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When it comes to prepping, most people immediately think of stocking up on food and water. However, this is just the beginning! For homesteaders and preppers, true self-sufficiency means being ready for anything, whether it’s a power outage, a long-term crisis, or simply living off the grid.
Being prepared for any eventuality means having the right supplies on hand – not just for survival, but for the skills and tasks that will keep you going day to day. From making your own clothes to preserving food, and even crafting your own soap, there are plenty of essential items that will help you thrive in tough times.
Here’s a list of 15 things you should start stocking up on now, beyond just food and water, to stay prepared and ready for anything.
1. First Aid Supplies & Medications
Every homestead or prepping kit should start with a solid first aid kit and enough prescription medications to last through emergencies. Make sure to also have a good supply of over-the-counter items like pain relievers, antihistamines, antiseptics, bandages, gauze, medical tape, and ointments for cuts or burns.
2. Personal Hygiene Products
Having a stockpile of soap and other hygiene products like toilet paper and feminine hygiene items will keep you clean and comfortable in every situation. To take this to the next level, consider stocking up on basic soap-making supplies like lye, oils (such as olive or coconut), and molds.
3. Seeds
Stockpiling a variety of heirloom seeds ensures that you’ll be able to grow your own food year after year, rather than relying on store-bought produce. Choose seeds that are well-suited to your climate, and be sure to include a mix of fruits, vegetables, and herbs to diversify your garden.
When buying seeds, focus on hardy, high-yield crops like tomatoes, beans, and squash, and don’t forget herbs like basil, thyme, and oregano for seasoning and medicinal use. Heirloom seeds are ideal because they allow you to save seeds from each harvest to plant the next season.
4. Fuel
Having a reliable fuel source is essential for cooking and heating, especially in emergencies. Stock up on firewood, propane, or kerosene, depending on your heating and cooking systems. It is a good idea to utilize a variety of fuel sources to cover different needs, as this gives you more options in an emergency situation. If you have a generator, make sure to have extra fuel on hand to keep it running during outages.
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5. Lighting
Gone are the days when you need a huge stash of candles in case of power cuts – solar-powered LED lights are inexpensive and ideal for lighting your home in a power outage. Of course, a few candles are also great for adding a cozy ambiance, and oil lanterns are a great way to illuminate larger spaces.
6. Sewing Kit & Fabric
Put together a well-stocked sewing kit with plenty of needles, thread, scissors, and fabric patches. If you can, stash away extra fabric for future projects or repairs. You can make your own clothes, blankets, and even curtains if need be!
7. Yarn & Knitting/Crochet Tools
Stock up on yarn in a variety of colors and fibers, and don’t forget to include knitting needles or crochet hooks in different sizes. Wool is especially good because it’s warm and durable, perfect for making socks, scarves, and blankets to keep you cozy.
8. Canning & Fermenting Supplies
Canning jars, lids, and fermenting kits are essential if you plan to preserve your own food. Even if you’ve got a good supply of canning jars, keep a stash of extra lids as they’ll wear out over time.
9. Cheese-Making Supplies
Fresh dairy products are one of the first to disappear in times of food shortages, so you may want to consider stashing away some cheese-making supplies. All you need to get started are cheesecloth and rennet. If you keep dairy animals, this is a great way to make use of their milk and create a self-sustaining food source.
10. Tools & Rope
Basic tools are the foundation of any well-prepared homestead. A hammer, nails, wrenches, screwdrivers, and duct tape can handle most small repairs around the house. Rope or paracord is incredibly useful for everything from securing tarps to building makeshift shelters.
11. Water Purification Tablets & Filters
Clean water is essential, and it’s smart to have more than one method for purifying water. Water purification tablets are compact and easy to store, making them ideal for emergency use. A portable water filter, such as a LifeStraw or Berkey filter, is also a great way to ensure your water is safe to drink. If you have access to rainwater, consider setting up a collection and filtration system to provide a more sustainable water source in the long term.
12. Tarps & Plastic Sheeting
Tarps and plastic sheeting can be lifesavers in a variety of situations – ours get used time and time again on the homestead for all manner of jobs! Use them for temporary shelter, covering firewood, protecting crops, or even lining a water collection pond.
13. Fire Extinguishers
Don’t overlook fire safety when prepping – a fire extinguisher is crucial for preventing a small fire from becoming a major disaster. Place fire extinguishers in key areas like the kitchen and garage, and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use them.
14. Animal Feed
If you’ve got pets or livestock, don’t forget to stock up on feed. A steady supply of animal feed is essential, especially during winter or emergencies when stores may be closed. Many homesteaders grow extra feed for their livestock, so make sure you’ve got a plentiful supply of seeds just in case.
15. Emergency Radio & Entertainment
Staying informed during an emergency is vital, and a hand-crank or solar-powered emergency radio ensures you won’t miss critical updates. Along with staying informed, it’s important to have a few entertainment items on hand – board games, cards, or puzzles can help keep spirits up during long power outages. After all, being prepared doesn’t have to mean being bored!
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For preppers, thrift stores can be a real resource. Building up a stockpile of essential supplies to support your family over an extended period can quickly become quite costly. With that in mind, thrift stores are a great place to find some key items preppers often look for. Here are 14 essential prepper finds you can pick up at a thrift store.
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