HotLogic Portable Oven Review: + 25 Easy Meals You Can Make Anywhere

[…]

The post HotLogic Portable Oven Review: + 25 Easy Meals You Can Make Anywhere appeared first on The Survival Mom.

from The Survival Mom https://ift.tt/2RGKL9d

15 Tools Every Family Should Have In Their Home

Here are 15 tools every family should have in their home. Owning a home, or even renting one, means that things will eventually break, shift, loosen, or need a little TLC. From a wobbly doorknob to a leaky faucet, the families who handle these everyday challenges with confidence are the ones who keep a solid set of tools on hand. A well-stocked home toolkit isn’t just about saving money on repair calls (though that’s a definite bonus). It’s about being prepared, staying safe, and teaching your kids the value of knowing how to care for your home.

Whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a growing family in a rental, or parents who want to model self-reliance for their children, having the right tools is one of the smartest investments you can make. The good news? You don’t need a garage full of equipment to handle most household jobs. You just need the right 15 tools and the know-how to use them.

Below, we’ve broken down the essential tools every family home should have, what they’re used for, and why they deserve a spot in your toolbox.

15 Tools Every Family Should Have In Their Home

1. Flathead Screwdriver

The flathead screwdriver is one of the oldest and most versatile tools in any home. Its flat, blade-like tip is designed to drive screws with a single horizontal slot, a style found throughout older homes on outlet plates, light switch covers, cabinet hinges, and furniture hardware.

Beyond screws, families will find the flathead useful for prying open paint can lids, popping off battery covers, scraping dried caulk, and even tightening loose hinges on eyeglasses, if you have one small enough. It’s a true multi-tasker and should be one of the first tools you grab when something needs a quick fix around the house. Keep at least one medium-sized flathead within easy reach; your family will reach for it more than almost any other tool. Flat Head Screwdriver

2. Phillips Screwdriver

Named after inventor Henry F. Phillips, the Phillips screwdriver features a cross-shaped tip that grips screws with a matching recess for better torque and control. Today, Phillips screws are the standard in most modern furniture, appliances, electronics, and home fixtures, making this one of the most frequently used tools in any household.

Families will use a Phillips screwdriver to assemble furniture, tighten loose door handles, install ceiling fan blades, secure cabinet hardware, and repair children’s toys. Having both a #1 (small) and a #2 (medium) size ensures you’re ready for most jobs. It’s the tool your kids will see you reach for most, and one of the first tools you’ll teach them to use when they’re old enough to help around the house. Phillips Screw Driver

3. Multi-Driver (Interchangeable Screwdriver Set)

A multi-driver takes the utility of both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers to the next level by offering a single handle with multiple interchangeable bits. Most multi-driver sets include flathead, Phillips, Torx, and square (Robertson) bit options, covering virtually every screw type you’ll encounter in a family home.

The real advantage for families is convenience. Rather than hunting for the right screwdriver in a cluttered drawer, you have one compact tool that handles it all. Many multi-drivers also feature a magnetic bit holder and a built-in storage compartment in the handle, making them perfect for everything from assembling holiday gifts to tackling weekend home improvement projects. If storage space is limited in your home, a quality multi-driver can replace several individual screwdrivers. Multi-Driver Interchangeable Set

4. Hammer

Few tools are more iconic, or more essential, than a good hammer. A standard 16-ounce claw hammer is the workhorse of any family toolkit, perfectly balanced for driving nails, hanging picture frames, assembling furniture, and a hundred other everyday tasks.

The claw end (the curved fork on the back of the head) is just as important as the striking face. It’s used for pulling nails out of walls, removing old baseboards, and disassembling pallets or wooden structures. A hammer is also the go-to tool when you need to tap something gently into place or break apart materials for disposal. When selecting a hammer for your family, look for one with a comfortable rubber grip that reduces vibration. Your hands will thank you after a day of hanging gallery walls or putting together furniture. 16 Ounce Claw hammer

5. Cordless Drill/Driver (18V–20V) with Assorted Bits

If there’s one power tool every family home should invest in, it’s a quality cordless drill/driver. An 18V to 20V model strikes the ideal balance between power and portability, strong enough to drill through wood, drywall, and light masonry, yet light enough to use comfortably for extended periods.

Paired with an assortment of drill and driver bits, a cordless drill becomes the single most versatile tool in your home. Use it to assemble flat-pack furniture, install curtain rods, mount shelving units, build raised garden beds, hang TV wall mounts, and much more. The variable-speed trigger and clutch settings allow for precision work, so you won’t strip screws or overdrill into delicate materials. Look for a model that comes with two batteries, so you always have a charged one ready when a project calls. Cordless Drill/Driver (18V–20V)

6. Stud Finder

Before you hang a heavy mirror, mount a flat-screen TV, or install floating shelves, you need to know where the studs are hiding inside your walls. Drywall alone can’t support significant weight; anchoring into a wall stud is what makes a mounted item truly secure and safe for your family.

A stud finder uses electronic sensors to detect changes in wall density, signaling the edges and center of studs as you slide it across the surface. Modern stud finders can also detect live electrical wiring and metal pipes, adding an extra layer of safety before you drill. This is a particularly important tool for families with children, where securely mounted bookshelves, dressers, and entertainment centers can prevent dangerous tip-over accidents. A stud finder pays for itself the first time it helps you avoid an expensive wall repair, or worse, a safety incident. Stud Finder

7. 25-Foot Tape Measure

“Measure twice, cut once” is one of the oldest rules in home improvement, and it starts with having a reliable tape measure. A 25-foot tape measure is the ideal length for most household tasks: long enough to measure room dimensions for furniture planning, and compact enough to carry in a pocket or tool bag.

Families use tape measures constantly, checking whether a new couch will fit through the front door, measuring window widths for curtains, laying out garden spaces, or ensuring picture frames are hung at the same height. Look for a tape with a wide, rigid blade that holds its shape when extended, a locking mechanism, and clear, easy-to-read markings in both inches and centimeters. A durable belt clip is a bonus for keeping it handy during bigger projects. 25 Foot Measuring Tape

8. Flashlight / Work Light

Power outages happen. Crawl spaces are dark. The space behind the refrigerator or beneath the bathroom sink is nearly impossible to see without the right light. A quality flashlight, or better yet, a dedicated LED work light, is an absolute must-have for every family home.

A hands-free work light with a magnetic base or hanging hook is especially useful for home repair tasks, allowing you to illuminate exactly where you’re working while keeping both hands free. For emergency preparedness, keep a dedicated flashlight in an easy-to-find location and check its batteries regularly. Many families opt for rechargeable LED models, which are brighter, longer-lasting, and more eco-friendly than traditional battery-powered lights. A good work light makes every repair job safer, faster, and less frustrating. Flashlight/Work Light

9. A Level

There’s nothing more frustrating than stepping back from a freshly hung picture or newly installed shelf only to realize it’s crooked. A level eliminates that frustration. By using a small bubble in a liquid-filled vial, a level tells you precisely whether a surface, frame, or fixture is perfectly horizontal (level) or vertical (plumb).

A standard 24-inch torpedo level is ideal for most family home needs. Use it to hang art galleries straight, level appliances, install cabinet doors evenly, check that new tile or wood flooring is laid flat, or set fence posts plumb. Digital levels are also available and offer even greater precision for more demanding projects. No matter which style you choose, a level ensures that every installation in your home looks professionally done — because your family deserves a home that reflects care and attention to detail. Level

10. A Saw

Not every cutting job requires a trip to the hardware store or a contractor. A good saw empowers your family to handle a wide range of cutting tasks at home, from trimming lumber for a DIY project to cutting PVC pipe under the sink.

For most families, a quality hand saw (for general wood cutting) and a hacksaw (for metal, plastic pipe, and hardware) will cover most needs. If you’re ready to invest in a power-tool upgrade, a circular saw or jigsaw can dramatically expand what you can accomplish. Common household uses include cutting shelving boards to size, trimming door frames, shortening curtain rods, building simple DIY furniture, and cutting landscape timbers. Always follow proper safety protocols when using any saw. We’ll cover safety gear in the next few sections. Hacksaw

11. Safety Gloves

No tool collection is complete without proper safety gear, and safety gloves are the first line of protection for your hands. Whether you’re handling sharp materials, using power tools, carrying heavy items, or applying chemical products such as sealants or paint strippers, a quality pair of work gloves can help prevent cuts, abrasions, chemical burns, and blisters.

For general home use, look for gloves that offer a balance of protection and dexterity — heavy enough to shield your hands, yet flexible enough to grip tools and feel what you’re working with. Many families keep two pairs: a lightweight, cut-resistant pair for general tasks and a thicker pair for heavy-duty work like hauling lumber or clearing brush. Teaching children from an early age to always put on their gloves before starting a project helps build lifelong safe-work habits. Safety Gloves

12. Safety Goggles

Your eyes are irreplaceable, and protecting them should always be a top priority during home improvement projects. Safety goggles shield your eyes from flying debris, dust, wood chips, metal shavings, chemical splashes, and other airborne hazards generated by common household tasks.

Whether you’re drilling into drywall, cutting lumber, mixing concrete, or using a caulk gun near your face, safety goggles are essential. Look for goggles that are ANSI Z87.1 certified, which means they’ve been tested to withstand impact. For family members who wear prescription eyeglasses, over-the-glasses (OTG) safety goggles are widely available and offer full protection without requiring contact lenses. Make it a household rule: no power tools, saws, or chemical products without goggles on, no exceptions, for adults and kids alike. Safety Goggles

13. Caulking Gun

A caulking gun is one of the most underrated tools in home maintenance, yet it quietly does some of the most important work in protecting your home. Caulking seals gaps and cracks around windows, doors, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and baseboards, preventing air leaks that raise energy bills, water intrusion that causes mold, and pest entry points that every family wants to avoid.

A standard ratchet-style caulking gun is affordable, easy to use, and compatible with the standard-sized tubes of silicone, latex, or polyurethane caulk sold at any home improvement store. For a smooth, professional bead, cut the caulk tube at a 45-degree angle, apply steady pressure on the trigger while moving at a consistent pace, and smooth the bead with a damp finger or caulk tool. Re-caulking around your tub and windows once a year is one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to maintain your home’s condition, and it’s a task the whole family can learn to do together. Caulking Gun

14. Wrenches

Wrenches are the go-to tool for tightening and loosening nuts, bolts, and plumbing fittings — tasks that come up regularly in every family home. From fixing a dripping faucet to assembling a bicycle, replacing a showerhead, or tightening the legs on a wobbly table, a good set of wrenches handles jobs that screwdrivers simply can’t.

For most households, two types of wrenches are especially valuable: an adjustable wrench (sometimes called a Crescent wrench), which can be sized to fit a wide range of nuts and bolts with a simple dial adjustment, and a set of combination wrenches (open end on one side, box end on the other) for tasks where precision fit matters. A pipe wrench is a worthy addition for any family that handles its own plumbing basics. Investing in quality wrenches with chrome-vanadium steel construction means they’ll last through decades of family projects without rounding off or rusting. Wrenches

15. Utility Knife

Rounding out our list is the utility knife, a compact, retractable-blade tool that handles an enormous range of cutting tasks that would be awkward or impossible with scissors or saws. Every family home generates a constant need for a sharp, precise cutting tool, and a utility knife delivers exactly that.

Use it to open boxes and packaging, score drywall for clean breaks, cut carpet or vinyl flooring, trim weather stripping, strip electrical wire insulation, cut rope, or slice through roofing materials. The retractable blade keeps it safe when not in use, and replacement blades are inexpensive and easy to swap out. Always keep the blade retracted when carrying, and store it out of reach of young children. Like all sharp tools, the utility knife rewards respect and proper handling with years of reliable, injury-free service. Utility Knife

Emergency Items You Need After a Disaster

Building Your Family’s Home Toolkit

You don’t have to acquire all 15 of these tools at once. Start with the basics: a screwdriver set, a hammer, a tape measure, and safety gear, and add to your collection as projects arise. Buying quality tools from trusted brands means they’ll outlast trends, survive moves, and be passed down to your children when they start their own homes.

Final Word

More than the money saved on service calls, the real value of a family toolkit is what it represents: self-sufficiency, preparedness, and the confidence to care for the place where your family lives and grows. There’s a quiet pride in knowing that when something breaks, shifts, or needs attention in your home, you have exactly what you need to handle it. So find a sturdy toolbox, label it with your family’s name, and start building. Your home and your family will be better for it. If you’re struggling to find that perfect gift for your spouse, newlyweds, kids headed off to college, etc., consider one or more of these handy tools; those receiving the gift will be forever grateful. May God bless this world, Linda

The post 15 Tools Every Family Should Have In Their Home appeared first on Food Storage Moms.

from Food Storage Moms

Overlooked Prepping Items You Need to Stock Up on Now

When people first start building a stockpile, they usually focus on the obvious things. Canned food, buckets of rice and beans, bottled water, and maybe a few tools for self-defense. After that come the items that help you when the grid goes down, such as solar panels, generators, batteries, and gardening supplies. Those things are […]

The post Overlooked Prepping Items You Need to Stock Up on Now appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

from Ask a Prepper https://ift.tt/S7lrE8M

30+ Items You Can Trade After The System Breaks Down

Estimated reading time: 15 minutes

Most of haven't endured life in a barter economy. It’s when the currency of a country has been so devalued (usually because of hyperinflation) that traditional, everyday purchases are impossible. Other causes for the emergence of a barter economy include war and a general societal collapse.

Historically, all commerce was based on a barter economy, at least in ancient times. It wasn’t until the invention of money and the belief that it was a tangible currency that money became an acceptable item for trade and commerce. The ancient Chinese introduced the concept around 600 B.C. and the ancient Greeks and Romans expanded the idea from there.

But there’s a fundamental problem with money. It’s the belief and the faith that the money is actually worth anything. Worse, the value of any currency often fluctuates and when inflation and particularly hyperinflation occurs, the money becomes worthless.

An often touted example is Germany in the 1920’s when it cost 200,000,000,000 Marks for a loaf of bread. In case you’re wondering, that's 200 billion Marks. It’s at times like that when economies crumble and collapse, and barter becomes the only viable means for a transaction.

The Challenges of Bartering

As an economy and country devolves to a barter economy, the population is confronted with a new set of challenges. It becomes a question of “What do I need and what do I have that I can trade to acquire it?”

It seems easy at first as various items that are seldom used or in duplicate make their way to barter markets for a new kind of shopping trip. The problem is that those extra items soon run out. At that point the only solution in a barter economy is to begin surrendering items that have value to a family, but must be traded for a needed or critical item.

We’re going to explore solutions to that problem through stockpiling certain items, making or creating other items, and the idea of trading skills or services. Think of all of them as your barter stockpile, but you need to plan ahead to build those reserves.

Determining Value

A fact of any barter marketplace is a certain amount of haggling.  It’s all about determining a fair trade based on the perceived value of items. The obvious driver is that old concept of supply and demand. High demand will enhance the value of an item, and low supply will also increase its value.

But there’s more to it than standard commerce principles. Sustainability will become the new normal in a barter economy and items that will allow people to live a sustainable lifestyle will have added value. Examples include tools that allow you to build or repair things, vegetable seeds that will allow someone to grow food and harvest more seeds for the future, and even functional items like cast-iron cookware that is perceived as both useful and sturdy.

As we list various items and ideas for a barter stockpile we’ll always look towards things and ideas that will potentially be in high demand, low supply or enable sustainability. Without some kind of filter for stockpiling, our homes will be reduced to a hoarder’s warehouse.

Specific Barter Items to Consider Stockpiling

A famous economic concept is built around the question of guns or butter. It was a symbolic analogy driving decisions but certain items will always emerge as high value in a collapsed society. We’re going to start with items that are inexpensive, relatively small so they’re easy to store, and potentially have high value in a barter marketplace.

One note that we'll cover in detail later is where and how to acquire these items. Some you may already own and have considered throwing away – don’t do that. Others you can buy and we’ll get into many you can make. What’s important is to start looking at things differently. If you’re concerned about the emergence of a barter economy, think about the barter potential for all items you see, possibly buy or currently own.

Food

Canned food may be the best option because it is portable, durable and has a decent shelf-life. They also have best-by dates printed but some people know that a best-by date is a suggestion rather than a hard and fast rule for food-storage.

Canned foods with the highest value will be foods with high calories, vitamins and minerals and some with protein like canned fish (tuna, mackerel, and sardines); canned meats, and canned fruits and vegetables. Other possibilities are ready-made meals like cans of chili, stew, and hearty soups.

Baby food will always be in demand and the short supply of baby formula during the pandemic demonstrated its importance. The baby food sold in jars is a good option in addition to powdered formulas.

Coffee is often thought of as a comfort food. Instant coffee is probably best although whole beans have a good shelf-life and may be in very short supply.

Canning jars will have great value to many people who know and appreciate the ability to preserve foods, but simply don’t have food-safe packaging like canning jars.

Fortified and flavored drink mixes, preferably in Mylar pouches will also have great value. Many things like milk, canned beverages and bottled juices will either be in short supply or simply unavailable.

Things like powdered milk, chocolate milk, flavored drink mixes and fortified drink mixes with added vitamins, minerals and electrolytes will be highly valued. The ability to simply add water to a powdered mix to get something more will appeal to a broad part of the population, especially in desperate times.

Specialized cooking equipment may emerge as a very valuable commodity in an environment where electricity, water and even natural gas will be both expensive and possibly unavailable.

Cast-iron cookware is both highly functional and durable. You can even find or buy old, rusty cast-iron and restore it easily for future trade. Any open-fire cooking equipment like cooking grates, tripods, Dutch-ovens and stockpots will also be valuable as some people are forced to shift to more traditional cooking styles. Try to find used equipment and refurbish it.

Cigarettes and alcohol aren’t food in the traditional sense but they are definitely consumed and to some people will have high value. Cigarettes are best stored in a freezer and popular alcohol varieties like whisky and vodka will also find a market.

Medical Supplies

Everyone eventually gets sick or injured and that may be an increasing likelihood in a time of collapse.

OTC or over-the-counter medicines in their original, unopened packaging will be high value. Kid’s dosages will also be in high demand. Basics like pain-relievers, decongestants, anti-allergy medicines, cough medicines, and a range of creams and ointments from burn cream to antiseptics to cortisone will be in demand. Other possibilities include eye and ear drops, and anti-fungal sprays and treatments.

General first-aid items including bandages, splints, elastic wraps and surgical tape will always have a market in a barter economy. Specialized equipment like wrist and knee braces, crutches, canes and other prosthetic devices will always have a market.

Domestic Items

Some things in life never end like laundry, dishes and going to the bathroom. As the toilet paper panic demonstrated at the height of the pandemic, people take some of the little things seriously.

Toiletries like toilet paper, tampons, baby diapers (fabric diapers are best), in addition to soap are seen as both necessary, and in troubled times, luxuries that will be highly valued.

Detergents for laundry, dish soap for the dishes, kitchen cleansers, and any other items you use to keep things clean will be in constant demand.

Personal Care Items

There’s always more to keep clean than the kitchen and personal care items will be sorely missed for many people in a barter economy. We already mentioned soap but there are other personal care items that are just as important.

Skin and hair care items including shampoo, conditioners, moisturizers, exfoliates, hand sanitizer and makeup will always have a market.

Personal care tools as simple as combs, brushes, nail clippers, manicure scissors, nail files and others will be sorely missed by some people in a troubled economy.

Tools

This is a big one and really supports the need for sustainability in a time of serious shortages. Some of us older folks have accumulated quite a few tools over the years. If someone asks you if they can borrow a Philips Head screwdriver and instead of saying, “Yes,” you say, “What size?” it’s a good bet you’ve got a lot of tools. Never throw an old tool away.

A rusty pair of pliers may look sad next to your shiny new ones, but someone without some of these basic tools will quickly see past the rust. You could also take a little time to restore any old tools to enhance their value.

Timber tools that will have great value in a barter economy include tools like axes, drawshaves, hand borers, wedges, timber hand saws, ropes and pulleys. This is another opportunity to buy them used and refurbish them.

Carpentry tools include assorted hammers, tape measures, levels, drawstrings, tool belts, handsaws, hand drills and bits, and wood chisels.

Hardware isn’t cheap today and will not only be in short supply but even unavailable. This includes nails, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, springs, cotter pins, bailing wire, ropes and cordage, locks and locksets and any other hardware. If you have a coffee can of old, rusty hardware in the garage –don’t toss it.

Craft supplies will have significant value as people turn to crafting many items. Think of any and all of the materials and tools that you may have or could easily and inexpensively acquire for later trade for crafts like sewing, leather crafting, woodworking, knitting, pottery, bee keeping, quilting, brewing, distilling, basket weaving, macramé, candle-making, metal working and the list goes on.

Many people will want to actively pursue these sustainable skills but some will struggle without the basic tools and materials to create these items.

Emergency Supplies

If we’re living in a barter economy it may seem like everything is an emergency but there are some basics that we or others may particularly need to deal with common challenges.

Emergency lighting supplies including candles, matches, candle lanterns, solar or hand-powered flashlights, rechargeable batteries and chargers, solar lights, and even light bulbs. If you can’t buy it or can’t afford and you can’t see at night you’ll need it and so will everyone else.

Emergency water supplies and we don’t mean bottled water. This is about basic water filtration and purification including water-purification tablets, water filters, even common items like iodine and chlorine bleach are going to have high value at a time when no water is safe to drink.

Emergency heat can quickly become a threat in winter in certain parts of the country. A wood-fried Cookstove would be too expensive to stockpile but blankets, hats and gloves, firewood, anything that’s inexpensive that you have room to store or stockpile will be valuable commodities when too many people are spending too much time shivering.

DIY Items

Ultimately, your ability to create things that have value may be your greatest strength in a barter economy. If you have extra tools for any of these tasks you will also find many who will see them as invaluable. Here are some of the DIY items you could stockpile or make on demand in preparation for a day of bartering:

• Home preserved foods
• Rustic Furniture
• Clothing
• Distilling and Fermentation
• Charcoal
• Baked goods
• Crafts from brooms to candles to soap
• Homemade personal care products
• Soap
• Lotions
• Hand sanitizer
• Shampoo

If there’s a demand for something you can make – make it.

From the Farm and Garden

Barter markets are a lot like flea markets and farmer’s markets. If you have the room or determination to have a large garden or raise chickens you have some homegrown barter. Consider the following:

• Vegetables
• Fruits
• Wild Nuts
• Eggs
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Herbs

Even if you can’t grow it, if you have wild foraging skills you may be able to find it and package it to trade for something you need.

Skills

Trading skills in exchange for goods or services was another classic practice in ancient and pioneer times. If you have a unique skill that would be a challenge to most people, you can definitely trade that ability for an item you need or someone else’s unique skill. Here’s a brief list of the many skills that would be a challenge to many of us:

• Auto mechanic
• Cabinet maker
• Carpenter
• Doctors and Dentists
• Electrician
• Locksmith
• Mason
• Plumber
• Small engine mechanic
• Welder

There are certainly more but if you have a unique skill that would be a challenge to most you have something else to trade for something you need.

Finding Success in the Barter Marketplace

It’s one thing to have a lot of stuff to trade, it’s another thing finding what you want to get as a result. Dedicated barter markets are one possibility. They even happen today and are usually called “swap meets.” If you’ve never been to a swap meet it’s a good place to learn about the art of barter.

Some people will set up a table with what they have to trade, but most importantly they’ll also display a sign indicating what they are interested in trading for. Other people will walk the market pulling a wagon behind them with items they can offer for trade. This is easier to do with small items obviously.

Other people show up as specialists. They have significant quantities of one item to trade, or a bundle of items specifically related to a subject like tools, preserves or other related groups.

A sign anywhere can also give you a barter connection. If you have a lot trees and firewood stacked in the backyard you could put a sign at the entrance to your driveway indicating what you have to trade and what you are hoping to acquire.

If the Internet is still active, there are swap sites where you can arrange a trade although most require you to both deliver and pickup what you are trying to exchange. Although some agree to delivery by mail or other services, in desperate times it's a risk so barterer beware.

The Quality Question

The good thing about bartering items in person is both parties can inspect the items being swapped. That’s no guarantee of quality in some instances (canned food without a label) but at least you get a chance to look at what you are trading for. It’s wise to only offer quality items because there’s another important side to a barter economy.

Building Relationships

If you develop a good reputation for consistently delivering good quality and fair play your reputation will hopefully spread. This could cause past swappers to seek you out in the future and new people to find you because of your good track record.

This could also help if someone doesn’t have what you want but knows someone else who does. If you’re having trouble tracking down something you really need, fellow barterers can be a great resource for information about what’s out there and where.

Best Sources for a Barter Stockpile

If you’re thinking about assembling a stockpile of items for barter you’ll want to do it wisely. This means finding the best items for the best price with a reasonable level of quality reassurance. Here are some possibilities from the obvious to the surprising with links to more information:

√ Traditional retailers

Shop the sales and clearance aisles. If it’s a great price and you think it might be valuable as barter –buy it.

√ Warehouse stores

Costco and Sam’ Club offer discounts on bulk items. By some for your everyday use, store some in your personal stockpile, and then set some aside for potential barter. Even if you never swap it for something else you can still use it.

√ The Dollar Store

This is a great place to pick up a lot of domestic and everyday items for a low cost. The quality isn’t always great but a lot of things from bandages, OTC medicines and cleaning supplies are a great value.

√ Dumpsters

It may seem a little too “street” but dumpsters can be a goldmine for items that are still new and simply discarded. Check out the retailers like Target, Walmart, and others and you may be surprised by what you may find.

√ Thrift stores

Goodwill stores are one example and they often have a wide range of items that will no doubt have increased value when they’re not longer available or affordable –anywhere.

√ Military Surplus Stores

The type of gear ranges widely but for people living in dangerous times many of these items will be relevant.

√ Flea markets

You’ll probably get some good ideas for what will be valuable at a barter market and here again; you can find some great deals on just about everything.

√ Homemade

If you don’t have it but can make it you’re in business. This is another good reason to check out swap meets, flea markets and farmer’s markets. If you notice a lot of interest in something you can make it will probably be very appealing to people in a barter economy.

√ Home Grown

If you have a large vegetable garden, chickens or better yet –an orchard, you’re in luck. You’ll no doubt have excess and if you don’t have time to preserve it, barter it.

√ You

This gets back to your skills as a form of barter. Think about what you can do. You may also want to acquire some new skills as well. If we find ourselves in a situation where we’re living in a barter market, all of those skills will make you more sustainable.

Manage Your Stockpiling

It’s easy to get carried away and it’s hard to know how much anything will be worth in a barter economy. Some of the ideas we’ve shared here are a good place to start. A lot also depends on where you live and the unique challenges people may face in your location.

You just don’t want to overwhelm your life and your home with thousands of things that you might be able to barter – someday. Organize some barter boxes and keep them stored out of the way. Fill them as you go. Then, take the time to think about and assess what will have real value when resources are few and far between.

Hopefully, our biggest problem will be figuring out what to do with all that stuff we never got around to bartering. Then again, if the worst happens you’ll at least have a head-start and a fighting chance in the uncertain world of a barter economy.

You May Also Like:

• 10 Most Valuable Things In A Post-Apocalyptic World
• 55 Survival Supplies You Can Never Have Too Much Of
• 25 Skills You Can Trade After The End Of The World
• Bartering 101: What to do When Money Has No Meaning
• What Will You Eat After The Economy Collapses?

The post 30+ Items You Can Trade After The System Breaks Down appeared first on Urban Survival Site.

from Urban Survival Site

How to Convert a Natural Gas Stove to Propane (Step-by-Step Guide)

Natural gas is a convenience that most people never think twice about. Turn the knob, the burner lights, dinner gets made. It works so reliably and invisibly that it never shows up on anyone’s list of vulnerabilities. Until the grid goes down. Natural gas delivery depends on pressurized municipal pipeline infrastructure. That infrastructure is fragile […]

The post How to Convert a Natural Gas Stove to Propane (Step-by-Step Guide) appeared first on Ask a Prepper.

from Ask a Prepper https://ift.tt/8Dza43u