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When disaster strikes, your entire way of life is going to be turned upside down. Whether it’s economic collapse, grid failure, or a natural disaster, things that are high-value now, such as flat-screen televisions, iPhones, and tablets, will become worthless. All those things you can buy at the Dollar Store are going to be worth as much or more than those TVs we all love now. What was once overlooked as cheap can become a lifeline or a powerful bartering tool.
If you’re looking to prep on a budget, here are 17 inexpensive items that will be incredibly valuable when SHTF.
1. Lighters
Fire is essential for warmth, cooking, light, and even sterilization. Lighters are cheap, reliable, and easier to use than matches. You can stock up on the lighter fluid to keep the lighters lasting longer. And once you’ve depleted the fluid, the flint that creates the spark can be used with a rock or pocketknife to create a spark to start a fire.
2. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper will be worth its weight in gold—and yes, people will trade for it. This is not something we have to guess about. We know this. It happened before. It doesn’t need to be the good stuff. Cheap will do the trick.
3. Bleach
Bleach is essential for water purification and sanitation. A few drops can disinfect a gallon of water, making it safe to drink. However, bleach begins to lose its potency after six months. Make sure you are rotating your stock.
4. Vinegar
Vinegar is a multipurpose cleaner. Add a little baking soda, and it’s abrasive enough to remove dried food. It can also be used as a food preservative. Vinger also has medicinal uses. And the best part—it has an indefinite shelf life.
5. Salt
Salt is critical for preserving food and maintaining electrolyte balance in your body. Salt also has barter value. Plain food might be edible, but edible isn’t enjoyment. Food, good food, provides comfort. A little salt goes a long way to making plain anything a lot better.
6. Coffee and Tea
Caffeine withdrawal is real, and morale matters. People will trade big for a cup of comfort. It’s something that provides just a little normalcy. And caffeine can be used to cure a headache if ibuprofen isn’t available.
7. Alcohol
Just like caffeine, alcohol is one of those things that gives people some normalcy and comfort. It can be the cheap stuff. Mini liquor bottles are even better for bartering. And alcohol can be used to disinfect and make essential oils from plants and flowers.
8. Duct Tape
If you can’t fix it…duct it! It’s the one-stop repair tool. It can be used to fix gear, shoes, shelter, even wounds in a pinch. It’s endlessly useful and never goes bad.
9. Fishing Line & Hooks
A basic and highly portable way to procure food from lakes, rivers, or the sea. Lightweight and incredibly cheap. Have plenty of line and hooks to barter with and to account for the likelihood of losing some while fishing.
10. Needles and Thread
Clothing will need repairs, and suture kits might be hard to come by. These tiny items are worth stocking up on now. You might need to repair your shelter as well.
11. Can Openers
You can have a bunker full of food, but without a can opener? Good luck. Stock extras for trade. Invest in a couple of good ones. You can also opt for some of the more affordable options, but keep in mind that ‘cheap’ typically means they won’t last long.
12. Candles
Light becomes a luxury when the grid goes down. Candles are cheap and easy to store. If you have decorative candles, those are fine, but beware of those that are strongly scented. If you’re going to be in a small space, the scented candles can be a little much.
13. Super Glue
Super glue is great for fixing gear, but it can also be used to close wounds in emergency situations. Small tubes are great barter items. Typically, once you open a tube, it will not be usable after a couple of days.
14. Trash Bags
Use for waste disposal, water collection, insulation, and makeshift ponchos. Cheap, versatile, and crucial for hygiene. It’s a good idea to have some of the heavy-duty bags as well. If you don’t have indoor plumbing, a bucket, a heavy-duty trash bag, and a toilet.
15. Seeds
When food runs low, growing your own becomes survival. Heirloom seeds can be saved from the produce harvested from the plants. Typical seeds are usually hybrids. The seeds harvested will not produce.
16. Batteries
You’ll need
17. Bar Soap
Disease spreads quickly in unsanitary conditions. A bar of soap can prevent illness and is easy to trade or store. If you go to hotels, take the soap and add it to your stockpile. Bar soap can be used to wash clothes and even dishes.
