When it comes to preparing for the eventual breakdown of society, we all know how important it is to ensure we are staying off the radar of our neighbors. The last thing we want is for them to know what we have and where we keep it. In a world where resources will undoubtedly be scarce, desperation will run high, turning once peaceful neighbors into enemies. Let’s look at a few ways to stay off your neighbor’s radar while still preparing for the inevitable.
Silent Stockpiling
We know the accumulation of as many shelf-stable resources as possible is key to being prepared. What causes eyes to start looking your way is when these supplies begin arriving in bulk. Instead of buying large quantities of supplies at once, consider opting for a more gradual approach. This may look like:
- Small, Frequent Purchases: Instead of buying in bulk, making it harder to conceal from any neighbors who may be watching, buy smaller quantities. A few extra cans of food, an extra pack of batteries, or an extra bag of rice each grocery trip can slowly build up your stockpile without making a noticeable dent in store inventories or your neighbors’ awareness.
- Diversify Purchase Locations: Don’t buy everything from the same store. Spread out your purchases across different locations, and maybe even different cities if you happen to live in a small town, to avoid being remembered by store clerks or recognized by neighbors. Small-town shops are often the gossip hub, and purchasing the same item multiple times from the same place could make you the topic of the next gossip section.
- Use Discreet Packaging: Almost every online retailer now offers the ability to ship your items to you in discreet packaging. If you’re ordering any sort of prepping supplies online, this is worth any extra shipping cost you may have to pay. And, stagger your purchases and shipping times so that you’re not left with a huge delivery, raising suspicion.
Blending In
The last thing you want is for your home to be known in the community as the go-to bunker. Take extra care to make your home and property as unassuming as possible. Here are a few ways you can blend in and not bring too much unwanted attention to your property.
Discreet Storage
One of the most crucial aspects of blending in is making sure that your stockpiles and equipment aren’t visible to prying eyes.
- Hidden Spaces: Utilize spaces in your home that aren’t typically seen by visitors or even neighbors. Basements, attics, and crawl spaces can be excellent places to store supplies. These areas are not only out of sight but also out of mind, reducing the chance that anyone will stumble upon your stash. Like this underground bunker you can build yourself with less than $400, that will not only protect your goods, but also your life in case of a major disaster.
- False Walls and Floors: For those who want to take their camouflage to the next level, consider installing false walls or floors. These enhancements can be used to create hidden compartments for storing valuables, food, or weapons. This level of concealment helps to make sure that even if someone gains access to your home, they are unlikely to find everything you have prepared.
- Furniture with Hidden Compartments: Some furniture pieces, like beds with storage underneath or bookshelves with secret compartments, can double as practical home items and secure storage spaces. These pieces allow you to keep essential supplies nearby but out of the view of prying eyes.
Invisible Upgrades
We all have them or have thought about them. Those home improvements we feel like would help us to be a better prepper and ensure we are ready for the SHTF situations to come. However, these should be done in such a way to make sure they do not draw attention.
Some of these improvements may be solar panels, water collection systems, or even a whole-home generator. The key is to do these in the least evasive way possible. This is a great solution and you won’t need any permits if you want to install a DIY backyard power plant on your property.
Solar panels installed on the back of your home are much easier to conceal. The same goes for the water collection system. When it comes to other large pieces of equipment, consider housing them in an already-bit shed or outbuilding.
Stealth Gardening
Growing your own food is one of the most important tasks a prepper can do. Yet, having a large vegetable garden is hard to go unnoticed. Instead, employ a system of stealth gardening techniques to grow your food while maintaining a low profile.
This might include integrating edible plants into your existing flower beds and boxes. For example, plant your berry bushes among your ornamental shrubs, or mix kale and lettuce plants in with your decorative plants. This approach allows you to grow food while keeping your garden’s primary function—decorative—intact in the eyes of passersby. And here is the blueprint for a hidden food growing fence that won’t be visible to any prying eyes.
If your space is limited or you want to keep your garden mobile, use containers that can be moved around your property. Place them on patios, balconies, or even mixed among decorative plants. Containers can be easily relocated if you need to change their visibility based on who’s around.
Maintain Appearances During a SHTF Scenario
This is where many preppers fail and alert their neighbors to what they have been doing. During a crisis, your power is likely going to go out, making your entire neighborhood go dark. If your home is the only one with power, your neighbors will become suspicious.
Related: You Should Never Ask Your Neighbor This
And if they hear equipment running, they are likely to investigate its source. Consider these simple steps when the SHTF.
- Soundproofing Your Space: If you have a generator or other noisy equipment, consider soundproofing your storage areas. Foam panels or heavy blankets can help muffle sounds and keep your home from becoming a beacon in the night.
- Blackout Curtains: Invest in good blackout curtains for your windows. This will help ensure home remains as dark as everyone else’s, reducing the chance of drawing attention.
- Controlled Lighting: If you need light, opt for low-intensity options like red or green LED lights that are less likely to be noticed from outside. These lights are also easier on your night vision.
Waste Management
Believe it or not, how you handle your waste can tell your neighbors a lot about what you have going on inside your home. Throwing out a ton of empty cardboard boxes on the side of the road will let everyone know what you have recently bought, from electronics to survival gear.
Instead of tossing all your trash out to the curb at once, break down the boxes and dispose of them gradually. Or, if you have the ability, take the trash to the landfill yourself to avoid any prying eyes.
If you live in a rural area, you might consider burning or burying your trash. Just be sure to do so safely and discreetly.
Final Thoughts
Staying off your neighbor’s radar while prepping is all about maintaining a balance between being prepared and being discreet. By taking steps to blend in, controlling what you reveal, and keeping your actions hidden, you can lower the chance of becoming a target in a crisis. Remember, the goal is to be ready for anything, without letting everyone know you are ready for anything.
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Some of this involves the “grey man” principles. You can be seen but not remembered. Second, and I can attest from personal experience, Your neighbors will become your worst enemies There are two ways to mitigate this 1)Stealth as described in this article. 2) Train them in self survival and self sufficiency. Minimize terms such as prepper. I describe myself not as a prepper but a “What if”.kind of guy Start small with your neighbors. concentrate on the events that disrupt critical infrastructure, electricity, water cell service, telephone, internet and how to develop strategies on how to minimize impact. Each of you know your areas and what impacts you frequently. Start there and hopefully you begin to see “buy in” to the ideas of prepping.
I carry a large rubber made tub in and out of the garage all the time and take it with me. I carry it back in. My neighbors don’t even take note of it now. Anytime I get something in a box like a meatgrinder or bullets… I cut the box up in pieces to add into the kitchen garbage. I am out in the garage piddling with something as are my neighbors mostly. We note each other but not really what we are doing. Look at how you observe people and reverse the role. It’s not hard to set a routine and dispose of boxes and such if you are trying to be low key. One thing I have done is, go to different stores if I am getting “supplies.” Many times, I back in just to do it. So, when I do want to take a gun somewhere being backed in is not unusual. If Jehovah’s Witness or Mormons come to your house? I don’t care if you are or are not either. If they do, engage them in conversation. Ask them a lot of questions. I have noticed when I do that they will be in the neighborhood but avoid me. I wasn’t rude to them. I just ask questions and they need to move on, but I keep asking. They avoid my house and I can see them avoid my house.
Neighbors?.. can be the worst. More worse is siblings!
I found out for whatever reason if you have deer cameras in your yard pointed towards your house, jehovas witness doesn’t like that, ever since I put them up jehovas witness doesn’t come to my house anymore.
We Witnesses live to answer questions, if they are a sincere inquiry. If you express a sincere desire to be not called on, we will put on our “do not call” list. If your conditions or choices change, we would be pleased to talk with you again. You know where we are. We do not wish
anyone to miss Jehovah’s hope of everlasting life in paradise.
If you make a large haul at the store instead of bringing in everything when you get home and you don’t want Mr./Mrs. Nosey to see, just bring in what will spoil and leave the rest in the car.
(while at the store you can arrange the items)
Wait until later that evening to get the rest when the neighbors have gone to sleep.
Of course if you have a garage to drive into and close the door it won’t matter.