If you are preparing to survive a major event that shuts down the country and leaves you fending for yourself without the benefit of stores or the internet, you might be at a loss for where to start. Yes, there are kits that promise to have everything you need. Those kits will be great for three days if you are safe and comfortable in your home.
If you’re prepping to survive a long-term situation, you’ve probably already been stockpiling food, water and first aid. That’s awesome. Keep doing that. However, there are some other things you’re going to need that you might not initially think of. I’m talking about the things we take advantage of all the time and don’t even notice because they are always right there.
- Trash bags. Trash bags are going to be vitally important to keeping your home or camp clean. Cleanliness reduces germs and bugs—the creepy crawly kind. You can use them to make insulation for your home or tent walls. Sleep on them, cover a broken window and on and on.
- Vaseline/Petroleum jelly is going to be invaluable. It’s very useful in first aid and can cure a squeaky hinge. Use it to seal a leak or waterproof your boots. The uses are countless.
- Dryer lint. Yep, it’s free and in abundant supply. Every time you clean your lint screen put in a Ziploc bag or a canister. It’s an excellent kindling to get a fire going.
4. Pens, pencils and paper. It will be the old-school letter writing to communicate with people outside your family. It’s also a great way to keep the kids entertained.
5. Steel wool is super cheap but very useful beyond cleaning. It’s an excellent fire starter. Use it to plug holes in your house to keep rodents out. It’s also a good way to keep your knives rust free and clean.
6. Safety pins are another inexpensive tool that will become invaluable in a situation you have to do with what you have. It can hold a tent closed, keep your pants up or used to hang clothes to dry. Of course, there are many other uses as well.
7. Rubber bands may seem inconsequential now, but down the road, you’ll want to have some around. They can be used as cordage. Use them to keep gear together in your bug out bag. If you’ve got an ax or other tool with a slippery handle, wrapping rubber bands around it will give you a good grip. You can do the same thing for jar bottle lids that are sealed a little too tight.
8. Old pantyhose might seem a little gross, but again, they are cordage. It doesn’t matter if they’ve got runs in them or not. If you find these at a thrift store, stock up. These bad boys have a ton of uses including hanging your food, water filtering and as intended to help keep ticks and bugs off you.
9. Socks. Yep, we all know socks like to run off. Then you’re left with a basket of singles. Don’t throw them out. When things are desperate, no one cares if your socks match. Your feet will need the protection. Socks can also be used to carry gear, filter water and as cordage.
10. Plastic grocery bags are controversial nowadays, but if you are in a state that allows them for free, stock those puppies. They are so much more than a bag. Smash them down to conserve space. Use a couple of bags wrapped around your lower legs to keep your pants dry when walking through tall grass, carry supplies or make into cordage.
11. Glow sticks. You can buy these in bulk on Amazon or elsewhere. Keep them in the closet until you need them. They can serve as nightlights, trail markers or keep the kids busy. Some people have found them to be very helpful for fishing as well.
12. Random screws. You might be doing a lot of DIY in a SHTF situation. If you buy anything that needs to be put together, you probably have extra screws, washers and nuts. Toss them in an old butter container. You can typically find jars of screws and what nots at yard sales as well. You never know when you might need them.
13. Clothes pins aren’t just for hanging laundry, but that is something you’ll need. They can be used to keep a bag closed, hang food off the ground, keep a tent closed and so on.