5 Food Storage Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

5 Food Storage Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Author: Allison Michael July 21, 2026 Duration: 9:55
Building a home food supply doesn't have to be complicated—but there are a few common mistakes that can make the process more expensive, frustrating, and overwhelming than it needs to be. In this episode, I'm sharing the five biggest mistakes beginners make when starting their food storage journey and, more importantly, how to avoid them. These simple shifts can save you money, reduce waste, and help you build a food supply that actually works for your family. If you're just getting started...

There's a certain rhythm to building a life that feels both rooted and resilient, a practice that moves beyond stockpiling supplies to cultivating genuine skills and community. This Prepared Life, hosted by Allison, explores exactly that-the intersection of modern homesteading and thoughtful preparedness from a grounded, feminine perspective. This isn't about fear; it's about confidence built through reclaiming lost arts and practical knowledge. Each episode feels like a conversation with a knowledgeable friend, delving into the expected topics of food preservation, gardening, and self-reliance, but always through a lens of encouragement and shared experience. The focus here is on the slow and steady journey, emphasizing how women can support one another in building capable, intentional lives. Tuning into this podcast, you'll find a refreshing take on what it means to be truly prepared, focusing on the skills and the community that make a sustainable lifestyle possible, all while moving at a pace that feels manageable and real. Allison’s approach transforms preparedness from a daunting task into a series of achievable, empowering steps, making the homesteading path accessible to anyone starting from scratch or looking to deepen their existing practice.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 41

This Prepared Life
Podcast Episodes
Can We Normalize Preparedness? Prepping Isn't Crazy. - Ep9 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:15
Can preparedness be normalized? Can we, should we? Is it even possible? Join me for a discussion all about what making preparedness the norm might look like. Subscribe for Food Storage, Everyday Preparedness, and Homeste…
Preparedness is Your Responsibility - Ep8 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 8:05
Preparedness is our responsibility because our families are our responsibility. In this episode, I discuss encouraging future generations, taking back what is ours, and normalizing prepping. Ladies, it is time to get you…
Preparedness Journey with Morgan Rogue - Ep7 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:03
Another great guest episode welcomes Morgan from Rogue Preparedness. Morgan is a wife and mom to two living off the grid in AK. We talked about her journey, her new book, and so much more! You can find Morgan at https://…
Three Layers of Food Storage - Ep6 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:05
I use a three-layer system in my food storage. Join me in this episode to discuss my three layers and types of food for short-term and long-term food storage. We also talk about packaging and the factors that impact food…
Canning Supplies to Get Started - Ep5 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:48
Food preservation is a great way to take your food storage to the next level. Canning is one of my favorite food preservation methods. Join me in this episode as I share the basic supplies for canning, reasons you might…
Improving Our Self-Sufficiency One Step at a Time - Ep4 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:25
Is self-sufficiency possible? Let's talk all about how homesteading and self-sufficiency complement each other. Join me in episode four where I share about various areas of our lives that we can focus on being self-suffi…
Journey To Preparedness with Guest Kim from The Preppy Redhead - Ep3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:38
Today's episode welcomes guest Kim from @the_preppyredhead over on Instagram. Kim is a mom and grandmother living in southern CA. We discussed her journey to a preparedness lifestyle, freeze drying, and more. You can fin…
Making a Preparedness Plan that is Unique for Your Family - Ep2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 12:16
Our families are unique, it makes sense that our preparedness plans should be also. Who are you prepping for? What are you prepping for? How do I start? Let's tackle these questions together. Join me in episode 2 as we d…
From Homesteading to Prepper - What is Prepping Anyway - Ep1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:20
Welcome to This Prepared Life Podcast! Join me in Episode 1 as I talk about what prepping is and why I believe that everyone, especially women, should be prepared. I also share a bit of our journey from homesteading to p…
Trailer - This Prepared Life [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 2:16
Welcome to This Prepared Life, Where Homesteading and the Apocalypse Meet. Follow along for stories, education, and encouragement for women who prep and homestead. Whether you are new or experience there is something for…