set and the wall along the refrigerator.  I couldn’t believe that it fit there as I was originally thinking it would end up somewhere else entirely.  I think the style of the table and chairs is absolutely the best.  I love my cozy little tiny dining room!

 

A Tiny Freezer For A Tiny House

 

By now I’m sure you are all aware of how heartbroken I was to give up my long term food storage (LTFS) in order to make the move to my new house.  Well, I’m feeling a whole lot better about now because I got the cutest tiny little freezer and it fits perfectly in the dining nook along the wall next to the fridge as if that spot was custom made for this darling freezer.

 

The new freezer is a 3.8 cubic foot chest freezer and it holds a lot!  I am impressed.  After loading it with my last Butcher Box order I had a ton of room leftover.  I was able to add some salmon fillets and a couple chicken breast halves I got on sale at the local Safeway.  They fit perfectly in the two hanging baskets along the top.

 

I still have loads of room so now I can plan my next Butcher Box order as well as take advantage of any sales I happen across without worry of where to store things.  Now I can use the freezer on top of the fridge for storing frozen vegetables, butter, my flours, leftovers, frozen treats and to make ice.  For me this is the perfect setup.

 

This little freezer was exactly what I needed to start up a LTFS that is tailored just for me.  I am super excited about it.  Safeway had boneless skinless chicken breasts on sale for $1.27 a pound a couple weeks ago so I picked up two packages to vacuum seal and put away in here.  I’m going to have A LOT of fun rebuilding my new LTFS.  Hurray!

My Tireless Retirement - Week 236

 

Another beautiful week in paradise and my retirement has come to an end.  I’ve spent a fair bit of time outdoors enjoying the sunshine, blue skies and fresh air.  I’ve had some elk sightings too, but every time I grab the camera those little (huge) buggers go behind a tree or clump of brush.  It’s like they know and suddenly become very camera shy.  My cat does the same thing.

 

Saturday I raked up enough leaves to fill up two trash bags.  Looking around at the trees I’m sure I’ll be raking for a few more months, but I don’t mind at all.  It doesn’t take me very long on my small lot and the park staff cleans up the vast majority of them throughout the week.  We just need to take care of our own lots.

 

I took all day Sunday off and then was back at it on Monday tidying things up and doing the laundry.  After dust mopping and then wet mopping the floors I swept the porch and ended up taking my mid morning coffee break out there in my rocking chair.  I love how peaceful it is here.

 

Next, I put in an online Costco order and was able to get everything delivered at no additional cost.  Do I need any of this stuff?  No, but I wanted it so I bought it.  Most of it will end up in my LTFS, and the treats?  They’re for me.  I’m working on a Wal-Mart delivery order next and once I get that done I should be very well stocked for the wintertime as well as the upcoming holidays.

 

Having a well stocked kitchen once again is allowing me to prepare just about any meal I choose.  I even made some fish & chips for my lunch one day instead of driving into town for an overpriced meal at a restaurant.  It was pretty darn tasty.  I also made a pot of black bean soup in my little Crockpot to go with some leftover cornbread I had made the previous week.  With Fall in the air now I’ve been wanting to make soup again.  I’ll be sharing the recipe for the bean soup with you soon.

 

And can I tell you something?  I am absolutely tickled pink with my new refrigerator.  It is such a joy to have and use.  There are times when I look at it that I cannot believe I even have it in my kitchen.  In fact, I look around my home and it almost seems surreal that I am here.  I am just thrilled.

 

Tuesday morning I did a little project in the bathroom installing a timer switch for the bathroom exhaust fan.  I had done this in my previous house and it was a real game changer for me and I think it kind of spoiled me.  I decided the new house needed one too so I ordered the exact same one again from Amazon.  Now I can take my shower at night and go to bed without needing to stay up and shut the fan off once the humidity in the room is gone.  This is just a simple little luxury that doesn’t cost a lot ($15), but it really makes a difference.

 

Wednesday the new grocery ads came out and I was able to find a handful of items in my Wal-Mart cart that were on sale at Safeway.  I decided to remove those items from my cart and download the digital coupons instead.  I figured I needed a good excuse to leave the house and venture into town anyway.

 

Some new shelving units arrived Thursday so now I can begin my next “big” project.  These shelves are very much needed so I can get my storage shed cleared out and then organized.  Right now it is a complete disaster and difficult find or get to what I need.  I’ve also had a few crap-a-lanches that have spilled out the door or landed on my feet.  Time to do something about that!  I’ll keep you posted.

 

How was your week?  Did you do anything fun?  How is the weather where you live?  Ours has been really nice, but we’ve got some rainy days ahead.  I hope you have a great weekend.  Take care!

 

No Longer Rushing

My go-go-go kind of got up and went.  I am no longer in a rush to do anything.  That mode of operation simply isn’t necessary for me anymore so I let it go.  Something happened when I decided to sell my house.  I immediately went into what I like to refer to as living in “free flow” mode.  And!  I don’t make To-Do lists anymore.  In fact, I tossed out my carefully prepared planner and just did what felt right at the time, which if you’ve been around long you know this is not at all how I operate, but I do now. 

I decluttered this! 😬

I didn’t make a single list the entire time I was preparing to move or while I was moving either.  And guess what?  It all worked out just fine.  I got things done and I didn’t miss anything.  I think I actually accomplished a whole lot more this way without feeling any overwhelm so my plan going forward was to keep at it and that is exactly what I continue to do.  As I look back over the past three months I am in awe at all that I have accomplished in such a short amount of time.  This “free flow” lifestyle is really working!

 

While I’m in “free flow” mode I find I no longer rush to do anything and that has really changed me in a very positive way.  My stress level is pretty much nil most of the time and if I do get anxious it is very mild compared to previously and doesn’t last very long.  My mood is more calm and I feel good.  I am also far more patient and understanding when things don’t go exactly to plan.  I don’t even mind standing in line at the post office when there is only one person at the counter.  How about that?

 

I still marvel at how much more I get done, how much easier and more enjoyable it is for me to complete my tasks and how good the results are when I’m done.  I don’t feel stressed or worn out as I work or when I’m done which definitely makes life much more enjoyable.  Also, if I don’t really feel like doing something one day, I don’t.  I let it sit and wait until I’m ready to tackle it and so far nothing bad has happened.  The world kept spinning and life went on as usual.  I love it!

 

 

Setting Up My Laundry Area

 

The laundry situation at my new home was a bit of a head scratcher.  The previous owner had gone to great lengths to install plumbing for a washing machine and a gas line for a dryer.  He had built a platform to place the washer and dryer and that was about the extent of the operation.  The appliances sat outside, completely exposed to the elements with only a tarp screwed to the fence as a drape to try to protect them.  Not only was this ineffective, but it looked atrocious.

 

As part of the sale of the home I asked that these appliances be removed upon closing.  The washing machine no longer worked (wonder why?) and they were filthy dirty.  They were also much larger than what I need in this stage of life.  I had larger capacity front loaders in my previous home, which was great, but after the kiddos grew up and left home they were really too big for my needs.

 

After doing a lot of research, and having lived in an RV with a portable washing machine, I knew that was the scale I wanted in this stage of my life.  A cute tiny washer and dryer for a cute tiny house seemed perfect.  I even did a lot of research and discovered that in many Asian and European countries these washing machines are what they typically use along with drying racks and clotheslines.  I already had the drying rack so this was making more and more sense.

 

With a lot of thought I mapped out my plan to upgrade the previous homeowner’s attempt at a laundry center and I even asked the home inspector for some input to make sure I wasn’t going to do something stupid.  He wholeheartedly agreed that what I wanted to do back there would work and a couple of my neighbors thought so too.  With those ringing endorsements I forged ahead and was able to order a resin trash bin storage shed kit on clearance (60% OFF) over Labor Day weekend and have it delivered to my house.

 

Assembling the shed took me a little over an hour, was surprisingly easy and I was thrilled once I was done that it was the perfect dimensions to fit the washer and dryer inside.  Although I had taken a lot of measurements and read the specs on several sheds you just never know until it is actually sitting in front of you.  It was also light enough for me to easily move and maneuver.  While I waited for the oscillating multi-tool I had ordered from Home Depot to arrive I was left at a standstill to move forward for about a week.

 

The wait was worth it as it gave me extra time to think about things and come up with a methodical execution plan.  This tool worked perfectly to cut the openings I needed to accommodate the water line, electrical outlet and even the cutting of the round hole for the dryer vent.  I was able to reuse the vent hose and cover from the previous set up, but the water line (there is only one on this washer) needed to be replaced because it leaked.

 

Right now I have it set up in place with everything connected.  My next steps will be to add the proper water line and the foam insulation.  I’m able to reuse what was on the previous owners water lines as well as the existing heat tape.  I will also be adding some insulation to the walls, doors and the roof (which opens on hydraulic lifts so I have plenty of access to do my laundry).  Because I’m in the south the winters are a bit more mild than where I come from which is why this outdoor setup should work for me year round, but I do want to take precautions in case we get a cold snap.  I will also be adding the option of an oil filled heater should the need arise.

 

And that is it!  The washing machine does a fabulous job.  As soon as my laundry basket reaches the top I know it is time to do a load.  The dryer takes care of the lighter weight items so my undies and sexy lingerie (I don’t own anything sexy) don’t need to flap in the breeze and my drying rack handles the towels.  I have always hung my bras, pants and most of my shirts to dry so nothing there has changed.  I’m just very happy to have this neatly contained and protected area in my backyard where I can wash my laundry at home, regardless of the weather.

 

Streamlined LTFS Plans & Preparation?

 

Of all the things I needed to downsize in preparation of my out of state move I found my long term food storage (LTFS) really tugged at my heart.  All of that hard work, money and time spent to reach my ultimate goal to see if I could create two years of food storage left me feeling rather sad as I dismantled it and gave the majority of it all away.  The BFF and several friends benefitted from this surplus and I’m happy it is helping them, but it was still pretty tough to let it go.  Logistically, it just wasn’t going to be practical for me to try to take it with me.

 

So long, farewell 😭

Nonetheless, I did manage to bring a little bit of it with me which helped greatly as I transitioned into hotel rooms while I completed my new home search.  It proved to be very convenient to have home canned shelf stable items with me to easily make healthy meals in my hotel room.  My 12V camp refrigerator allowed me to take quite a bit of my frozen Butcher Box meat and some butter with me too.  I was able to keep it running with the solar generator which I charged while driving down the road and later once I got to my possible home town I brought it into the hotel and plugged it into the wall.

 

This is all I brought with me including food for the cat 🙀

As mentioned before I packed a banker box as my starter pantry so I wouldn’t have to completely start from scratch.  I also packed another banker box filled with spices, pickles, olives and condiments.  Both of those went into the car for the journey as well.  A third box held three flats of home canned goods.  For daily use items I set up what I needed in two Trader Joes bags and that turned out to be just right for what I needed while in the hotels.

 

Lots of miles ahead with time to think

As I drove across the country I had plenty of time to think and one of the topics I thought about was whether or not I wanted to create a new LTFS and how I might go about it this time.  Ultimately I came to the conclusion I would definitely want to have a LTFS because I truly enjoy doing it and I think it is simply in my nature to want that type of preparedness in my life.

 

I came up with a new plan! 😊

Oddly enough, before moving some of you had requested me to talk about how one might start a LTFS and I was in the midst of writing a couple of blog posts about it when I got the offer on the house.  Now I’m going to change gears a little bit and just take you along as I do it in real time.  I have far less available space this time around and I’ve decided to really streamline what I am going to have on hand, especially as right now grocery prices are so high.

 

I'll be taking advantage of this area over the fridge

I’m very much looking forward to my next great adventure as I begin a brand new long term food storage system.  It will be a good project to work on this winter.  I hope you will all enjoy coming along with me as I get started.