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When thinking about what to stockpile in case of a major collapse, it’s easy to get caught up in the big stuff and forget about all the little things. I’m talking about small items we use almost every single day and never think twice about until they’re gone.
Things like soap, trash bags, toilet paper, and so forth. These things are inexpensive right now, but after the shit hits the fan they will be very valuable.
That’s why when you’re preparing for a disaster, you need to make sure you don’t forget all the little things. When the power is out and you don’t know when (or if) it will come back on, a simple toothbrush will be worth far more than smartphones, video games, and fancy flat-screen televisions.
The world will be turned on its head and what was once expensive will be cheap and what was once cheap will be expensive. And that is all the more reason you should stock up on the cheap stuff while you still can. If a total collapse never happens, you’ll be able to use this stuff anyway, so no harm done.
Now without further ado, here is my list of dirt-cheap items that will be worth their weight in gold after the SHTF.
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1. Ammunition
It may not seem cheap in the grand scheme of things, but it is cheaper than it will be down the road. Buy as much as you can now. You can never have too much ammunition.
2. Baking Soda
This is a multipurpose item you will want to have plenty of. It can be used to deodorize (think about the lack of sanitation), clean, brush your teeth, and of course, bake with.
3. Candles
Light is essential. Candles are not just a source of illumination, but they can also provide warmth and comfort in uncertain times. Stock up on them – they’re not just for romance anymore. Be especially keen on long-burning varieties.
4. Candy
The hard candies, in particular, will be a welcome treat. They can be used as incentives for grumpy kids and help keep your mouth wet on a hot day. Stock up on hard candy after Halloween.
5. ChapStick
This is going to be a big deal when you’re spending a lot of time outdoors. Some people will be willing to barter food and other valuables for your $1 tube of chapstick after a collapse.
6. Duct Tape
This stuff is so useful. Even the stuff at the dollar store will do for minor jobs around the house. Duct tape is a miracle worker in a survival situation.
7. Feminine Hygiene Products
These will be in huge demand. Stock up on them now when they don’t cost a fortune.
8. Fishing Line and Hooks
Food might become scarce, but if you’re near a water body, this duo could become your meal ticket. They’re lightweight and take up virtually no space. And remember, they’re not just for fishing – they can serve other purposes, such as sewing or setting up snares.
9. Hand sanitizer
This is also going to be very needed and valuable. You can buy a bottle for a buck. Have plenty to use around the house and barter with.
10. Honey
Beyond providing a quick source of energy, honey can act as a great mood booster. It can also soothe a sore throat and has many other medicinal uses.
11. Kleenex
This will help keep your nose from getting raw while you battle colds that are bound to happen after a disaster. Kleenex can also help keep things a bit more sanitary. You don’t want to be wiping boogers and snot on your sleeves, especially if there’s no running water.
12. Lotion
Lotion will be a luxury as well as a necessity. Manual labor will lead to dry, chapped hands. Moisturizing them can prevent the dry, cracked skin that can be painful and eventually lead to sores that could put you at risk of infection.
13. Lysol
Cans of Lysol will be very helpful in keeping your home relatively germ free. When you are battling the many germs and viruses that are running rampant,
Lysol can help you fight back. It will also be very handy around the latrine or wherever you have set up your toilet. Bleach expires within 6 months, but Lysol will be fully effective for at least 2 years.
14. Matches and Lighters
These are going to be sought after by everyone. Buy lots and lots of them because believe me, unless you’re an experienced outdoorsman, you don’t want to be stuck trying to build a fire by rubbing two sticks together.
15. Multitool
The epitome of versatility, a good multitool can be a lifesaver. Equipped with everything from a knife and scissors to screwdrivers and bottle openers, this tool can assist with a myriad of tasks in a survival scenario.
Whether you’re building a shelter, fixing a broken piece of equipment, or preparing food, this little gadget has got you covered. Plus, given its compact nature, it’s a heavyweight survivor in a lightweight package.
16. Needles and Thread
It’s easy to forget the simple art of mending. When resources are scarce, you won’t be able to buy new clothing at a whim. A simple needle and thread can make all the difference, helping you fix torn clothes or even stitch up a wound in dire situations.
17. Painkillers
Tylenol, Advil, and other painkillers will also be a big deal. They do weaken and lose potency over time, so make sure you are constantly updating your stockpile.
18. Plasticware and Paper Plates
These items will help keep your area tidy, and they’ll save on water because you won’t need to wash dishes. You can burn the plates for heat after they are used.
19. Razors
For the ladies and the guys. You can buy cheap, universal, disposable razors. Just because the world has gone to hell doesn’t mean you should give up every last nicety in life, like being clean-shaven. Razors will also come in handy if you need to shave around a wound.
20. Safety Pins
These versatile little tools can patch up a torn piece of clothing, secure items together, or even serve as makeshift fishing hooks. They’re small, lightweight, and multi-functional.
21. Salt
This modest mineral serves multiple roles in a post-collapse world. Beyond seasoning, salt can be used for preserving food, cleaning, and even as a trading commodity. Bags of salt will be more precious than we could ever imagine.
22. Sandwich Bags
These are also important. You will use these quite a bit to keep organized, pack lunches, keep matches dry, store leftover food, and so forth. In most cases, you can even wash and reuse them.
23. Seeds
Think sustainability! A little packet of seeds might not seem like much now, but in a world where the grocery store is no longer an option, it’s the start of your food source. Choose varieties that are easy to grow and offer good nutritional value.
24. Shoestrings
These are easily overlooked today, but when you are trying to walk a mile without your shoe tied because the lace broke, you are going to be in bad shape. Buy loads of cheap shoestrings in various sizes. You can always fix a shoe, but the laces are pretty much done when they break.
25. Soap
Soap in any form is going to be extremely valuable after a collapse. Buy the cheap stuff, bars or liquid, it doesn’t matter. People need to be able to clean themselves, their clothes, and their surroundings.
26. Socks
Socks are going to be critical for keeping your feet warm and dry, and they can prevent blisters. Buy extra packs of socks so your family’s feet will always be dry and comfortable.
27. Sunscreen
This will be very helpful on those days you will be spending outside. It does expire and weaken after a couple of years so always add new stock to your stash. Buy it on clearance at the end of the year to save even more money.
28. Toilet Paper
TP is essential. You don’t even have to buy the good stuff. Anything will do after a major collapse; even the cheap stuff will be valuable.
29. Toothbrushes
These can be purchased at any dollar store. Dental hygiene is going to be a big deal when you can’t run to the dentist to fix a cavity.
30. Trash Bags
These should be purchased by the case if you can swing it. They’re only a couple bucks a box. After a disaster, you’ll be going through them like crazy. Not only will they help keep smells down, you can use them to make toilets as well.
31. Vitamins
These are going to be critical for maintaining your health when your diet is lacking raw fruits and veggies. You can load up on these in bulk or buy them at the dollar store. Have a variety of important ones like vitamins A, C, D, and E on hand.
32. Water Purification Tablets
Clean drinking water is fundamental to survival. While boiling water is a surefire way to kill bacteria and pathogens, it might not always be feasible. These tablets are small, lightweight, and can purify several liters of water, making them indispensable in a post-collapse environment.
33. Whistle
Communication tools will be essential, and a whistle can be a lifesaver. It’s loud, requires no power, and can be used to signal for help or warn others of danger. A tiny instrument, but potentially life-saving.
34. Writing Utensils
Paper, pens, crayons, and whatnot. We take these things for granted today and don’t think twice about finding a pencil around the house. But after a collapse, you will be responsible for educating any children you might have, and writing is going to be a big deal. You may also want to keep a journal. Historic times!
35. Zip Ties
These are almost as important as duct tape. They can be used to hold a shelter together, hang items from trees, fix fences, and so on. Buy them in bulk; they only cost a few cents each.
These items are just the little extras that are easily overlooked. Don’t forget about the more widely known things like first aid supplies, spices, and batteries. Remember, these things may be dirt cheap right now, but someday they could be as rare as gold.
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