Estimated reading time: 10 minutes
What are some items that you think you should start hoarding for a major, cataclysmic disaster? Water? Absolutely. Food? Also absolutely. Ammo? For sure. First aid equipment? Definitely. Gasoline? Yep.
The list goes on. All of those things are incredibly valuable items to hoard for survival, and you can probably think of about ten or twenty other types of survival supplies as well.
That being said, there are countless ordinary items–things people use every day–that are relatively cheap and can be used for survival. The wisest among us are already stockpiling them.
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Here are some things that everyone, including you, should start hoarding today:
1. Bobby Pins
There are a ton of uses for bobby pins in a survival situation, so they are among the very last items that you will want to throw away.
Examples of what you can use bobby pins for in a survival situation include as a DIY money clip, as fishing hooks, as a lock pick, to short circuit various electronics, or for its intended purpose, to keep hair back.
2. ChapStick
Unless if you want to deal with chapped lips after a major disaster, then chapstick will be a very important item to store for disaster.
You can also use chapstick as a small, makeshift torch (just light it up with a match or a lighter or any other fire starting devices), or you can use it to help heal small wounds such as scrapes or cuts (just apply lightly to the affected area). Those are just a couple of examples of uses for chapstick.
3. Coffee Filters
Besides their obvious intended use for making coffee, you can also use coffee filters for many other things. Here are just a few examples…
You can use it as a food bowl, use it to wipe your butt, soak it in grease and get a fire going, make an air freshener (fill up with baking soda, tie it up, and then leave it out in the middle of a room), clean glasses, and make an emergency bandage or compress.
4. Crayons
If you have children, you can never have enough crayons. Just imagine how bored they will be without their electronics! Crayons will help, at least a little.
Plus, they are very flammable and can be used as makeshift candles. Just remove the wrappers and then light them up, and you’ll be all set. Here’s how.
5. Dryer Lint
Dryer lint is very flammable, just like crayons. It’s also easy to collect as well and can be a fast and efficient way to get a fire going. What’s more, you can easily collect lint in Ziploc bags for ease of storage.
6. Egg Cartons
Egg cartons can be very valuable items for maintaining small gardens. They will certainly be more space efficient in contrast to other kinds of gardens, while also being easy to transport.
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All you need to do is pour some soil into each compartment and then plant a little seedling. You can also use paper egg cartons as composting for your larger gardens. Here are some other creative uses for egg cartons.
7. Garbage Bags
Garbage bags have dozens of uses, not only in everyday life but in a critical survival situation as well.
You can use it to keep your supplies dry, make a tourniquet, collect rainwater, block the sun, make a pillow, fix leaks, make a rope, and so much more.
8. Glass Bottles
The biggest advantage to storing glass bottles, as you can probably tell, is that you can use it later to store more water or other drinks (although it may be advisable to clean them out before doing so).
You can also use glass bottles to store other items such as medications, to get a fire going by filling with water and then using it to reflect the sunlight, or you can break them apart and then use the sharp glass as blades.
9. Grocery Bags
One of the best uses for grocery bags will be to collect water. What you can do is take a grocery bag in good condition (without holes) and then use it to cover up some green branches or brush at the start of the day. Come back twenty-four hours later, and you should see that a small sip’s worth of drinking water has collected in the bag. You’ll just need to make sure that the plants you select are not poisonous in any way, so be extra careful.
You can also use grocery bags to dispose of human waste, for storing any fruit or vegetables you forage, to mark a trail, or to help keep your gear dry from the wind.
10. Newspaper
The most obvious survival use for newspaper, and the use that most people are aware of is to use it as a fire starter. It’s not at all uncommon for people to ignite the edges of a newspaper with a lighter or match, and then place the paper underneath some small pieces of wood and other kindling to build a fire.
But another of the many uses for newspaper is to use it as insulation in a shelter, or to use it as makeshift toilet paper if you have to as well.
11. Paper Clips
Besides their use in better organizing files and papers, you can also use paper clips as makeshift fishing hooks, as clothes hangers, as a finger or toe splint, or as shims for repair mechanics.
If you think about it, paper clips are basically durable twist ties. Here are some more survival uses for paper clips.
12. Pencils
Writing utensils such as pens and paper will be very important to store, in addition to paper. Another use for pencils is that when they are broken, the graphite inside is exposed.
Here’s a fun fact that most people don’t know, when you bring the exposed graphite of a pencil into contact with your car battery and cable, it will turn red hot and then eventually burst into flames to quickly get a fire going.
13. Shoes
Don’t throw your shoes away after they get torn or old! While most people will throw away their old shoes, most of the time those old shoes will still be fully functional. Why throw them away when you can just set them aside for storage should disaster strike?
After all, the protection of your feet should be of paramount importance when things get bad, and other people know this as well. This is why your old shoes could become valuable barter items when the grid goes down.
14. Socks
After cleaning your socks, you can use them as a pre-filter to remove large sediments and particles from water. You can also use socks for storage and to make it easier to carry items.
Finally, you can also use socks as a weapon. Just place rocks, stones, pebbles, or spent brass casings in them, tie the end shut with paracord (or your shoelaces), and you can then wield it with deadly force against an attacker.
15. Shoelaces
Besides your actual shoes, your shoelaces can really help you out in a survival situation as well. For example, you can use them to make traps and snares, to help build shelter, to fashion a splint to a fractured arm or a leg, and so on. In fact, if you think about it, you really should be able to use your own shoelaces for just about anything you could use paracord or smaller strands of rope for.
The lesson? Even if you do end up throwing your old shoes or boots away, at the very least you should save the shoelaces as they could definitely come in handy later. Here are some other uses for shoe laces.
16. Soda Cans
Soda cans fulfill a wide array of different survival uses. You can use them to store water or other beverage or food items, the tab can be shaped into a fishing hook, and the bottom of the can you can polish with chocolate in order to reflect the sunlight and get a fire going if you can hold the can properly and be patient.
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In addition, you can also use a soda or beer can as a miniature stove as well. Simply cut it open, and then place a candle with a flame going inside of it. Hold your hands around the can to warm them. Here are some other uses for soda cans.
17. Tin Foil
Tin or aluminum foil truly is among the most versatile of everyday items you can use for survival and disaster preparedness. You can wrap food, such as meat or potatoes, in the foil and then place it in the coals near a fire to bake and cook.
You can also use tin or aluminum foil as fishing lures, to signal for help or use as trail markers, to scrub dirty pots and pans, and to remove rust from metal (just scrub directly against the metal). Here are many more uses for tin foil.
18. Toilet Paper
One of the most essential items to stock up on for a disaster scenario is toilet paper, and for obvious reasons.
And not just the paper, but the leftover toilet rolls. What you can do with them is cut and then flatten them out for easier storage. When brought into contact with a flame from a lighter or a match, they will light up very easily. Here are some other things you can do with them.
19. Books
All kinds of books are applicable here: novels, books you enjoy, cookbooks, non-fiction books, how-to guides, survival guides, children’s books, and other books you just enjoy.
When the grid goes down, you won’t have access to Kindle or anything like that, and you’ll be forced to rely on physical copies. Survival books, cookbooks, and how-to guides will be useful, while novels can help pass the time and boost morale.
20. Pain Relievers
Pain relievers such as aspirin are essential for keeping fevers and headaches to a minimum. You can even apply pain relievers directly to scrapes, stings, or burns as well to help reduce the pain. Here’s a list of OTC meds to stockpile.
21. Batteries
All kinds of batteries apply here. You can keep them all stored in a container or cardboard box that you set aside in storage or in the utility room. In a true grid down disaster when you’re relying primarily on battery-powered electronics, you’ll likely be surprised at how quickly you use them up.
This should serve as a good motivator to stockpile as much as you can. Make it a rule to buy an extra pack of batteries each week. You’ll also be surprised by how quickly your stockpile grows.
22. Blankets
You’ll be happy you had plenty of blankets on hands if the power goes out during the winter. Wool blankets and quilts in particular will be effective for keeping you warm; cotton works too but also does a generally poor job of wicking away water. Also don’t forget to hoard pillows and sleeping bags.
23. Vaseline
Vaseline is immensely useful for two primary reasons: it can be applied to the site of scrapes, stings, or cuts to reduce pain and infection; and it’s very flammable so it can be used to help get a fire going quickly.
Stockpile both Vaseline and cotton balls together; the Vaseline-soaked cotton is an effective way to apply the Vaseline to your scrapes, and can also be lit up quickly with a match or a lighter when it’s pouring rain outside.
Conclusion
The next time you think about throwing away any of the above items, think twice. While it’s not like you should never, ever throw away any of these things, at the very least, you should be stockpiling them.
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Never ever ever use a shoelace as a tourniquet. Horrible advice
Due to certain Tv shows; Prepping and Hoarding have been linked to people with mental problems.
Some people believe hoarders are unorganized junk collectors. Preppers are gun owning fanatics. one who believe in political conspiracies and Zombies. They believe that N. Korea can launch a missile strike on Dallas, Texas. Not ALL preppers are that PARANOID. Some of us prepare for Blizzards and a six month job lay off.
16. Soda Cans
Soda cans fulfill a wide array of different survival uses…….and the bottom of the can you can polish with chocolate in order to reflect the sunlight and get a fire going if you can hold the can properly and be patient.
What? Polish the bottom of a soda can with chocolate to reflect sunlight?
Yes. Don’t leave it covered with chocolate. Use a tiny bit and polish it until it’s nice and shiny.
Thanks. Why chocolate? I feel like I’m missing something.
I’ve heard something about chocolate removing the oxide layer and exposing the bare metal, making it shinier, but I don’t really understand it.
Thanks
Actually the words “prepping” and “hoarding” are almost identical when you look into them. Prepping is gathering things together in preparation of an unknown future need. Hoarding is hmmmmmm………. gathering things together in preparation of an unknown future need. Most people think hoarding is getting as much of something as you can, regardless of actual need, and keeping it in storage without any concern for the needs of others or the potential future availability of those items. Not so. Hoarding is just stashing stuff away just like prepping. I am prepared with a hoard of stuff. God bless and stay safe.
Sharing what you have is a great idea, on paper. Like Kitty said, if you start giving away small bags/packages of supplies, the people you gave the supplies to will probably come back for more. And they will be angry if you do not give them more. Also, if other people see them using/eating the supplies you gave them they will ask where they got them. More than likely they will tell them where if they feel threatened by the newcomers. THEN, you will have more people coming to your place looking for handouts. And they will also be angry if you tell them you do not have any more. You may think that most people will not act that way, but when the SHTF, people will be looking out for themselves. If they didn’t have the forethought to prepare, they will come after what you have. OPSEC is very, very important when the SHTF.
For those who do not know the difference between hoarding and being prepared, you will be the one doing without. For those new at preparing, study survival books before making any big purchase, you may fine it is easier than you think. Hard and fast rules. 1. Never buy something that needs to be cold or frozen when preparing. You can not trust the power grid. 2. Check out where you live, is there space you can store needed supplies? 3. Check your menu’s, what on them can you buy and store items that you and your family eat. Do not buy anything you will not eat now, you will not want to eat it later. A good ideal is make a list and keep it on hand. 4. Start small and stay small when buying. Start with white rice and dried beans and seasonings. 5. When you have a weeks supply, start another week of different foods. Be sure and buy stuff like soap, T paper, first aid supplies and so forth. Each time you go to the store buy one or two items on you list. Make this a habit. If you use something from your supplies, replace ASAP. This is only a start. You will learn as you go. And all ways remember, any thing can and will happen. You are then one who has to be prepared.
I don’t call it hoarding either, I call it trying to PREPARE for hard times. My husband thought I was foolish for buying toilet paper every 2 weeks. ” We still have some” When there was a shortage we didn’t need any. I am disabled and when he takes me shopping it is for re-supplying what we have used and what we need to re-stock. I used to work at Walmart before I got disabled, I was buying around $30 a day to try to stock my pantry(very small pantry). I bought mostly meats. Now I have a small spare room and I stock it to the best of my ability. A pantry is not stocked overnight.
My stand alone freezer is stocked very well. Now I am working on stocking the non fresh foods.
If you dont prepare where are you expecting to get food? Don’t come here…
Good post. I will be dealing with a few of these issues as well..|
My “hoarding” as my kids call it, saved their butts when covid 19 hit! I also made up bags for several people who were elderly, had a stroke and was unable to get around, and on disability! I have read several survival books and they say make several charity bags that you can give away if you must turn someone away! You can’t save the world, so you MUST CHOSE who you are going to survive with! Help others who need it, but be very careful about how much you give away to any one! Cuz they may come back to forcibly take what they want and leave you with nothing!! I have continued to restock and my kids are better prepared for the next STAY AT HOME ORDER! We will survive, its a matter of how well, how comfortable, and how sane!! So I even bought a trunk for little surprises for everyone ad locked it up! New crayons, gum, hard candy, new toy $3 or less, and even chocolate! Clearance sales are best!!
You share with everyone. I will take care of my family first.
On the topic of fish hooks-
Yes, you can improvise, and make something work. But I highly recommend you go now and stock up on real fish hooks, swivels, sinkers, and other tackle. They work far better. Identify the species you’ll likely be targeting as food sources and get what you’ll need to catch them. Look for the discount bins first.
in a lot of place there will be no fish after a real SHTF scenario. Not just a disaster or a pandemic. First of all in many place the state agencies( fish and game) bred fish and stock lakes and streams. Without that fish will be scare. Now add to that all the unprepared and only half prepared people who will be fishing to eat.
They may kill you for your “catch”.
Sport fishing (ie with hooks and bait), is terribly inefficient both in time spent and in results. if there is no government and no laws, you will be better off using a net or fish trap. So don’t stock up so much on regular fishing supplies, but on learning and using other more efficient ways to catch fish.
Stockpiling is great, to an extent. But you should also consider if conditions force you to ” bug out”, How can you take it, or at least some of it with you. How will you load it? into what? The back of a pickup truck? a trailer? Or what?
Call it plan B. In my estimation, most if not every one, at some point will have to relocate, at least for a short time.
Once a real SHTF hits, there will be uncontrolled fire in the cities and the countryside, add in drought, pestilence, natural disasters( Flood, earthquake, tornado, Hurricanes, etc.) and so there is a good chance you will be “bugging out”, at some point to avoid or deal with, one on those events.
Most of the country is subject to some of these things and they won’t go away, just because some other SHTF event occurred first (like an economic collapse or Civil war).
So consider carefully you plans and plan for the unexpected.
Hoarding is the wrong word, all things should be purchased when on sale and not during any type of emergence.
Everyone can begin small and over time accumulate what you use that can’t doesn’t have expiration date or can be frozen. Do you know you can freeze eggs?
My daughter was having a hard time finding bread at first and was not into baking from scratch. I told her to buy frozen bread loaves and make when needed. She can even vacuum seal if needed.
I was very sick in December(3 1/2) weeks and because I had most of my staples my husband was able to due the limited shopping needed LOL. When this settles down I am going to have to take him to a grocery store as he hasn’t been in one for about 30 years.
All please be very careful and start now but slowly so you don’t deprive anyone and I definitely would start a vegetable garden
Thanks for listening and prayers for all.
You are telling people to start hoarding food etc
that is not what they should be doing, what about the elderly and disabled and those who
are in isolation if there is nothing left for them to buy, what those people are doing is selfish and
very greedy and just shows they have no empathy for anyone and don’t give a SHIT, so
much for the community helping those less fortunate than themselves and you might need help in the
future so how would you like it if other people left NOTHING yes NOTHING FOR YOU,I bet you’d be pissed off so put yourself in less fortunate folks situation and STOP TELLING PEOPLE TO BULK BUY, TELL THEM TO SHARE
if they can and put a smile on someone’s face and by doing so they will be smiling as well.
? ? ????.
I totally agree with you!!! I am sick to my stomach of what is going on and how people over spent/hoarding everything even TP!! The stress of this virus is real but add the stress of no food makes it even harder especially when you have young kids. Yes encourage people to share because we are all in this together and we need to think of others too not just ourselves. I am sure learning a lot about people and I am not liking it at all. Come on people STOP overbuying and save some for your neighbors!! God bless all of us!
I disagree. If you have to start gathering your things after the problem has started then you are doing it wrong. You should always be gathering and saving for when something like this happens.
I agree with you. We all have the same opportunity to prepare for the immediate future. Anyone can watch the news on tv or look at their computer to follow what’s happening on the internet, read a paper or listen to the radio to be informed and know what supplies they may need and buy them themselves or have family or a friend help them shop an supply. Many seniors have been through tougher times than the younger generations, so they’re well aware of what they need to do and how to accomplish their goals.
Share hell family first
Straws – can be turned into small spice containers or containers for other small objects.
Eye glass repair kit
I never use the word hoarding in relation to prepping. Just a general comment.
I definitely agree
Sewing Needles and thread.
Can be stored in old pill bottles
You never have trouble if you prepare for it in advance. T. Roosevelt