25 Things Everyone Should Hoard
Today, it’s all about 25 things everyone should hoard for an emergency. When disaster strikes, it’s typically too late to start planning, making a list, and then heading to the grocery or big box store to pick up various types of survival supplies. By the time you get there, people could already be out of control, ransacking the shelves and looking for food storage items and supplies you should have already stockpiled.
With the floods, tornados, fires, hurricanes, and extreme drought conditions we’ve been hearing about, I wanted to update this post I published a few years ago as a reminder. I’m sure you all took my suggestions seriously back then, but there’s no harm in a friendly reminder. LOL
This doesn’t have to be you in this type of situation. Be prepared. Take a look at these 25 things that everyone should hoard in case of an emergency. My list may not contain items you feel are necessary based on your family’s needs for emergency preparedness. Can you think of other things everyone should hoard for an emergency?
The term hoard has taken on a negative connotation. We see TV shows about hoarding and how disruptive it can be for families. What I’m suggesting here is that we inventory and store many everyday items in a volume most families don’t consider necessary. The challenge is, in times of emergency so many of these things become unavailable for an extended period, putting families at risk.
25 Things Everyone Should Hoard
1. Pain Relievers
Having Aspirin on hand can help relieve headaches and reduce fevers. Applying the cream version directly to burns, scrapes, and cuts can also reduce pain quickly. It even works well on a bug bite or bee sting. If you use Tylenol or Ibuprophen, please stock them and be sure to rotate them as needed based on the expiration dates shown on the package.
2. Electrolytes
Catching a fever with flu-like symptoms during a crisis is not only bad but can be deadly. Stocking up on electrolytes, such as Liquid IV, can help replenish your electrolytes and keep you from dehydrating. We had some family members experience dehydration in the past few months. One ended up in the hospital for four days. We must have liquids available when we get sick.
3. Hand Crank Radio
Not being informed during an emergency can be even scarier without the critical information from the outside world. Purchase a hand-crank radio to help with this challenge. How do you make important decisions if you don’t know what’s going on in your area? The good thing about this solution is that no batteries are required.
4. Multi-tool
Having a multi-tool you can attach to your belt during a crisis could prove to be more effective than carrying around a toolbox full of heavy tools everywhere you go. Most of them have knives, scissors, a screwdriver, a bottle opener, a can opener, and pliers.
5. Firearms or Other Weapons
Unfortunately, bad times usually bring out the bad traits in people. Having firearms stashed away to protect your family is important, even if you aren’t fond of them. If you are totally against guns, find some other solution or form of protection for keeping your family safe.
It isn’t good enough just to have them, you also need some training and practice so you can effectively put them to use. Personal safety is critical since you could misuse the firearm or other weapon and hurt yourself or other innocent people.
6. Extra Blankets
Heaven forbid if an emergency were to strike in winter. But if it did, make sure that you’re ready. Electricity and keeping your home heated by natural gas might not be options. Make sure to have plenty of extra blankets stored away, just in case.
It’s also a good idea to have warm coats, long-sleeved shirts, thermal underwear, thick socks, stocking caps, etc. You need enough for all family members, keeping in mind different size requirements. Being wet in cold conditions can prove life-threatening, so plan to have extra changes of clothing for all family members.
7. Duct Tape
Duct tape has so many uses. You could patch a tent, patch a hose, better insulate your shoes, and so on. Mythbusters (television show) even made a kayak with duct tape and a few pieces of wood. In case you missed this post, Duct Tape: Why You Need to Store It. Gorilla Tape is even better.
8. Paracord
Paracord, like duct tape, has many uses. It’s much stronger and lighter than typical rope. You can use it to tie sticks together to make a shelter. Paracords can also be used for climbing, a fishing line, a sling, and countless other survival uses.
9. Batteries
You’re going to go through a bunch of batteries during the emergency, depending on its severity and the length of time it affects your area. Make sure you stockpile batteries of all kinds while preparing for an emergency. If someone in your family uses a breathing machine or respirator, be sure to stock up on the appropriate batteries. Please look into a solar-powered backup system like a Jackery Solar Unit.
I also like the products from Goal Zero. Their battery backup systems are very valuable when the power goes out and you need to run that oxygen concentrator, CPAP machine, nebulizer, and more. Consider purchasing the solar panels you can use to recharge these units, particularly if you live in a sunny location. In Southern Utah we had over 300 days of sunlight each year, it was a real blessing.
10. Flashlights
Having extra flashlights hoarded away will keep your family out of dark situations at night. In my opinion, you can never have too many flashlights. Matt, one of my readers, told me about OLights, you can’t go wrong with these. They are now my favorite flashlights. OLight Flashlights
We also have solar flashlights you keep charged by placing them in your windowsills. Each day the sun comes out you have the comfort of knowing they are being charged and are ready to go!
11. Can Openers
Canned food (besides your dehydrated and freeze-dried food) is about the only source of food you’ll find that hasn’t spoiled and provides the nutrition you need. So when hard times hit, make sure to have a handy can opener with you. You can never have too many can openers, right? Regular Can Openers and #10 Can Openers. Be sure to have manual-operated openers beside some electric models since you may have lost power to your home.
12. Charcoal/Lighter Fluid/Campfire fuel
Charcoal is a great way of cooking your food. Be sure to have plenty of lighter fluid or campfire fuel to help speed up the process. Besides charcoal, there are other good options for fuel, so just in case you missed this post be sure to check it out: My Favorite Emergency Fuel To Store For Survival
13. Camp Stove
Camp stoves are not only great for camping but are also available in case of an emergency. They don’t give off smoke like a campfire does, keeping you from giving away your location if you feel the need to hide for some reason.
14. Water Filters
Not having clean water to drink will get you sick in a hurry. Have several survival water filter units to keep your drinking water fresh, and be sure to stock up on some replacement filters as well. Water Filters: If you have barrels full of water, you need to be sure they have the attachments to get the water out, if necessary.
I put a product called Water Preserver in my barrels and storage tanks since it keeps the water in drinkable condition for up to five years. AquaRain Filters
I like the products from Big Berkey and PortaWell. Big Berkey uses gravity to filter the water and PortaWell uses a pump system with battery backup and solar panels in case the power is out.
15. Hand Sanitizer
Stock up on hand sanitizer ahead of time to keep germs away. Since you may not have access to fresh water and hand soap during an emergency, this is the next best thing.
Over the past couple of years, we should all have become very aware of why it’s a great idea to have plenty of hand sanitizer where we can easily access it.
16. Freezer Bags
Freezer bags will not only store your food and keep it fresh longer, but they also work great for storing other things. You can even use them as a mixing bowl or for marinating your meat.
We have found the gallon-size bags to be the most useful, but the pint bags are great, too. It’s better to have a bag bigger than you need than one with limits to the volume needed.
17. Garbage Bags
Garbage bags serve many purposes, not just for taking out the trash. They can be worn as rain ponchos, shelter covers, and human waste sanitation and disposal.
Be sure to follow the guidelines of your local sanitary disposal agencies so your family is kept as safe as possible. In the event we need a temporary body bag, these will have to work.
18. Paper Cups/Plates/Towels
Don’t eat like an animal just because it seems like the world’s end has occurred. Eat and drink like a king and queen on paper plates, cups, and paper towels to clean your mug. Please stock up on paper plates, cups, bowls, and plastic silverware.
19. Toilet Paper
Just imagine not having toilet paper during a crisis. Now that’s talking about “the end of the world” scenario. Stockpile toilet paper for a much softer, more sanitary way of cleaning yourself. You’ve seen stores like Costco run out of toilet paper and paper towels from time to time over the past couple of years. Don’t be the family that has run out and needs this critical product. Janet reminded me about getting a Toilet Bidet; it works well without electricity. Less toilet paper is required and works as long as you have access to water pressure in your home.
20. Laundry Detergent
Another great item to hoard for an emergency is laundry detergent. You might not have a working washing machine, but you can still clean your clothes the old-fashioned way, with laundry detergent and your two hands. I posted an article a couple of years ago highlighting some “do-it-yourself” clothes washing machines. In case you missed this post, check it out: How To Make Emergency Washing Machines
21. Shampoo/Soap
Taking a shower every day after a catastrophic event has taken place might not be an option. Yet when someone in your party begins looking at you funny or is avoiding you, at least you collected plenty of shampoo and soap to get the job done. Please stock up on some baby wipes, even if they dry out you can add water to them and perform a critical body area “sponge bath!”
Be sure to have a significant supply of feminine hygiene products. That “time of the month” comes around no matter what’s going on around us.
22. Vaseline (Petroleum Jelly)
If you’re already in a miserable situation, getting an injury sure doesn’t help. Vaseline works excellently on soothing cuts and scrapes. I recently wrote a post outlining several ways Vaseline can come in handy. In case you missed this post, you may want to take a few minutes and read it: 20 Ways to Use Vaseline
23. Tooth Brushes/Toothpaste
Gather several toothbrushes and toothpaste tubes to keep your teeth pearly white on the grayest days you can remember. There is no reason we can’t keep up with many of those personal hygiene steps we take for granted.
24. Lysol/Clorox Bleach
Lysol and Clorox bleach help kill germs and viruses on countertops, doorknobs, and other areas where you want to keep yourself and your family members safer from sickness. Consider Lysol your new best friend during an emergency.
25. Gasoline/Propane
Having ways to prepare your meals or keeping an automobile running might be tricky without gasoline or propane. When an emergency strikes, you can count on them not being available.
If you add appropriate additives, gasoline should be good for 3-6 months or longer. Be cautious where you store it. Never store it in your home or garage. I wouldn’t say I like having it in my shed. I don’t store gasoline on my property because of fire danger near our home.
If you store gasoline, I’d keep it in a 5-gallon tank at a minimum and consider placing it in a covered area away from the house. I keep my propane tanks on my back patio, sheltered from the sun.
26. Ways to Protect Yourself
We will need to protect ourselves from others, no question. You know what I’m saying. Please stock ammo and weapons and know how to use them.
Other Items/Steps to Consider When Storing for an Emergency
- Stored water
- Apple cider vinegar
- Pet food
- Purify your water with a filter
- Don’t forget to check expiration dates
- Baking soda
- Firestarter
- Rice, beans, pasta
- Bottles of water
- Buckets
- Bleach (good for 6-12 months for sewage issues)
- Peanut Butter, jams, and condiments
- Soups and other canned goods like soups, veggies like corn, fruits like peaches, and meats
- Grains, flour, honey, rice, and wheat
- Food for your pets
These are 25+ things that everyone should hoard in case of an emergency. If you’ve taken measures to prepare for the unexpected, what other items do you think would be crucial for survival?
30 Non-Food Survival Items To Stockpile
Things to Stock Up On Before a Hurricane
Final Word
It’s a good idea to be prepared for natural disasters in any way possible! While you’re at it, ensure you have good bartering items, and check the shelf life of items you’re hoarding and storing. These are things we should hoard for an emergency, I promise. May God bless this world, Linda
PRI-G will keep fuel up to 6yrs. Ive only gone 5 myself though. PRI-D for diesel.
Ammo- that gun don’t run without it.
Buy it cheap stack it deep
Hi Matt, thanks for the tips on fuel! I love it! Buy it cheap and stack it deep! Love it!! Linda
Linda, what a great practical list. The title of your article was Very Humorous this morning as I was listening/watching Hoarders TV show while clearing my bathroom cabinet of seriously old ‘product’. Yep, I’m trying the de-cluttering thing. While doing this, I thought about another article of yours about saving money. Many of the really old hair products were impulse buys. I did dredge out some items that are fine, but…yrs of storage changes things. Like, Irish Spring soap: the bars seemed shriveled? Toothpaste seemed hardened? Yea, because I like to have extra, I buy extra when on sale. So, while I rotated my food stuffs, I didn’t do same with hygiene stuff. Just something I learned this morning, lol.
Hi Wendy, I tell you I am getting Mark to declutter now. I guess because he proofs my articles before I publish them. YAY! He is starting to understand get rid of stuff! The bathrooms are the black hole sometimes! LOL! Thanks for the reminder, I’m going to go do one after I answer these comments. Thank goodness for trash cans. And thrift stores. LOL! Happy Sunday! Linda
Emer-gen-C brand has an electrolyte in packets to add to your water that has no added sugar and no weird sweeteners. I just bought some and have not used it yet, but the brand is good!
Hi Jan, oh my goodness I love Emergen C!!It’s awesome stuff! Linda
We have several manual type of can openers. I also carry a P38 and P51 style can openers. These were issued by the military and can be found in almost any store that sells outdoor gear. You can get them at a military surplus store and on Amazon. I’ve had a P38 on my key chain since I was in the National Guard in the 70s. One word of caution, they may be difficult for people with arthritic hands to use.
Another thought. Vinegar! I had got tea spilt on my chest, arm and hand. I had heard about using vinegar to stop the burn. I yelled at my husband to grab the vinegar. I poured it into a washcloth and when I covered the burn area….it stopped burning! That fast! Use it on accidental burns or sunburns. I don’t think it matters which kind of vinegar. AMAZING! No one seems to know this trick.
Hi Jan, great tip on the vinegar! I love it! Linda
Hi Karl, I’m still giggling over the “stuff” YouTube! It’s the best! I love having many different manual can openers. Great tip! Linda
I don’t keep aspirin in my preps. Instead, I keep white willow bark tea – the original aspirin! Aspirin expires but the tea if stored in a jar with an oxygen absorber will keep for years.
In addition to some of your suggestions: hand sanitizer – look on-line and find a “recipe” for homemade sanitizer. I keep the necessary ingredients and don’t use alcohol. I also do keep alcohol for other purposes, however. Also, for laundry soap, one might keep the ingredients to make your own.
I would love to have a garage that I could store a lot more for the SHTF times but no such luck. I don’t have anywhere to store gasoline/other fuels so that is out of the question for me. I keep my camping gear handy and I do have some butane for my camp stove as well as some charcoal for using my dutch oven. Other than that, I do have some fire starting materials – tinder, kindling, paper in a sturdy zippered case (the kind sheets and blankets come in) and some small wood.
Hi Leanne, thanks for the tip on making my own hand sanitizer. I’m on this one for sure, love it! I will need to order some white willow bark tea, thank you!! Aspirin is the only thing that helps my Glaucoma headaches. Thank you! Linda
Hi there,
Regarding Vinegar, history would tell you that “smart people” would use apple cider vinegar to cleanse wounds to kill bacteria and virus germs. I keep several gallons of it on my shelves so that I’ll have it for medicinal use as well as culinary use.
Hi Suzanne, thank you! I store a lot of it too! I just added it to this list. Great reminder, Linda
Okay, Linda,
We are fairly well covered on all of those except need a little more of number 22. Will get that covered today. Hang in there and stay warm!! You need to move to Texas. We are at 65° right now going up to 80° today. Cooling down later in the week so we may need those extra blankets.
Hi Harry, oh my gosh, I would love to move to Texas!! After living in the desert for over 12 years, it’s nice to see the beautiful snow. Luckily, Mark and I don’t have to shovel it. LOL! Stay safe, my friend, and stay well. Linda
I found that during a 2 day power outage I was using baby wipes to clean my hands since we have to be careful using water because the well pump did not work. I have a paraplegic dog so I buy alot of them to clean him up because he is incontinent.
Hi Kay, oh I love hearing this! I stock baby wipes for “sponge baths”! A great tip to use them for pets as well as using them for washing our hands. Linda
I get 500 capsules of acetaminophen for $8 at DG…seem to do the trick.
I found painters tape to come in handy …..like holding sheets in place when blocking an area to conserve heat/cool air….won’t leave adhesive marks or ruin paint.
In my area, there are no paper cups and plates. I have to order from Amazon for cups and stopped buying plates altogether.
My favorite tp is Angel Soft and I am always adding to my stock, but I had to buy generic at DG last month…discovered yesterday the container had 32 rolls…not bad for $9.
Will try emergen-C..thanks Jan.
Southern Kentucky is 60s and 70s for several days now. Again the next three days.
Hi JayJay, oh, that is a good buy! I like your tip about the painter’s tape, I love it! It’s crazy about so many supplies right now. Paper cups and plates are in short supply here as well. It’s awesome when we get a good deal on TP! Great weather there in Southern Kentucky! Linda
I responded to your original post but want to add to it.
A) I don’t hoard – anything! I am prepared as much as I can be, given my personal space in my apartment.
B) When going to the dentist I always get the toothbrush and toothpaste and other samples the give out. My dental office staff know I use an electric toothbrush as well as homemade tooth powder (my daughter makes it so I don’t have the recipe). Those brushes and travel sized toothpaste tubes are easy to store and can be included in a give-away bag if desired.
Hi Leanne, hoarding is probably not the best word, we all call it stockpiling what we need. I love getting those toothbrushes from the dentist, they add up over the years! They are perfect for those give-away bags! Great comment, again! Linda
Aspirin is also good for heart. Take 1 when having chest pain and daily to thin blood.
Hi Linda, my husband does the same thing, a great reminder. Thank you! Linda
Linda, I have heart problems but was told to NOT take aspirin. I have weak veins. My point is, talk to your doctor first. My husband does take an 81 mg aspirin daily. He can’t take baby aspirin as it has sugar.
Hi Deborah, that’s what my husband takes is the 81 mg. Linda
I really enjoyed this article. Thanks for the added knowledge.
Hi Laura, thank you for your kind words. Linda
Linda, My memory is not what it once was, so I try to print out each of your posts. Then I store the printouts in three ring binders beside your book. However, all the pictures make printing some posts impossible due to the page count and amount of ink it would take. Love your blog keep the great work. Joy
Joy, I ‘copy and paste’ articles which I want to keep. With this method, you can change font size, eliminate photos/ other information that is not desired, etc.
I ALWAYS make sure to copy/paste the URL as well, so that it is easy to return to the article and/or website; also, the title of each article is added as a footnote to each page, so if the pages get mixed up (I’m a klutz), it is easy to restore them to the right order. This should help to reduce the amount of ink used.
I also have a file on my computer with folders inside, which is used to organize information by subject….
Great tip, Linda
I agree with everything but the hand sanitizer for me at least. I will stock up on Dial. I am allergic to the hand sanitizers. They have something in them that burn my hands. I am going to stock up what I can each week until I have enough of everything. This is a 25 stars article.
Hi Jackie, you are so sweet my friend, a 25 stars article, you made my day! I love Dial soap, it works great! We’re all stocking up a little at a time. It’s all good, watching our shelves at home fill up! Linda
Put in a bidet toilet seat. As long as the water runs, it works. You still have to have some TP stocked, but not as much.
Hi Janet, I need to add that to the post, thank you! I wish my husband. was more technical with plumbing, I’m not so both of us are not! LOL! Linda
We love your articles and I have a ‘file’ on my Yahoo, for Food Storage, so I never miss an article.
Several years ago, I began to break out with a slight rash and sometimes small sores [no not shingles.] My husband told me he thought it was the 1/4 cup of laundry detergent, we used per load. I went to the store and bought 20 mule team BORAX. It was only $1.95 for a large box, so I was thrilled. Then COVID hit. The box is now OVER $5 so I thought:
I bought a gallon of white vinegar. I fill the ‘cup’ in our front load washing machine, which is only about 1/2 cup.
We have been using vinegar now for several years. My rash and any sores are GONE.
We do NOT use softener or dryer sheets, and do not have any static in our clothes [or socks either].
I told our friend that has skin issues and bought him dryer WOOL BALLS too. He loves the wool and the vinegar too.
Vinegar now is about $5 a gallon so whenever I see it on sale, I buy several. I keep small 2 quart size plastic bottles in my washer ‘drawer’ so I refill them from the gallons.
Thank you
Hi Daun, well, you made my day with your kind words, my friend! I am so glad you mentioned this about a skin rash. My husband is constantly itching, we couldn’t figure out what it was. He started taking a 1/2 of a Benadryl every day. We were at our wits end over the itching. (Not dry skin either). I am going to try your vinegar trick! My grandson washes his hair with white vinegar and I think baking soda?? Not sure. Wow, I will have to look at the prices the next time I go to the store. Thanks for the tip on the vinegar! I LOVE hearing stuff like this. Linda
Thank you for a very helpful list of things to store!
Am I wrong, or did I not see matches mentioned?
Matches, soap bars, iodine, 1st Aid supplies, playing cards,
pencils and paper, batteries etc are not only necessary for our families
but also good for bartering!
Hi Helen, oh you are so right, we need all of these as well. I write so many articles those items will be on one of my lists!! Thank you for the reminder, Linda
I am really discouraged on storing bleach. I’ve always had about 4 gallons on hand and rotated through it. But the last couple of years the bottles start leaking after a few years! I just cleaned up the second mess that’s made. It ate right through the wood cabinet. I know the effectiveness goes down with time so cut back on the amount I store. Anyway, all bleach will now be stored in the garage. My son tells me the cement floor will erode the bottles faster but if I put them on a metal or wood shelf and they leak then I have a huge mess!
Hi Kay, wow, I have never heard of those bottles leaking. That would be a mess to clean up for sure. You may want to store dry bleach. https://amzn.to/3ZFzUI0 One thing I will tell you I never buy bleach that I will not use within 6-9 months. The effectiveness goes way down. This is a post I wrote, I will repost it tomorrow. “Please only store what you can use within 9-12 months. Clorox Bleach recommends replacing any bottle over 12 months of age. Six months is the best time-frame for storage.” Linda
I use an old pan to set it in till used.
Hi JayJay, great idea, Linda
I just read and listened to the following article/video on Not The Bee. Fits right into this post!!
FBI whistleblower says agency is out of control, urges Americans to vote, arm themselves, stock up on food, and pray!
Full website: https://notthebee.com/article/fbi-whistleblower-says-agency-is-out-of-control-urges-americans-to-vote-arm-themselves-stock-up-on-food-and-pray?utm_source=Not+The+Bee+Newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=09272024
HI Leanne, thank you sharing that link, a friend sent me one from X (formerly Twitter) this morning and I passed it on to everyone I know who is on X. Today is the first time I have shared this statement: stock on up ammo, weapons and know how to use them. Thank you, Leanne. Linda