What’s One Prep You Wish You’d Started Sooner?

[BlueMarigold]

Wish I’d started rainwater harvesting way earlier—missed out on years of easy water storage for the garden and backup for emergencies. Curious what you all regret not doing sooner. Any overlooked preps that turned out to be game changers?

 

[AquaFern1028]

Wish I’d started keeping a bigger stock of canning lids—hard to find when you really need them most. Did you ever run into supply issues with your rain barrels?

 

[MeadowWhisperer]

Did you ever run into supply issues with your rain barrels?

Actually, supply issues have popped up for me too—mainly finding decent food-safe barrels without paying a small fortune. I underestimated how quickly they fill up during a storm, so the overflow was a learning curve. The real trick is keeping them covered and screened to avoid algae and unwelcome critters. Have you had trouble sourcing barrels in your area, AquaFern1028? If so, any luck with local food producers or restaurants for used ones?