50 Items You Need To Barter

I’d like you to review the 50 items you need to barter. It’s never a bad idea to have a stockpile of all kinds of items that people need and can come in handy to trade with others in an emergency.

Even if you have too much of something, someone else may need it. With all the turmoil in the world, I thought I’d better update this post.

This will give your family a bargaining chip to get you the necessary things.

50 Items You Need To Barter

Have you put together a plan to prepare for an emergency? Bartering is one way to support your efforts to be ready. To barter, you’ll need the right items—not just any items, the right bartering items.

1. Gold and Silver

Money may be worthless in a severe disaster or emergency scenario. Thankfully, gold and silver have been resilient in maintaining their value over the years. While they might not seem to provide critical value right now when things are going well, having a supply of these precious metals could prove to be huge bargaining chips when needed. 

2. Fuel 

Fuel such as gasoline, propane, and camping fuel will be essential for warmth, running an automobile, and cooking, not only for you but also for others who may not have prepared well.

Storage may be challenging, so consider safety as you try to gather what you need and store some extra items that others are willing to trade for food and other items they need. 

3. Physical Protection Items

Protection will be at the top of everyone’s list when people begin going wild. Some items have national and local regulations regarding how ownership passes and registration takes place.

Others can be passed on through sale or trade without issues. Check your area to determine what can be traded without concern, so you don’t get in trouble. 

4. Pain Medication

Imagine not having basic pain medication for headaches or common ailments. People in need will be willing to barter away just about anything to get their hands on something that will provide relief. 

We’ve talked many times about the critical need to have a quality first aid kit, and this is one item that should be at the top of your list to be included. In case you missed this post, 35 OTC Medications You Should Store. I had a PRINTABLE made for you, OTC Printable by Food Storage Moms

5. Band-Aids/First Aid

Families with children know it’s an end-of-the-world scenario if no band-aid covers up a child’s “boo-boo.” Yup, another first aid kit “got to have” item.

6. Food

Heading to the store for food in hours could prove fruitless and even dangerous. Stockpile food that has an expiration date of more than a year. 

You want to help friends and neighbors through tough times, but your excess food could be your solution to supply things you’ve run out of or didn’t think were that important. Help each other out, so it’s a win-win.

7. Coffee/Pop

Everyone who seems to rely on these items to get them through a typical day will trade just about anything to have caffeine for a quick pick-me-up. It may also be social, but our culture has placed a premium on gathering and sharing coffee and some conversation.

8. Cigarettes 

You may feel this item is subject to debate, but people who are dependent on cigarettes might have just what you need at just the right time. When it comes to trading items, we all need to be fair and not take advantage of others, but this item has some real value to those who feel the need. 

9. Alcohol 

Like cigarettes listed above, alcohol may be something you don’t want to get involved with. A few in our midst have made it part of their daily routine to end their day with a drink.

Some realize it can be handy for cleaning wounds (be careful) and killing germs. Others may want some as a fuel source, but I haven’t used it. 

10. Spices

Spices not only make food taste better but can also help preserve it. This item may not be as valuable as other items on the list. Still, some things, like salt, are viewed as “got to have it” items in emergencies, particularly if the situation drags out for an extended period. 

11. Chickens 

Having a backyard filled with chickens can provide your family with eggs for protein, and value to others running out of food. We can’t all have chickens due to limited property space and local regulations, but it is a source you may want to look into.

12. Clothing

It won’t be long before people’s clothing wears out from wearing it every day. Having extra to barter is a brilliant idea. Strange, but one of the most valuable items is a pair of socks.

We all need socks to protect our feet and help keep us warm. If you live in a region that experiences cold weather, consider stocking up on extra coats, hats, boots, gloves, earmuffs, and other items to help you and others who need them stay warm.   

13. Blankets/Sleeping Bags

Keeping warm at night will be important. Blankets and sleeping bags will be massively needed for people to be comfortable while they sleep and maybe even during the day if it’s cold, windy, wet, etc.

14. Garbage Bags

Garbage bags provide ways of remaining sanitary, but also serve as a rain cover and for storing other essential things. You need to consider having various sizes for different uses.

15. Feminine Hygiene Products

A stockpile of feminine hygiene products will allow women to exchange valuables to get them through “that time of the month.” Some can also be handy for covering wounds or other first-aid uses.

16. Vitamins 

Many people will not get their vitamins with their limited food intake during an emergency. Vitamins can help you get many of the nutrients/minerals you need. 

17. Water

If you’ve followed my website and posts for any period, you know how I feel about having ample fresh water. There is no question that this item will be the most important thing for families, and essential to survive after only a couple of days. 

If you also have water filtering systems available, you can use them to provide water to others willing to trade for what they’ve got to have.

18. Mouthwash 

Stinky breath can cause awkward moments, even after a catastrophe. Having some extra will help eliminate the bacteria in everyone’s mouth. Have some extra to keep others’ breath smelling tolerable.

19. Lighters and Matches 

Lighters and matches are great for setting a fire for cooking or warmth, but for lighting those cigarettes mentioned above. Ensure you have some waterproof matches if your emergency involves wet conditions. 

20. Water Filters 

As mentioned above, water filters are great for keeping metals and other minerals you don’t want in your drinking water. I highly recommend a Big Berkey, but a cheaper way to filter water is a Brita Water Filter.

21. Tools 

The right tools, such as a multitool, can make all the difference in an emergency. Various tools are essential to help perform specific tasks necessary for survival. You could consider “loaning” yours in trade for what you may need, but if you have the proper skill sets, you could also trade your time and expertise for those items your family needs.

22. Dental Health Items

Toothbrushes and toothpaste are relatively inexpensive but are viewed as necessary for proper family hygiene. Have some extra so you can trade and help others during an emergency. Who knows when your area will return to normal and allow you and others to head to the dentist? 

23. Baby Supplies

Diapers, baby wipes, and baby formula will be imperative for families to keep their babies healthy. It seems so often that families store things that most family members need, but they often don’t fully prepare for those little ones.

What better items to barter than baby supplies that any family with babies will find value in? We always had a binky for our kids when they were little; I’d undoubtedly have some extras in case others rely on them as we did. I highly recommend getting some cloth diapers; you can use them in many ways. Cloth Diapers

24. Laundry Detergent 

Many people will still care about keeping their clothing as clean as possible. We need to clean our underwear and clothes worn by babies, who are more susceptible to sickness. In case you missed this post, DIY Laundry Detergent

25. Hand Sanitizer

Keeping your hands sanitized will keep germs and bacteria away. Over the past two years, we’ve all learned the importance of having plenty of hand sanitizers. It seems like every time of year is a time to fight germs and viruses, so stock up. 

26. Solar Showers

Taking a shower or bath to stay clean will become next to impossible. Every family will be willing to barter for solar showers. These keep you clean and sanitary, and do so with warm water. Rinse Free Wipes

27. Toilet Paper

As we’ve all learned, toilet paper and paper towels are two of the first things to disappear from store shelves during an emergency. Hard to picture going very long without this necessity in your storage stash.

Other families will feel the same way, so why not have some available to trade for what you need? Some of the alternatives to “take care of business” aren’t that attractive to consider. Be prepared and have extra.

28. Bleach

Bleach can help make undrinkable water drinkable and is also suitable for cleaning. Even bleach tablets are awesome. I usually suggest getting the version without scents or other chemicals added.

29. Duct Tape

As most people know, duct tape serves many purposes. Stopping a leak, fixing clothing, and holding things together for constructing something are just a few uses of duct tape you may want to consider. Others may find that extra rolls are just what’s needed to solve a problem at their home. Duct Tape Rolls or Gorilla Tape.

30. Tarp

How do you plan on building a shelter to keep out the elements? A tarp will create the perfect tent for a family. It can also come in handy to cover things you’ve possibly had to haul out of your house temporarily. Others could be faced with the same challenge.

31. Rope/Bungee Cords

Rope and bungee cords can help build a shelter, climb, tie things together, and perform many other purposes. Bungee Cords

32. Batteries

Batteries are another biggie. Keeping those flashlights, weather radios, walkie-talkies, and other survival electronics up and running is critical. Be aware, batteries don’t have a super long shelf life, particularly if you live in a hot environment. Plan accordingly. 

33. Flashlights

You’ll want to stockpile flashlights. It’s a great bartering item. Many people will need them when they’re left in the dark. Solar Flashlights will be more valuable due to the shortage of batteries available. I love my solar flashlights. We have the rechargeable units stored in many of our windowsills so they are ready to go. Matt also told me about these, they are now my favorite ones besides solar ones. We need both. OLights Flashlights

34. Candles

Although not the first light choice, candles will be good to have on hand to help light up an area. Many people are used to using candles for secondary light. I worry about the safety factor, but you need to have light to get so many things done.

35. Sun Block 

People will spend more time out in the sun evaluating the status of their property and personal belongings. They may even be scavenging around for food. Sunblock will prove essential to keep families from getting fried from direct sunlight. 

36. Aloe

Aloe will be essential for healthy skin and a healing and cooling agent from sunburns, insect bites, and stings. 

37. Cooking Oil 

Cooking oil will be essential for basic cooking. Coconut oil has a slightly longer shelf life, and shortening in a can does too.

38. Flour

Not having flour can take away many meal options for all of us. All flour will be hard to come by and worth a lot. If you can grind wheat, you will be a superstar. You may be able to grind the grain for others as another barter skill. Remember, white flour has a shorter shelf life but is one of my most essential storage commodities.

39. Honey

Honey can last forever and is an excellent sugar substitute. Please remember it can crystallize, so store your honey in pint and quart mason jars. If it does crystallize, you can set the jars outside in the sun, and it will soften. Due to its long shelf life, people place a lot of value on this key sweetener. Remember that it’s also good for you compared to other sugar substitutes.

40. Fishing/Hunting Supplies

Having fishing gear and hunting equipment could be the difference between having your next meal and not. If you’re good at hunting and fishing, you could barter the results of a successful day in the woods or on the water. 

41. Snacks 

People will be begging for their favorite snacks after a crisis. You never know what people will be willing to give up for that box of Cracker Jacks or Oreos. M & M’s, oh, the chocolate list could be long for me. LOL!

42. Apple Cider Vinegar 

Apple cider vinegar is excellent for cleaning and even good for your health. Drinking it can also help you feel full while eating smaller amounts of food. 

43. Cups 

People don’t want to cup their hands to drink water, so paper or plastic cups are still a basic need. You can’t afford to let any family member get dehydrated. 

44. AM/FM Radio

Communication is key after a crisis. Knowing what is going on in the outside world could be key to others and your survival. I realize a crank radio will work anywhere I can get a signal. With this approach to communication, I don’t have to worry about batteries. If you have an extra, you can count on having a valuable item others will want, particularly if they see you using yours. Emergency NOAA Radio

45. Generator 

Generators will be hard to come by after an emergency and can provide electricity for a select few. I’m not sure you’ll want to spend the money to have extras around to barter, but you could barter use of yours for short periods when others need one.

46. Pepper Spray 

Pepper spray for self-defense will be high on everyone’s list. We don’t often think about how people act when lacking food, water, and other necessities. They can turn on you in short order. Be ready to protect yourself and others in your home. Keep in mind that some cities do not allow the use of pepper spray.

47. Skills

Whatever skills you might learn now can be a massive trade opportunity when people don’t have the basic survival skills needed when things get tough. Be grateful you took the time to learn valuable skills that others may need and put them to use as a way to support your family as necessary.  

48. Seeds

People are going to turn to a garden as a source of food. Seeds will be invaluable as a way to get your produce. This is where I buy my garden seeds: SeedsNow

49. Condoms

Even when things become challenging, people are still going to need these. Especially if they don’t want to bring children into the topsy-turvy world that you’ll be living in. 

50. Chocolate

Chocolate may not be a necessity, but it can be an item to bring back a little normalcy in your life and for others. There might be a chocolate-lover or two out there who will be willing to barter something valuable with you for just a small bite of heaven.  

50 Items You Need To Barter

Other Trade Items You Might Need in a Post-Collapse World

• Easy to store dried food
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Precious metal items for barter
• Reading glasses will be in high demand
• Soap
• Detergent
• Sewing supplies, especially a needle and thread

Final Word

These are 50 items you need to barter before or after the disaster has passed. If you’re a prepper, what other items will be just as valuable that might not have made it to this list? Thanks for being prepared for the unexpected. May God bless this world, Linda

Copyright Images: Emergency Items Depositphotos_2969428_XL By AlexKosev

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