Preparing for the School Year: Must-Have Items for Preppers

This is my idea of the must-have items for preppers as families get ready for kids to return to school. Preparing for uncertain times is a wise decision, and people like you and I understand the importance of being ready for any situation.

While back-to-school sales are typically associated with getting students ready for the academic year, preppers can also take advantage of these deals to stock up on essential supplies. I have found that preppers can make the most of back-to-school deals, saving money while building their emergency stockpile.

Preparing for the School Year: Items Preppers Need

These same issues come into play for many of us who have home-based occupations where we need home office supplies and even those who report for work after a session of remote work and we need regular office supplies.

Having the right office supplies to meet the needs of workers and students can make all the difference in daily success. Workflow is much smoother if things are available and can be found when needed, like desk accessories, file cabinets with file folders, classroom supplies for the teacher and the student, etc.

More Reasons to Buy Back to School Items on Sale

Our daughter, Heidi, has had a preschool for over 20 years. We’ve watched her as she prepares her classroom for the next year’s sessions that will start soon. Over the years she’s developed an outstanding curriculum for her three and four-year-old students. Having a classroom organization in place to support what she’s teaching is critical.

She’s been able to apply her creativity skills so the kids’ ability to learn basic math, language arts, communication, and other skills comes more naturally, and having the necessary classroom supplies has proven to make all the difference.

Why do people love back-to-school shopping?

People do back-to-school shopping for a variety of reasons. It allows families to stock up on essential supplies like notebooks, pens, crayons, index cards, permanent markers, binders for important documents, and backpacks that will be needed throughout the school year. Many of these items used to be regular educational supplies the schools made available. We’ve all learned that in many cases, teachers are having to bring these items to class.

When you shop at the beginning of the school year, families can ensure they have everything they need to start the school year off on the right foot. THE MOST IMPORTANT REASON: back-to-school shopping often happens with sales promotions and discounts that can be real motivators. This provides an opportunity for families to save money on school supplies and other necessities.

It’s also a great time to jump on those same opportunities for your office needs. Those office needs may be very different since they could include things like printers, shredders, bulletin boards with dry-erase markers and erasers, a hole punch, easels, coffee makers, and more.

Know Your Needs

Before diving into the world of back-to-school deals, it’s crucial for preppers to know their needs. Take inventory of your current emergency supplies and identify any gaps or areas that require replenishment. Consider items such as food, water, first aid supplies, hygiene products, batteries, flashlights, hand sanitizers and dispensers, toners, and other essentials that can be purchased during back-to-school sales. It may also be time to replace some of those electrical devices, whether it’s a new laptop, walker-talkies, weather radio, or

Research and Planning

To make the most of back-to-school deals, preppers should do their research and create a plan. Start by browsing online and checking local ads to see which stores are offering a coupon for the best discounts on items that you need for prepping. Keep an eye out for deals on school supplies, backpacks, lunch boxes, storage containers, and other items that can serve dual purposes in emergency situations. 15 Valuable Skills I Learned In Home Economics

Bulk Buying and Stockpiling

Back-to-school sales often include bulk deals, which present an excellent opportunity for preppers to stockpile necessary items. When purchasing items like notebooks, pens, pencils, and other school supplies, consider buying in larger quantities. This approach allows you to save money while ensuring a sufficient supply of essential items for your emergency kit. How to Keep Track of Your Stockpile Inventory

Repurposing School Supplies

Preppers are known for their resourcefulness, and back-to-school sales provide them with an array of versatile items. Look for items that can be repurposed for emergency situations. For example, backpacks can be used to carry emergency supplies during evacuation scenarios. Lunchboxes can serve as compact storage containers for edible goods. Think creatively and consider how items designed for school use can be valuable in a crisis.

First Aid and Medication Supplies

Back-to-school sales often have discounts on first aid supplies, making it a great time for preppers to restock their first aid kits. Take advantage of deals on bandages, antiseptic creams, pain relievers, and other essential medical supplies your family, students, and possibly an employee can use. 

Make sure you check for discounts on over-the-counter medications that can be useful in emergency situations. Of course, you always ensure that any medication purchases are within their expiration dates.

Food and Water Storage

Preppers know the importance of having a reliable food and water supply during emergencies. Back-to-school deals can help in this regard as well. Look for discounts on reusable water bottles, water filters, and food storage containers. Consider purchasing non-perishable food items such as canned goods, granola bars, and snacks that have a long shelf life. Take advantage of bulk deals on these items to build up your emergency food supply.

Communication and Power Sources

During emergencies, communication and power sources play a vital role. Back-to-school sales often include deals on portable chargers, batteries, and two-way radios. These items can be invaluable if regular communication methods and power sources become unavailable. Take advantage of these deals to ensure you have alternative means of staying connected and powered up during challenging times so you can still make that phone call or hear news reports.

What can you find on sale for back-to-school?

• Notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers, calculators, highlighters, markers, scissors, glue sticks, and sticky notes.
• Trendy and functional backpacks in various sizes and designs.
• Insulated lunch bags or boxes to keep food fresh and organized.
• Folders, binders, dividers, paper clips, staplers, and tape.
• Gel pens, mechanical pencils, colored pencils, chalk, color-coded index cards, and fine-tip markers.
• Sketchbooks, paints, brushes, canvases, craft kits, and other art supplies.
• Laptops, tablets, headphones, flash drives, and calculators.
• School uniforms, shoes, socks, and accessories.
• Planners, calendars, desk organizers, and whiteboards.
• Bedding sets, storage containers, desk lamps, and laundry baskets.

More Back-to-School Items for Preppers to Consider

• Plastic bags
• Paper cups 
• Solar light or solar panels
• Duct tape
• Toilet paper
• First aid kit 
• Non-perishable foods items
• Aluminum foil

Final Word 

Back-to-school deals offer preppers an excellent opportunity to save money while building their emergency stockpile. Each prepper should assess their needs, do their research, and take advantage of bulk buying options, preppers can make the most of these sales. May God Bless this World, Linda

Copyright Images: School Supplies Very Colorful Depositphotos_168453988_S, School Supplies with Blank Paper Depositphotos_202563852_S