Daily Survival: 37 Cheap Items that Will Remain Priceless in Prepping

Today, I want to discuss 37 cheap items that will remain priceless in prepping. Let’s face it: when it comes to prepping for disasters, certain survival supplies will cost your family a small fortune. But stockpiling supplies so that you have something to barter with may become extremely important one day.

Stocking up on food can be pretty costly over time, depending on how much you decide to store. That’s why I’ve always suggested you approach it by buying one can or one case at a time.

Getting the water storage tanks and containers can also have some upfront costs that will set you back, depending on the size and number you purchase. Don’t feel you need to acquire your supply all at once; spread out those purchases with an overall goal.

The same applies to special gear you may want, whether a generator, water filtering system, tools, etc. Look for special pricing at particular times of the year. Check my “What to Stock Up On” series, where I post the specials you should take advantage of monthly; you can save a lot of money by following my lead.

Items Priceless in Prepping

Fortunately, there are hundreds of prepping supplies that you can start stockpiling now that are incredibly cheap when purchased individually, making your acquisitions more affordable. Some of these “small comforts” may even surprise you. Here are 37 items for your consideration, but many more will eventually complete your preparedness plan. This is an excellent start.

1. Toilet Paper

Running out of toilet paper following a disaster scenario would be awful, and no laughing matter. But if it’s already too late to stock up, these are some toilet paper alternatives that you can still turn to. Family Cloth

2. Kleenex

You’ll still need Kleenex to stop a runny nose when you have a cold. This is one item that a lot of preppers forget about, so it’s sure to be in high demand following a major disaster. I always have stocked tissues, but I want to start with reusable ones. Reusable Wipes/Tissues

3. Batteries

If you’re experiencing a long-term power outage in your region, I can assure you that batteries will be worth their weight in gold. By stocking up on batteries now, you’ll have a lot to barter with and still enjoy certain comforts that help take your mind off of your situation.

4. OTC Medicine

I can almost guarantee that you’ll be experiencing more headaches, muscle pain, and injuries following a major disaster than what you’re currently dealing with. Allergies and heartburn could also persist and make things worse for you. That’s why stocking up on medicines like aspirin, Tylenol, allergy medicine, and Tums will be a lifesaver for you and your family.

5. Vitamins

Keeping your family healthy from diseases and illnesses will have a whole new meaning in an Apocalyptic scenario. Vitamins will also be priceless and a great bartering item during that time. These are my favorite ones: Best Supplements to Stock

Disclaimer: I am not a nurse or a doctor! Do not take any supplements without first consulting with your physician.

6. Sunscreen

Getting fried to a crisp while spending hours in the sun each day won’t be a pleasant experience for anyone. Sunscreen is essential, even in winter.

7. Condoms

Having babies after a major disaster could present new challenges and may not be ideal timing for anyone. But that’s not going to stop many people from holding onto the smallest amount of normalcy, so condoms will be a critical item to have.

8. Toothbrushes and Toothpaste

Maintaining good oral health will be much harder, mainly if clean water is hard to come by, let alone possibly going without your usual 6-month cleaning. Keeping a stockpile of enough toothbrushes and toothpaste tucked away in your home will help ensure your family’s mouths stay as fresh and clean as possible.

9. ChapStick

Another item that preppers often overlook is ChapStick or other brands of lip balm. But think about it: if you’re spending a lot of time outside in the cold or the heat, it won’t take long for your lips to start cracking and peeling, which can be painful. My favorite is Burt’s Bee Lip Balm. Another good one to consider is Blistex, especially if you want SPF protection from the sun.

10. Feminine Products

If you have any women in your family, you know those feminine products are essential. And during a disaster scenario, they’ll be even more critical to have on hand for bartering. You may want to make some cloth menstrual pads or possibly purchase some. Reusable Menstrual Cloths

11. Duct Tape

Duct tape is a highly versatile item that can fix all sorts of things, like temporarily bandaging a wound, repairing broken glass, or building a shelter. So, it’s something that you’ll want to have plenty of stored away.

12. Zip Ties

Like duct tape, zip ties are also versatile and can be used for all sorts of things, including building a temporary shelter or making a splint for an injured limb.

13. Baking Soda

Baking soda has various uses, including putting out small fires, cleaning clothes, and even brushing teeth. So, it’s an item that you’ll want to have.

14. Bandages

Bandages are another essential item to have on hand for first aid purposes, especially if you have children. But they can also be used to make a splint or to cover a wound to keep it clean. You’ll want a supply of various sizes to have the best coverage for the numerous injuries that might be experienced.

15. Lighters

Lighters will be extremely valuable following a major disaster because they can be used to start a fire, light your way, help attract rescue teams, and more.

16. Matches

Like lighters, matches will also be invaluable for starting fires. But you’ll want to ensure you store both lighters and matches in case one doesn’t work.

17. Shoe Laces

Shoe Laces can be used for various purposes, including repairing shoes and clothing, making a fishing line, or supporting a shelter. Be sure to stock several sizes. Shoe Laces

18. Soap

Soap will be an absolute must for stockpiling to cover all your personal hygiene and laundry needs.

19. Sanitary Wipes

Sanitary wipes will also be necessary for both hygiene and first aid purposes. Please be aware that if they dry out, you can add a little water to refresh them almost like new again.

20. Socks

Wearing wet socks, or no socks for that matter, will quickly lead to blisters or cuts, which can be extremely painful and dangerous if they become infected. So, make sure that you have plenty of socks stored away.

21. Fishing Line

Fishing lines can serve other purposes besides fishing. It can be used to make a clothesline, repair clothing, or even as a tripwire for a booby trap if you want to catch small animals.

If you need to help supply some food for your family, having fishing gear of all kinds provides a food supply option.

22. Flashlights/Lanterns

A flashlight will come in handy for many things, like finding your way around in the dark, helping rescue workers find you, performing tasks that need to be done, etc. And trust me, following a significant disaster or localized emergency, it will be pretty dark!

23. Ponchos

When it’s already cold outside, the last thing that you want to be is drenched to the bone. Rain ponchos will be a huge asset to have a stockpile of, and they’re pretty cheap to purchase. You can find them at Walmart for as little as 99 cents! They also can be used as a tarp for sleeping or to make a small shelter.

24. Can Openers

Imagine having a massive stash of canned food at your disposal but no way of opening it. While you use other tools to open them, nothing is as quick and effective as a can opener. Can Opener and Large Can Opener and an Electric Can Opener

25. Hand Sanitizer

When you need to keep your hands clean but don’t want to use your limited drinking water supply, hand sanitizer will be a must! It not only cleans things but kills germs at the same time. I’m sure we’ve all learned the benefits of this item over the past couple of years!

26. Seeds

Currently, seed packets are incredibly cheap to get your hands on and another great solution to provide fruit and vegetables for your family. With food already scarce in a widespread emergency, you won’t want to be caught without them. I purchase all of my garden seeds from this company: SeedsNow

Please remember if you plant flowers, the bees will come. It would be best to have them to pollinate some of your vegetables and fruits.

27. Condiments

With your situation already bleak, don’t make it worse by not having condiments to add flavor to your next meal. And what’s nice about condiments like ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce is that they will last longer than most food items other than your canned goods.

28. Spices

Like condiments, spices will help keep life worth living when there’s little to be excited about.

29. Sugar

Even the most minor things, like sugar, would be a massive deal after a disaster. Instead of only eating to survive, sugar would undoubtedly help to bring a smile to your face. It’s also fantastic for baked goods.

30. Salt

Salt can add a lot of flavor to bland meals but can also help preserve food and keep pests away.

31. Paper Plates-Plastic Cups-Utensils

Don’t waste your precious water supply on doing dishes. That’s why paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils would make so much sense following a major disaster. Yes, it does add to the waste ultimately going to the landfill, but we are trying to stay alive and do so with the safest and most straightforward approach possible.

32. Paper Towels

Another disposable item that will come in handy is paper towels. You can use them to clean up messes, as a napkin, or even as a bandage in a pinch.

33. Disposable Diapers/Better Yet: Cloth Diapers

If you have small children at home, disposable diapers are a must! There’s no telling how long you would have to go without water or electricity, so it’s best to be prepared.

I raised my daughters in cloth diapers, and it’s okay, my friends. It worked, and the landfill doesn’t need them. Most of you probably used cloth diapers as well. Now they make fancy ones; whatever works for you, please stock them. Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pins, and Plastic Covers, or Fancy Cloth Diapers

34. Baby Wipes

Not only are baby wipes great for cleaning up small children, but they can also be used as a quick and easy way to clean yourself when a “sponge bath” is needed and water isn’t an option.

35. Ziploc Bags

Besides keeping food fresh, Ziploc bags are excellent for keeping smaller electronics, socks, firestarters dry, and so much more clean and dry. If it’s wet outside, you’ll be glad you have this option.

36. Cigarettes

Maybe you don’t smoke personally, but there will be plenty of smokers that will be willing to trade/barter almost anything for a single pack that brings them a small amount of pleasure and relief. I have heard they go stale, but I wouldn’t know, personally.

37. Cheap Wine

Did you know you can find cheap wine at Aldi for around $3 a bottle? During an “end of the world” event, people will want to take the edge off somehow. And the nice thing about a cheap bottle of wine is that it will last a long time. Cheap wine is essential in prepping for many; even if you don’t drink, it’s an excellent bartering tool.

Emergency Toilets

Please make or purchase an emergency toilet before you need one. I can tell you right now that I am not sharing my emergency toilet. I have asked people to make or buy one for over ten years, if not longer. Please do it, 6-gallon buckets with a portable toilet seat work. The 5-gallon buckets are shorter and work for shorter people.

If it’s too complicated, buy one now so it’s ready when needed. Portable Emergency Toilet: For refill bags, Grab some 10-gallon bags at Sam’s Club or Costco; they are cheap.

Here is another one: Upgrade Emergency Toilet

Emergency Washing Machines

You will need to if you haven’t thought about washing your clothes. The bathtub is not a good option if the sewer lines back up. You’ll not be able to drain the dirty water—just FYI. Now, you can use washtubs and washboards. I have a few of those, but I found the LaVario unit I love. Please consider getting one. I ended up buying two. One for washing and a year later I purchased a second for rinsing. We have a large family. LaVario Emergency Washer. (Currently unavailable)

If you have a clothesline with clothespins, that’s awesome. If not, consider one of these from Lehmans. Pennsylvania Folding Clothes Dryer

Why Is Sanitation So Important to Preppers?

If you find yourself in an emergency, what you don’t want to do is compound your problems by getting sick or having an unexpected infection. We must protect ourselves and our families by having safe food and water. We need to take care of our daily personal hygiene no matter what.

We must also be prepared for cuts, scrapes, punctures, and other issues that can result from less-than-ideal circumstances.

Are Canned Veggies a Good Prepping Item to Consider?

Canned goods of all kinds are essential. Not only can they keep you alive, but you can also help others survive or use them as a bartering tool. The good thing about canned goods is their ease of use. You can open them up and eat right from the can.

Final Word

These are 37 cheap items that could one day be priceless in prepping and that you wish you had. Can you think of any other inexpensive items that would be crucial if you’re a prepper? I’d love to hear your thoughts! May God Bless this world, Linda

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