Sunshine Preppers’ Top 10 Resolutions for 2025

A new year is the perfect time to think about your preparedness goals. Resolutions don’t need to be big or complicated.

Small, steady steps can make a big difference in how ready you are for emergencies.

Whether you’re new to prepping or have years of experience, these resolutions will help you stay on track and build a stronger, more self-reliant lifestyle in 2025.

Check and Rotate Your Food Preps

Food storage is the foundation of preparedness, but it only works if the food stays fresh and safe to eat.

Start the year by taking inventory of your food preps. Check expiration dates, inspect packaging for damage, and replace anything that’s expired or close to its end date.

Make a habit of rotating your stock—use the oldest items first and replenish them with fresh supplies.

Consider organizing your pantry or storage area with labels or bins to keep things tidy and easy to manage.

Don’t forget about variety! Include foods you and your family actually enjoy eating, and add a mix of shelf-stable options like canned goods, freeze-dried meals, and vacuum-sealed staples.

For long-term storage, double-check that containers are airtight and stored in a cool, dry place.

If you’re storing grains, beans, or pasta, invest in food-grade buckets with oxygen absorbers to extend their shelf life.

Regularly reviewing your stock not only ensures your food supply is ready for emergencies but also gives you peace of mind knowing it won’t go to waste.

Expand Your Water Storage

Water is essential for survival, but it’s often overlooked until it’s too late. Start by calculating how much water you need.

A good rule of thumb is at least one gallon per person per day for drinking and basic hygiene. For a week-long emergency, that adds up quickly!

Look for ways to store more water safely. You can use food-grade containers, water bricks, or stackable jugs to maximize your space.

If you don’t already have one, invest in a rain barrel or a rainwater collection system. This is a great way to supplement your supply and reduce dependency on municipal water sources.

Just make sure to research local regulations and use proper filters to make the water safe for use.

Don’t forget water purification tools. Stock up on water filters, purification tablets, or a small portable purifier for emergencies.

It’s also smart to have backup options like bleach or boiling instructions for disinfecting water in a pinch.

Finally, organize your water storage so it’s easy to access and rotate. Check your containers regularly for leaks or contamination.

Expanding your water storage isn’t just about having enough—it’s about having the tools and systems in place to make the most of it when you need it most.

Develop and Review Your Emergency Plan

An emergency plan is your roadmap when disaster strikes, and it’s one of the most important preparedness steps you can take.

Start by outlining clear actions for you and your family in various emergencies—whether that’s a natural disaster, power outage, or civil unrest.

Make sure to include vital information, such as emergency contact numbers, evacuation routes, and meeting points.

Your plan should be specific to the types of disasters most likely to affect your area, so think about local risks like hurricanes, wildfires, or flooding.

Don’t just write your plan—practice it. Hold regular family drills so everyone knows exactly what to do and where to go.

Practice evacuating your home and getting to your designated meeting spot. The more familiar your family is with the plan, the less chaotic things will be if you need to act quickly.

It’s also crucial to ensure that your emergency plan is accessible. Store copies in key locations, like in your emergency kit, a family binder, or on your phone. Make sure everyone knows where to find it and can access it easily in a crisis.

Finally, regularly review and update your plan.

Life changes, and so do your needs. You might move to a new home, change contact numbers, or have a new addition to the family.

Review your plan every few months to ensure it’s up-to-date, and make necessary adjustments based on new information.

If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve created a free guide to help you develop a solid emergency plan. I'll place a link for the free guide at the bottom of this post.

Assess and Organize Your Survival Gear

Survival gear is only helpful if it’s in good condition and easy to find when you need it.

Start by going through all your supplies and checking each item. Test flashlights, batteries, and radios to make sure they work.

Check your first aid kit and replace any expired items. If you have tools like a multi-tool or knife, make sure they are sharp and functional.

Next, organize everything.

Group similar items together, such as first aid supplies, fire-starting tools, and hygiene items.

Use clear bins, labeled bags, or even shelves to keep things neat. The easier it is to access your gear, the faster you can act in an emergency.

Don't forget about your emergency kit. This should be a go-to collection of your most important gear, ready to grab and go at a moment’s notice.

Store it somewhere easy to access and check it regularly to make sure everything is still usable.

By assessing and organizing your survival gear, you’ll ensure it’s reliable when it matters most.

It’s not just about having the right tools—it’s about being able to find and use them quickly.

Become More Food Independent and Self-Reliant

Food independence is one of the most powerful steps you can take toward self-reliance. Start by assessing your current food situation and finding areas where you can grow or produce more of your own food.

A small garden is a great starting point. Even if you don’t have a lot of space, you can grow herbs, leafy greens, tomatoes, peppers, or even small fruit plants in containers or on a balcony.

Consider expanding your gardening skills by learning how to preserve your harvest. Canning, dehydrating, or freezing fruits, vegetables, and meats can help you stockpile for lean times.

Preserving food also gives you the ability to store items that aren’t always in season, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce year-round.

If gardening isn’t an option, look into alternative ways to source food. For example, you can learn how to forage for wild edibles in your area,

 As well, you can try raising small animals like chickens or rabbits, if you have the space. These animals provide not just meat but eggs, and their waste can be used as fertilizer for your garden.

Learning how to make your own food staples, like bread, cheese, and even fermented foods, can further increase your food independence.

The more you rely on what you can grow, make, or raise yourself, the less vulnerable you are to supply chain disruptions or rising food prices.

Becoming more self-reliant in food is a journey, but it’s an incredibly rewarding one. The more you practice these skills, the more confident you’ll feel knowing you can provide for yourself and your loved ones.

Learn a New Survival Skill

Every new survival skill you learn adds a layer of confidence and readiness to your prepping plan.

It’s essential to make sure you're prepared for any situation, and acquiring new skills can help you be more self-sufficient.

Start by choosing a skill that will be useful to you in an emergency, such as fire-starting, building a shelter, or purifying water. These skills are fundamental for surviving in the wild or during a disaster.

If you’re already familiar with the basics, consider learning more advanced skills, like first aid, basic homesteading, or learning how to forage for food.

Mastering skills like making your own soap, candles, or natural cleaning supplies can also help you become more self-reliant.

Don’t forget to practice your skills regularly. Knowing how to perform a task is one thing, but doing it under pressure is another.

Practice building a fire in different conditions, for example, or setting up a shelter with limited resources. By keeping these skills sharp, you can handle whatever comes your way.

You can learn these skills in various ways, from online courses to local workshops to instructional books. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.

Survival skills aren’t just about surviving—they’re about gaining independence and confidence.

Improve Fitness and Mobility

In prepping, fitness is just as important as having the right gear. Being physically fit and mobile will help you respond quickly during an emergency, whether you need to hike out of a dangerous area, carry heavy supplies, or perform tasks like lifting or building.

Regular exercise not only improves your strength and endurance but also helps you maintain flexibility and mobility as you age, which is especially important as we get older.

Start with a simple fitness routine that works for your body and fitness level.

Incorporate strength training, such as bodyweight exercises (like push-ups and squats), to improve your muscle strength and endurance.

Cardiovascular exercises, such as walking, running, or cycling, can build your stamina and get your heart in better shape.

Mobility exercises are also essential. Stretching, yoga, or Pilates can improve your flexibility, reduce stiffness, and prevent injuries.

Flexibility is key when you need to bend, crouch, or climb to get out of tough situations.

If you haven’t been active in a while, start slow and work your way up. Set small goals and celebrate each milestone. Over time, you’ll build the strength and stamina necessary to face physical challenges with confidence.

Improving fitness and mobility not only enhances your ability to react during an emergency but also boosts your overall health and well-being.

Plus, it’s a lifelong investment that keeps you prepared and in control, no matter what life throws your way.

Expand Your Prepper Network

You don’t have to prep alone!

Building a strong prepper network is an essential part of becoming more self-reliant.

Connecting with like-minded people gives you the opportunity to share knowledge, trade resources, and support each other when the going gets tough.

It’s not just about your own preparedness—it’s about creating a community that can come together when needed.

Start by joining local prepper groups or attending preparedness workshops in your area.

This is a great way to meet others who are passionate about prepping and exchange tips on everything from food storage to survival skills.

Many groups also host events or community preparedness projects that you can get involved in. If you can’t find any local groups, consider joining online forums or social media groups.

There are countless prepper communities on platforms like Facebook, Reddit, or dedicated prepping websites.

Your network will not only offer emotional support during uncertain times, but it can also provide valuable resources.

For example, one person might have gardening expertise, while another might be a skilled mechanic.

You can trade knowledge, supplies, or even labor to ensure everyone is prepared. You might also be able to collaborate on larger preparedness projects, such as setting up shared food storage or developing emergency plans for your neighborhood.

Building and maintaining your prepper network doesn’t have to be overwhelming.

Start small, and gradually expand your circle of trusted individuals. Stay connected, offer help when you can, and don’t be afraid to ask for assistance when needed.

The more people you know, the stronger your safety net becomes.

Expanding your network also provides opportunities to learn new skills. You might discover unique resources or solutions you hadn’t considered, and you’ll always have a group to rely on when times get tough.

Remember, prepping is not just about individual readiness—it’s about creating a community that can work together in times of crisis.

Invest in Renewable Energy Solutions

As you work to become more self-reliant, consider investing in small-scale renewable energy solutions, like solar panels or battery backups. These systems can reduce your reliance on traditional power sources and help you stay powered during emergencies or power outages.

Solar panels, for example, can provide electricity to your home or essential devices without relying on the grid, which can be invaluable in a disaster or when access to power is limited.

Even if you can’t afford a full solar setup right away, start small. Solar-powered lights, battery chargers, or solar generators can be a good starting point.

A backup power source can be especially helpful during extreme weather events or long-term disruptions.

Battery backups are another great option.

These systems can store excess energy generated by your solar panels or power grid, ensuring you have electricity during outages.

They can also help you manage energy use more efficiently, saving money while maintaining power when you need it most.

In a world where natural disasters and power grid failures are becoming more common, renewable energy solutions offer a sustainable, reliable, and cost-effective way to keep your home running smoothly.

Take Care of Your Mental Health

Prepping isn’t just about physical survival—it’s also about taking care of your mental and emotional well-being.

A clear, focused mind is essential for making sound decisions, staying calm in emergencies, and dealing with the stress that comes with preparing for uncertain times.

To keep your mental health in check, practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques.

Meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling can help reduce stress and improve your focus.

Regular physical exercise, which we discussed earlier, can also boost mental health by releasing endorphins and improving mood.

Stay socially engaged with friends, family, or your prepper network.

Social connections are vital for emotional support and can provide a sense of community, especially during challenging times.

Whether it’s checking in with loved ones or participating in group activities, staying connected helps ward off feelings of isolation and anxiety.

Remember to make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s gardening, crafting, reading, or any other activity, doing what you love can help keep your mind positive and grounded.

Your mental health is just as important as your physical health when it comes to prepping.

Take time to focus on your emotional well-being, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

A calm and prepared mind can make all the difference during an emergency.

Final Thoughts

As we enter the new year, it’s the perfect time to take a fresh look at your preparedness journey.

By focusing on these key resolutions, you can ensure that you’re ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

Whether it’s expanding your skills, improving your physical and mental health, or making your home more self-sufficient, every step you take brings you closer to a more resilient future.

Remember, prepping is a continuous process, and small, consistent improvements can have a big impact.

Keep moving forward, stay connected, and most importantly, stay prepared—because the best time to start is now.

Happy New Year!

Weekly Bonus Content

Each week, I’ll include links to other articles I’ve written that relate to this topic, so you can explore more helpful tips and ideas. You’ll also find affiliate links for Amazon supplies and other resources you need.

Sunshine Preppers participates in several affiliate marketing programs. This means that if you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help support the maintenance of the blog and allow us to continue creating content for our readers.

To make your prepping journey even more rewarding, I’ll share a freebie each week, whether it’s a printable guide, checklist, or another resource to keep you inspired.

Finally, I’ll list the resources I used to create this blog for those who want to dig deeper.

Other Articles I’ve Written

• Mastering FIFO:  First In, First Out
• Mastering the Essential Skills of Self-Reliance
• Out of Shape Prepper:  Committing to Fitness and Health

Affiliate Links

Suggestions from Amazon:

• Jackery Solar Generator 300 with 1XSolar Panel SolarSaga 100W
• Purewell Countertop Gravity Water Filter System
• Stackable Can Rack Organizer

Weekly Freebie

from Sunshine Preppers:  Create Your Family Emergency Plan

Additional Resources

• Gentleman Pirate Club:  23 Prepper New Years Resolutions to Help you Survive 2023 and Beyond
• Survival Frog:  10 New Year's resolutions for Every Prepper in 2025
• True Prepper:  10 Impactful Prepper Resolutions for the New Year