One major challenge many in the preparedness community face is the harsh reality that owning a separate, remote retreat often isn’t financially feasible. Realistically, who can afford two mortgages? Most people need to live within commuting distance of their jobs, which are frequently based in major cities. For example, I commute daily to my job in Muskegon, Michigan. Others are anchored to urban or suburban areas by family obligations, perhaps they care for aging parents or grandparents.
This raises a critical question: Is it better to live in your retreat year-round, or maintain one far away from home?
If you’re forced to bug out at a moment’s notice, will you even be able to reach your retreat? What if the highways are shut down? What happens if you’re heading to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the Mackinac Bridge is closed? The answer could mean everything.
Why Living at Your Retreat Might Be Best
I believe the ideal scenario is to live at your retreat full-time. Here’s why:
• Better Preparedness: You’ll have time to stock supplies, gain gardening experience, and master homesteading before any crisis hits.
• Learning Curve: Mistakes in gardening, animal husbandry, or farming are better made now—not after TEOTWAWKI (The End of the World as We Know It).
• Security: You’ll be there to protect your garden, livestock, food stores, and property.
• Community Integration: Living there year-round transforms you from a suspicious outsider to a trusted local. In times of unrest, refugees and strangers often face exploitation—or worse.
Knowing your neighbors can be crucial. In my own neighborhood, I live near an Army officer, a doctor, and a state trooper. In a post-collapse society, these individuals would be invaluable members of a neighborhood defense and support team.
If You Must Bug Out: Timing Is Everything
For those who do maintain a remote retreat, the most pressing issue is when to leave. The risks are twofold:
• Bugging out too early might make you seem paranoid or waste resources.
• Bugging out too late could leave you trapped—turning you into a refugee instead of a survivor.
Strategizing Your Remote Retreat
If your retreat is over an hour away, you must prepare meticulously:
• Pre-stock your refuge with food, gear, and survival tools.
• Check on supplies monthly to deter theft and ensure nothing’s compromised.
• Conduct annual bug-out drills, hauling as much gear as you can to test your capacity.
Map out multiple routes—preferably those that bypass interstates and known choke points. Keep a reliable GPS and a backup compass, and prepare printed maps in case electronics fail.
Blending In Could Be Life-Saving
Whether bugging out or already living remotely, blending in matters:
• Adopt local culture—if you’re heading to Wisconsin, become a Green Bay Packers fan.
• Switch your license plates and driver’s license to match your retreat state.
• Outsiders, especially those with unfamiliar plates (e.g., North Carolina tags in Michigan), could be denied entry at law enforcement or local defense checkpoints.
Present yourself as a returning local. These checkpoints are designed to filter out non-natives and refugees. Fitting in could determine your survival.
Final Thoughts: The Clock Is Ticking
If you’re studying Bible prophecy—or just reading the signs—it’s clear something is coming. The question isn’t if, but when.
So plan wisely. Prepare thoroughly. And above all, make sure you’re ready to act when the time comes. Stay safe out there in the wild times to come!