Preparedness for Renters

A simple, stress-free guide for apartment dwellers and renters to get prepared without modifying their space.

You don’t need to own a house to be prepared — you just need a plan and a bit of creativity.

Living in a rental doesn’t mean you can’t be ready for emergencies — it just means you need to work with the space and rules you have. Many renters think they need a garage, basement, or storage room to start preparing, but even small apartments can house the essentials with a bit of planning. The key is thinking in layers: where you live, how you move, and what you can carry.

Let’s be real — limited storage, shared infrastructure, and landlord restrictions can make prepping feel more complicated. But with a little creativity, you can absolutely build a solid setup. Stackable bins under the bed? Perfect. A grab-and-go backpack tucked behind the couch? Smart. Water bottles stashed in the back of a closet? You’re already ahead.

Start with a mini 72-hour kit. Think: a backpack with water, snacks, a flashlight, your important documents, and a power bank. If you’re storing things at home, spread them out in high and low places — no need to keep it all in one bag if you’re not evacuating.

Know your building too: where are the stairs, exits, and fire alarms? Elevators won’t work in most emergencies. Ask your landlord where the shutoffs are for water and gas, and make note of emergency signage. Talk to your neighbors — you might be each other’s best resource in a crisis.

Also, seriously consider renters insurance. It’s usually less than a monthly streaming subscription and can cover your stuff in case of a fire or flood. Bonus tip: walk around and take photos or videos of your belongings and store them in the cloud — you’ll thank yourself later.

Renting doesn’t mean you’re off the hook — it just means you prep smarter, not bigger.