37 Cheap Items that Will Remain Priceless in Prepping
Today, I want to discuss 37 cheap items that will remain priceless in prepping. Let’s face it: when prepping for disasters, certain survival supplies will cost your family a small fortune. But stockpiling supplies so that you have something to barter with may become extremely important one day.
Stocking up on food can be pretty costly over time, depending on how much you decide to store. That’s why I’ve always suggested you approach it by buying one can or one case at a time.
Getting the water storage tanks and containers can also have some upfront costs that will set you back, depending on your purchase size and number. Don’t feel you need to acquire your supply all at once; spread out those purchases with an overall goal.
The same applies to special gear you may want, whether a generator, water filtering system, tools, etc. Look for special pricing at particular times of the year. Check my “What to Stock Up On” series, where I post the specials you should take advantage of monthly; you can save a lot of money by following my lead.
Items Priceless in Prepping
Fortunately, there are hundreds of prepping supplies that you can start stockpiling now that are incredibly cheap when purchased individually, making your acquisitions more affordable. Some of these “small comforts” may even surprise you. Here are 37 items for your consideration, but many more will eventually complete your preparedness plan. This is an excellent start.
1. Toilet Paper
Running out of toilet paper following a disaster scenario would be awful, and no laughing matter. But if it’s already too late to stock up, these are some toilet paper alternatives that you can still turn to. Family Cloth
2. Kleenex
You’ll still need Kleenex to stop a runny nose when you have a cold. This is one item that many preppers forget about, so it’s sure to be in high demand following a major disaster. I always have stocked tissues, but I want to start with reusable ones. Reusable Wipes/Tissues
3. Batteries
If you’re experiencing a long-term power outage in your region, I can assure you that batteries will be worth their weight in gold. By stocking up on batteries now, you’ll have much to barter with and still enjoy certain comforts that help take your mind off your situation.
4. OTC Medicine
I can almost guarantee that you’ll be experiencing more headaches, muscle pain, and injuries following a major disaster than what you’re currently dealing with. Allergies and heartburn could also persist and make things worse for you. That’s why stocking up on medicines like aspirin, Tylenol, allergy medicine, and Tums will be a lifesaver for you and your family.
5. Vitamins
Keeping your family healthy from diseases and illnesses will have a new meaning in an Apocalyptic scenario. Vitamins will also be priceless and a great bartering item during that time. These are my favorite ones: Best Supplements to Stock
Disclaimer: I am not a nurse or a doctor! Do not take any supplements without first consulting with your physician.
6. Sunscreen
Getting fried to a crisp while spending hours in the sun each day won’t be a pleasant experience for anyone. Sunscreen is essential, even in winter.
7. Condoms
Having babies after a major disaster could present new challenges and may not be ideal timing for anyone. But that’s not going to stop many people from holding onto the smallest amount of normalcy, so condoms will be a critical item to have.
8. Toothbrushes and Toothpaste
Maintaining good oral health will be much harder, mainly if clean water is hard to come by, let alone possibly going without your usual 6-month cleaning. Keeping a stockpile of enough toothbrushes and toothpaste tucked away in your home will help ensure your family’s mouths stay as fresh and clean as possible.
9. ChapStick
Another item that preppers often overlook is ChapStick or other brands of lip balm. But think about it: if you’re spending a lot of time outside in the cold or the heat, it won’t take long for your lips to start cracking and peeling, which can be painful. My favorite is Burt’s Bee Lip Balm. Another good one to consider is Blistex, especially if you want SPF protection from the sun.
10. Feminine Products
If you have any women in your family, you know those feminine products are essential. And during a disaster scenario, they’ll be even more critical to have on hand for bartering. You may want to make some cloth menstrual pads or possibly purchase some. Reusable Menstrual Cloths
11. Duct Tape
Duct tape is a highly versatile item that can fix all sorts of things, like temporarily bandaging a wound, repairing broken glass, or building a shelter. So, it’s something that you’ll want to have plenty of stored away.
12. Zip Ties
Like duct tape, zip ties are versatile and can be used for all sorts of things, including building a temporary shelter or making a splint for an injured limb.
13. Baking Soda/Cornstarch
Baking soda has various uses, including putting out small fires, cleaning clothes, and even brushing teeth. So, it’s an item that you’ll want to have. Cornstarch is a great thickener.
14. Bandages
Bandages are another essential item to have on hand for first aid purposes, especially if you have children. But they can also be used to make a splint or to cover a wound to keep it clean. You’ll want a supply of various sizes to have the best coverage for the numerous injuries that might be experienced.
15. Lighters
Lighters will be extremely valuable following a major disaster because they can be used to start a fire, light your way, help attract rescue teams, and more.
16. Matches
Like lighters, matches will also be invaluable for starting fires. But you’ll want to ensure you store both lighters and matches in case one doesn’t work.
17. Shoe Laces
Shoe Laces can be used for various purposes, including repairing shoes and clothing, making a fishing line, or supporting a shelter. Be sure to stock several sizes. Shoe Laces
18. Soap
Soap will be an absolute must for stockpiling to cover all your personal hygiene and laundry needs.
19. Sanitary Wipes
Sanitary wipes will also be necessary for both hygiene and first aid purposes. Please be aware that if they dry out, you can add a little water to refresh them almost like new again.
20. Socks
Wearing wet socks, or no socks for that matter, will quickly lead to blisters or cuts, which can be extremely painful and dangerous if they become infected. So, make sure that you have plenty of socks stored away.
21. Fishing Line
Fishing lines can serve other purposes besides fishing. It can be used to make a clothesline, repair clothing, or even as a tripwire for a booby trap if you want to catch small animals.
If you need to help supply some food for your family, having fishing gear of all kinds provides a food supply option.
22. Flashlights/Lanterns
A flashlight will come in handy for many things, like finding your way around in the dark, helping rescue workers find you, performing tasks that need to be done, etc. And trust me, following a significant disaster or localized emergency, it will be pretty dark!
23. Ponchos
When it’s already cold outside, the last thing you want to be is drenched to the bone. Rain ponchos will be a tremendous asset to have a stockpile of, and they’re pretty cheap to purchase. You can find them at Walmart for as little as 99 cents! They also can be used as a tarp for sleeping or to make a small shelter.
24. Can Openers
Imagine having a massive stash of canned food at your disposal but no way of opening it. While you use other tools to open them, nothing is as quick and effective as a can opener. Can Opener and Large Can Opener and an Electric Can Opener
25. Hand Sanitizer
When you need to keep your hands clean but don’t want to use your limited drinking water supply, hand sanitizer will be a must! It not only cleans things but kills germs at the same time. I’m sure we’ve all learned the benefits of this item over the past couple of years!
26. Seeds
Currently, seed packets are incredibly cheap to get your hands on and another great solution to provide fruit and vegetables for your family. With food already scarce in a widespread emergency, you won’t want to be caught without them. I purchase all of my garden seeds from this company: SeedsNow
Please remember if you plant flowers, the bees will come. It would be best to have them to pollinate some of your vegetables and fruits.
27. Condiments
With your situation already bleak, don’t make it worse by not having condiments to add flavor to your next meal. And what’s nice about condiments like ketchup, mustard, and BBQ sauce is that they will last longer than most food items other than your canned goods.
28. Spices
Like condiments, spices will help keep life worth living when there’s little to be excited about.
29. Sugar
Even the most minor things, like sugar, would be a massive deal after a disaster. Instead of only eating to survive, sugar would undoubtedly help to bring a smile to your face. It’s also fantastic for baked goods.
30. Salt
Salt can add a lot of flavor to bland meals but can also help preserve food and keep pests away.
31. Paper Plates-Plastic Cups-Utensils
Don’t waste your precious water supply on doing dishes. That’s why paper plates, plastic cups, and utensils would make so much sense following a major disaster. Yes, it does add to the waste ultimately going to the landfill, but we are trying to stay alive and do so with the safest and most straightforward approach possible.
32. Paper Towels
Another disposable item that will come in handy is paper towels. You can use them to clean up messes, as a napkin, or even as a bandage in a pinch.
33. Disposable Diapers/Better Yet: Cloth Diapers
If you have small children at home, disposable diapers are a must! No matter how long you would have to go without water or electricity, it’s best to be prepared.
I raised my daughters in cloth diapers, and it’s okay, my friends. It worked, and the landfill doesn’t need them. Most of you probably used cloth diapers as well. Now they make fancy ones; whatever works for you, please stock them. Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pins, and Plastic Covers, or Fancy Cloth Diapers
34. Baby Wipes
Not only are baby wipes great for cleaning up small children, but they can also be used as a quick and easy way to clean yourself when a “sponge bath” is needed and water isn’t an option.
35. Ziploc Bags
Besides keeping food fresh, Ziploc bags are excellent for keeping smaller electronics, socks, firestarters dry, and so much more clean and dry. If it’s wet outside, you’ll be glad you have this option.
36. Cigarettes
Maybe you don’t smoke personally, but there will be plenty of smokers who will be willing to trade/barter almost anything for a single pack that brings them a small amount of pleasure and relief. I have heard they go stale, but I wouldn’t know, personally.
37. Cheap Wine
Did you know you can find cheap wine at Aldi for around $3 a bottle? During an “end of the world” event, people will want to take the edge off somehow. And the nice thing about a cheap bottle of wine is that it will last a long time. Cheap wine is essential in prepping for many; even if you don’t drink, it’s an excellent bartering tool.
More Prepping Content
- 7 Quick Tips For Emergency Prepping
- Survival Items for Emergency Prepping
- Prepping with Children Checklist
Emergency Toilets
Please make or purchase an emergency toilet before you need one. I can tell you right now that I am not sharing my emergency toilet. I have asked people to make or buy one for over ten years, if not longer. Please do it, 6-gallon buckets with a portable toilet seat work. The 5-gallon buckets are shorter and work for shorter people.
If it’s too complicated, buy one now so it’s ready when needed. Portable Emergency Toilet: For refill bags, Grab some 10-gallon bags at Sam’s Club or Costco; they are cheap.
Here is another one: Upgrade the Emergency Toilet
Emergency Washing Machines
You will need to if you haven’t thought about washing your clothes. The bathtub is not a good option if the sewer lines back up. You’ll not be able to drain the dirty water—just FYI. Now, you can use washtubs and washboards. I have a few of those, but I found the LaVario unit I love. Please consider getting one. I ended up buying two. One for washing, and a year later, I purchased a second for rinsing. We have a large family. LaVario Emergency Washer. (Currently unavailable)
If you have a clothesline with clothespins, that’s awesome. If not, consider one of these from Lehmans. Pennsylvania Folding Clothes Dryer
Why Is Sanitation So Important to Preppers?
If you find yourself in an emergency, what you don’t want to do is compound your problems by getting sick or having an unexpected infection. We must protect ourselves and our families by having safe food and water. We need to take care of our daily personal hygiene no matter what.
We must also be prepared for cuts, scrapes, punctures, and other issues resulting from less-than-ideal circumstances.
Are Canned Veggies a Good Prepping Item to Consider?
Canned goods of all kinds are essential. Not only can they keep you alive, but you can also help others survive or use them as a bartering tool. The good thing about canned goods is their ease of use. You can open them up and eat right from the can.
Final Word
These are 37 cheap items that could one day be priceless in prepping and that you wish you had. Can you think of any other inexpensive items that would be crucial if you’re a prepper? I’d love to hear your thoughts! May God Bless this world, Linda
Linda, I think you got it covered. I’d simply recommend rechargeable batteries and a charger for them, windproof/waterproof matches and maybe a good fire steel. Oh, and a magnifying glass that can also be used to start a fire.
Hi Ray, great items, thank you!! When I start writing I try to think of as many items as I can before I publish it. Linda
This is a really good list. I have a few editorial comments as someone who has been there and done that.
I use eneloop batteries. I have their 110 charger, but also bought one that plugs directly into my folding solar panel…well, it has USB, C, and 110 charging. Also, you can use it as a battery pack for your phone, tablet or that sort of thing. I’ve charged it off the solar panel. I now have 2 folding solar panels. The camper runs on installed solar and propane.
We had guy out here who bragged about his whole house generator. 5 days and it was out of propane and there was no way to get propane. That was it for him.
Kleenex? I’m taking that space for TP. In SHTF, people can use TP or a rag. The reason men’s suits have buttons on the sleeve is historical. It kept military from wiping their noses on their sleeves.
Ya’ll are “imagining” what it will be like. I’ve lived it. 3-4 months without a shower wasn’t a big deal.
I do like “Dawn” and have a fair bit of that stashed. But the rest of my soap products are dry. Bars keep forever and you can piggy back them onto each other when the bar gets small for no waste. A few bars of soap don’t take up much room. When they dry, they last longer. Same for laundry. I have the products to do the home made stuff and I like it. I also have powdered detergent. The liquid is mostly water….expensive water.
I prefer a headlamp to a regular flashlight for most applications. Rechargeable.
.99 cent ponchos….you’d be better off getting thick garbage bags and cutting holes for arms. I’ve done my share of back packing in rain and snow. Those cheap ponchos might be ok for one use at a football game, but will last only a few minutes if you are actually doing anything. You can find ripstop ponchos and then you only have to buy ONE. They get a hole, duct tape.
I know water is precious, but I’m thinking about the volume of paper products, plates and utensils you would need for a family of 4 for a year. You could buy a nice set of fancy china for that.
Let’s think instead about cheap plastic or grocery store corian.
If we can use a total of 3 gallons per day for all our needs – except flushing- that includes washing up dishes and bathing… You only use ONE dish per day per person. Grey water is used for flushing. No waste.
Again, Ya’ll have to stop thinking about how you live NOW. You are not going to have anything close to that.
And, what happens when you run out of paper stuff? If troubled times last a few years I’ll be eating off my dishes. Nope, a few cheap dishes.
Soak them in a pan with a tad of soap and rinse. Water to the grey water bucket.
Likely there won’t be any phones that need charging. When the grid is down, it’s down for everything.
We use solar and propane for the most part. Once the propane and gasoline is gone, solar will help with some things. Cooking on wood.
I don’t want to sound like I’m scolding. I want everyone to get real here.
The simpler you can make things the better it is. Items that can serve multiple purposes are valuable.
And you simply cannot imagine how much garbage/trash you will pile up. You’d better have a working composter. Maybe community based. Forget the idea of “get a bunch of garbage bags.” And, then what? where are THEY going to go? Save the bags for body bags….sadly I’m serious.
You will end up with a large midden like the Indians had.
There will be nobody coming to help. You will have to deal with all this stuff yourself.
BUT YOU CAN…you just have to get realistic. It won’t be fun and it won’t be easy. And, it won’t be anything that you can imagine.
Take a look at the current war zone photos on TV. THAT is close.
Prepping is as much a mind set as having “stuff.”
If you don’t have ammo and someone who knows what to do with it, you will lose your stuff. That is for certain.
My goal is to save lives. That’s what I did for a living…and lived to tell it.
I’m a firm beliver in prayer….but in addition to that…lock and load.
Pray for our country..
If you can repurpose what you already have- that’s the way to go. What’s wrong with the dishes you have now? If you are staying put, you will be fine. If you are going somewhere, take a look at the donkey carts in Gaza. That’s about what you can take.
I’m staying put.
Hi CaDddison, I totally agree with you. Things are going to be much worse than people realize. I used to think I would help cook for my neighborhood street, but I am no longer going to be able to do that for health or safety reasons. I will be prepared for everything in my home. We do not to pray for our country and lock and load. Linda
Ray, i just added more fire things this week. have directions and ability to make a rocket stove. and have a grill brique charcoal starter that would work. small wood , twigs…
Linda, Typo in heading for number 31.
Hi Denise, thank you, just fixed it. Linda
Applicator bottles… dish washing liquid bottles will work for some needs.
Spray bottles in various sizes.. 16 and 32 oz more common…I use to pre treat laundry stains , apply homemade sprays to plants, whether a liquid fertilizer or bug /fungicide.
They can also be used to apply a peri wash to those who have had a child, or who are incontinent.. This is one i have used .
Home made peri spray can be made using:a 16 oz spray bottle, one ounce- mouthwash solution, to a cc of olive oil add,2 drops of Oil of Oregano and one of essential peppermint oil.,half fill bottle w/ warm water, add oils shake well then finish filling with water.
Hi Denise, I love this recipe, thanks for sharing. I save all of those bottles for this very reason! Linda
MORE: More sheets , pillowcases, bedding, cotton blankets, fleecy blankets than you think you will ever use. Once a DFM goes down and they require around the clock care..You will be the one providing that.If its raining those sheets may not dry as quickly..
For caregivers. lift belts,.wrist and ankle supports for caregivers.self care vitamins and caffeine sources.
In case of injury or life changing medical event- you will require MORE of every supply than you need for health.(10X MORE- I have the t shirt and the Hat..)
… a version of personal wipes can be made cheaper with peri care wash recipe,(BTW-all generic mouth washes work as well as name brand for this) poured over select a size paper towels and stored in a plastic food container with a seal-able lid.
…Peroxide for cleaning, skin,medical implements such as tweezers, scissors but not necessarily wounds( peroxide destroys new tissue, is used in debridement procedures….
….Alcohol medical and PGA/w/ sterile water can be used to wash/clean skin, make hand sanitizer..
….Vinegar-w/or w/0 baking soda. can assist in removal of very bad room odors. setting a sm. bowl on a side table. even in a couple of places has been used in hospital setting- for uncontrolled odor.
…Water and essential oils can be utilized in a spray bottle for a room spray that clears the air of odors and nasties.
….Look up the properties of various spices and oils- choose ones with properties you desire… I have used oils of oregano, frankincense,myrrh, orange, lemon, basil,cinnamon, rosemary, clove.
….Wound care supplies.. gauze, sterile 4×4’s, sterile telfa( several sizes, Bandaid ‘all sizes. medical tape, steri strips.,Drawing salve( or homemade products) for clearing exudate from wounds, splinters and boils etc…wound wash-sterile saline-make own with boiling water and salt and can it..
… OTC products to aid in wound healing and keep dressings from sticking.. ( for dry wounds the liquid skin is good, burn spray,..)
…There is a wound gel that has silver in it, is good.
Feminine pads are invaluable for these applications the individually wrapped ones are sterile til opened… get several different absorbencies for best use. same for paper towels=sterile til opened..
Hi Denise, great comment! Thanks for sharing all of your ideas!! I love it! Linda
…and MORE:Don’t forget various sized pillows, and multiple may be needed for comfort of one unable to care for self- to keep them comfortable- relieve pressure points and maintain foot positions and . I was once using 8 for proper positioning of DFM who had LCE-medical. throw pillows w/ covers can be used, as can bed pillows in regular sizes.
…More Soaps.. Hand, liquid, bar soaps, Body wash, dry shampoo( baking soda can be used ). Laundry for one individual can =2-3 loads per day.
Hi Denise, it really does take a lot of supplies to care for others that have health issues. Great reminder, LInda
Linda, Until a close member has gone down, one truly can not understand. This is just for physical comfort. Often they will need special diets, soft or pureed, Most of time a high protein shake type drink will work, Getting a vanilla shake type mix, using a milk to make it w/ and changing flavor with small amount of powdered unsweet koolaid, can increase tolerance and closely meet physical needs… I would use stevia or monk fruit to sweeten for everyone… avoid high carbs for ones with most problems- but those w/ kidney issues should avoid heavy protein.. These are from my experience .Knowing a prescribed diet and things to avoid… are necessary.. As is having a allergy list for every person. Note many of these things fit in the barter and cheap backup category. Knowledge and ability to use are priceless and adds to your value as a community member.
Hi Denise, I totally agree with you. We have had close family members with Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Until you are a caretaker, you don’t understand. It’s rough. Linda
Hand tools. A saw, screw drivers, screws,nails hammer, tools of all kinds. Free prep if you have some extra space many places will let you take pallets for free or a few bucks. These can be stored outside and used for quick lumber when home depot is gone.
Hi David, those are great ones, thank you!! Quick lumber via pallets is an awesome idea. Linda
Linda, this is Absolutely one of the most comprehensive lists I’ve seen. And, cheap at that! Giggle, I used to teach “Cheap, Almost Free Gardening” at my local farm store. Perhaps the one suggestion I’d have is for people to store a lot of these items in plastic containers. Oh, not Bought containers, but ones we regularly would recycle: ice cream pails with lids, dry chocolate milk mixes, deli meats, even some of the frozen meals with lids (my fave is Healthy Choice Steamables). I’ve been a prepper for over 20 years and have found that things last longer if kept in a container. Ex: I had bandaids in their boxes that dried out after only about 2 yrs when just put in my bathroom cupboard. (It seems i mostly use just one size, lol). I had others that I’d taken out of the original boxes, put in a deli potato salad plastic container. They are Fine after 5 yrs! Yes, I’m using these now. I’m even finding how handy it is to use these smaller containers for rice, peas, beans, pasta. Obviously we need to rotate but for some things, we may not use much. Doesn’t mean we don’t need to have more on hand than we normally use. And while cheap, I hated throwing out those bandaids. Hope this helps someone else.
Hi Wendy, thank you for your kind words. You know as I was reading your bandaid story, I bought a bunch (yes I go overboard sometimes) of bandaids in these white plastic containers. After ten years they are still good. It’s the container, duh!!! Thank you for sharing your thoughts!! Linda
About feminine products:
Silicone menstrual cups are 100% reusable, it’s just a matter of finding the right one for each person. They may be a bit more upfront cost, but by the third month of using one, it has already started to save money. (Diva Cups)
Thinx makes very absorbent period underwear that is meant to be reused month after month without needing pads, tampons, or anything else. Again the upfront cost is more but these panties are made to last for years. Thinx also makes absorbent panties for bladder leaks. Their panties are sold online but are cheaper at Target. It should be known that they also block odor. For menstruation cycles maybe buy 6 – 10 pairs.
Flex Disks are somewhat similar to diva cups but many find them to be more comfortable, these are also reusable as well. (Flexfits)
Personally, I would advocate for Thinx as the risk of toxic shock syndrome is virtually non-existent.
Hi Ravenna, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your comment! These items will help so many people! Linda
Hi Linda, I have a couple dozen airline-sized bottles of vodka stored. I can use them as disinfectants or barter. Thanks for sharing your wisdom!
Hi Kathleen, thank you for your kind words, my friend. Great item to store and barter with. Linda
Hi Linda, I had to laugh when I saw the first thing you mentioned was socks. I have a bag of single socks, some that do not have a match. I have had to throw them out because of holes in the toes. I tried to fix them, but sometimes the stitching cuts across my toes and made them sore. Being diabetic, I must take extra care of my feet since I have neuropathy, although it’s not too bad, but anything that can make your feet hurt must be avoided. Don’t throw the good ones out, wear them mix matched, I do. At least your feet will be dry and warm. I go back and re-read your articles and save them on a flash drive and have gotten more and better information. Thanks for all that you and the other people that comment, most of the times you give the answer to someone’s problem. Have a great week. Mildred
Hi Mildred, oh my gosh, this reminds me when my mother in law repaired panty hose and socks with a light bulb. I love your idea of wearing mismatched socks. Neuropathy is not fun I understand. It hurts so keep those feet safe with different colored socks, you will be safe and warm! Better safe than sorry with your tender feet. Linda
Love these and great help to see what I might have missed! Corn starch is a must have for us. So many uses besides as a food thickener. We switched from baby powder years ago. It helps keep you dry especially in a humid environment as sweat absorber. A must for drain cleaning with cheap white vinegar. Dry shampoo (think of pets, too), odor absorber for rugs, carpet and upholstery (there’s those pets again).
We do not drink but have stocked Costco vodka for bartering purposes if necessary. Or homemade vanilla, LOL!
Hi Marilynne, I love this, I need to add cornstarch! I bet Costco in Utah doesn’t sell Vodka, LOL! Great reminder, Linda