Just like any other prep, store only what you really need and what you can get based on your budget, as well as the availability of space. There are certain categories of items that you will need to stock up on. Some of them, you use every day like toothbrush and floss. Others, like duct tape and sewing kits, you may not need every day, but will be handy to have during emergencies. Here are 53 items that you should consider stockpiling before SHTF. (h/t to RoguePreparedness.com)
Bath essentials
Whether you're bugging in or out, you must look after your hygiene. If you have access to a place where you can shower, here are the things you will need:
- Soap
- No-rinse body wash
- Shampoo
- Towels
- Deodorant
- Feminine hygiene products (tampons, pads, wipes)
Oral health products
Hygiene includes your teeth and gums, so stock up on:
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Chapstick
- Floss
General hygiene products
Everybody's hygiene needs will be different. If you're wearing glasses or contact lens, you may need cleaners or lens solution. If your facial hair grows quickly, you must stock up on razors. Here are some other general hygiene products to stockpile:
- Hand sanitizer
- Lotion
- Eyeglass cleanser
- Q-tips
- Cotton rounds/balls
- Razors
- Tissue paper
- Contact lens solution
- Baby wipes
First aid and natural health items
When SHTF, you won't have a lot of access to natural health practitioners who can provide you with proper aid. So, you must step up and look after yourself. Here are some first aid and natural health items that you must stock up on:
- Aloe vera gel
- Antibacterial wipes
- Vitamin supplements
- Medical gloves
- Band-aids and gauze
- Rubbing alcohol
- Witch-hazel
- Other natural medications you may need
Food and cooking items
Just because it's an emergency doesn't mean you have to stop eating good food. Here are some things that can help make your cooking life a little easier.
- Apple cider vinegar
- Coffee filters
- Baking soda
- Seeds
- Can opener
- Paper towels
- Propane, charcoal or any other fuel source for cooking
Cleaning materials
In case of a disease outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you stock up on cleaning and hygiene supplies. Once you've got your hygiene needs sorted out, it's time to store items that you can use to wash the dishes, do your laundry, and clean any other part of the house that needs wiping.
- Sponges/rags
- Bleach
- Dish soap
- Laundry detergent
- Other cleaning products (toilet cleaners, disinfectant alcohol)
Clothing and bedroom items
Getting plenty of sleep is important to keep up your strength and morale. Having extra socks and underwear means you can change out your clothes if they get wet, and having extra blankets means not having to endure the cold.
- Socks and underwear
- Bandanas
- Shoe laces
- Blankets
Other items to consider
Everybody's needs will be different. You may need items to patch things together like duct tape or a sewing kit, or you may get bored easily and need items for entertainment. Here are some other items you should consider stockpiling. (Related: Improvising while prepping: Everyday items that can do double duty in an emergency.)
- Duct tape
- Glue
- Paracord
- Sewing kit
- Ziploc bags
- Batteries
- Lighters and matches
- Pens, pencils, notepads and other writing materials
- Cash on hand -- $20 to $100 or more if you can afford it
- Entertainment items like books, card games and board games
It's always important to stock up on the essentials, especially during SHTF scenarios like disease outbreaks and natural disasters. However, you don't want to be stuck in line at grocery stores with thousands of other people because you thought about preparing too late. Avoid panic buying by stocking up way before SHTF.
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