In March, European leaders said people should stockpile three days’ worth of food, water and other essentials in case of a crisis.

The Commission said in its EU Preparedness Union Strategy that the bloc was preparing for risks including natural disasters, cyber attacks and geopolitical crises, including the possibility of armed aggression against EU countries.

The UK government is also advising households to stock up on essential supplies, particularly non-perishable food and bottled water, to be prepared for potential emergencies

But stocking up doesn’t have to mean panic buying or hoarding. It means building a smart, steady stash of essentials you already use, and using them well.

Start With What You Eat

Before buying anything new, list 10 meals your family actually eats. Focus on ingredients that store well:

Rice, pasta, oats
Tinned tomatoes, beans, tuna
Dried herbs, stock cubes
Long-life milk, peanut butter

This keeps your pantry practical, not weird.

Build Slowly, Rotate Often

Instead of doing a huge “prepper shop,” just double up on one or two things each week. Add a bag of rice here, a few tins there. Soon, you’ll have a few weeks’ buffer — without overspending.

Stick a “use first” sticker on older items. That keeps rotation smooth and avoids waste.

Store What You’ll Actually Eat

Don’t stock powdered eggs if your kids hate eggs. It’ll go to waste. Prepping should support your normal meals, not reinvent them.

Keep It Visible

Use clear tubs, baskets, or labelled shelves so nothing gets lost at the back.