15 Essential Items to Stockpile That Won’t Cost a Fortune – Simple Family Preparedness

Being prepared doesn’t have to break the bank. With smart planning and strategic purchases, you can build a solid emergency stockpile without emptying your wallet. Here’s a list of 15 crucial items that are both affordable and essential for any prepper or homesteader looking to boost their readiness.

Rice

Rice is a prepper’s best friend. It’s cheap, versatile, and has a long shelf life. A 20-pound bag of white rice costs around $10-$15 and can provide about 200 servings. When stored properly in airtight containers, white rice can last up to 30 years. It’s also a great source of carbohydrates, providing quick energy in emergency situations.

Dried Beans

Dried beans are another budget-friendly staple with an impressive shelf life. A one-pound bag typically costs $1-$2 and yields about 12 half-cup servings when cooked. Beans are packed with protein and fiber, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. When stored in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, dried beans can last up to 10 years.

Salt

Salt is incredibly cheap and absolutely essential. A 26-ounce container of iodized salt costs less than $1 and can last indefinitely when stored properly. Salt is crucial for preserving food, maintaining electrolyte balance, and making meals palatable. It can also be used for cleaning and as a de-icing agent in winter emergencies.

Water Storage Containers

Clean water is vital in any emergency. Food-grade 5-gallon water containers cost about $15-$20 each and can be refilled countless times. These containers are sturdy, portable, and can store water for up to six months when properly treated. Remember to rotate your water supply regularly to ensure freshness.

Candles

Candles provide light and a small amount of heat during power outages. A pack of 100 tea light candles costs around $10-$15 and can burn for about 4 hours each. That’s 400 hours of light for less than $15. Opt for unscented candles to avoid attracting pests, and always use them safely to prevent fire hazards.

Matches

Waterproof matches are a must-have for any emergency kit. A box of 250 waterproof matches costs about $5-$7 and can last indefinitely when stored in a dry place. These matches will light even in wet conditions, making them invaluable for starting fires for warmth, cooking, or signaling in emergency situations.

Bleach

Regular unscented bleach is a multi-purpose prepping essential. A gallon costs about $3-$4 and can be used for disinfecting water, cleaning surfaces, and sanitizing equipment. For water purification, use 8 drops of 6% bleach per gallon of water. Bleach loses its potency over time, so rotate your supply every 12-16 months.

Vinegar

White vinegar is another versatile and affordable item. A gallon costs around $2-$3 and has countless uses. It can be used for cleaning, food preservation, and even as a mild disinfectant. Vinegar has an indefinite shelf life and doesn’t lose its potency over time, making it an excellent long-term storage item.

Soap

Basic bar soap is cheap and essential for maintaining hygiene. A pack of 8 bars typically costs $3-$5 and can last for months. Bar soap has a long shelf life and doesn’t require water to store, unlike liquid soap. It can be used for personal hygiene, laundry, and even as a lubricant in a pinch.

First Aid Supplies

A basic first aid kit is crucial and doesn’t have to be expensive. You can assemble your own kit for about $20-$30, including items like bandages, gauze, antiseptic wipes, and over-the-counter pain relievers. These supplies can help manage minor injuries and illnesses when professional medical help isn’t immediately available.

Multivitamins

In a situation where your diet might be limited, multivitamins can help prevent nutritional deficiencies. A bottle of 300 multivitamins costs about $10-$15 and can provide a year’s supply for one person. Look for vitamins with a long expiration date and store them in a cool, dry place to maximize their shelf life.

Toilet Paper

While not technically essential for survival, toilet paper significantly improves quality of life in an emergency. A 12-pack of budget toilet paper costs about $5-$7 and can last a single person several months. Store it in a dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth.

Trash Bags

Heavy-duty trash bags have numerous uses in emergency situations. A box of 50 large trash bags costs around $10-$15. They can be used for waste management, water collection, makeshift rain gear, or even as part of a shelter. Look for thick, durable bags that won’t easily tear or leak.

Duct Tape

Duct tape is a prepper’s Swiss Army knife. A large roll costs about $5-$8 and can be used for repairs, first aid, and creating makeshift tools or equipment. It’s waterproof, durable, and has a strong adhesive. Store it in a cool, dry place to prevent the adhesive from degrading.

Manual Can Opener

A sturdy manual can opener is essential for accessing canned foods in your stockpile. A good quality opener costs $5-$10 and will last for years with proper care. Look for one with a comfortable grip and a durable cutting wheel. Remember, electric can openers won’t work during power outages.

Best Hunting Rifles of the Last 50 Years

Choosing the “best” hunting rifle is a pretty personal thing. We all have different opinions and preferences on what we like to hunt with. But still, over the last 50 years, there have been some remarkable weapons. Over the past half-century, the evolution of hunting rifles has seen so many innovations, catering to a wide range of needs from the casual deer hunter to the adventurous big-game enthusiast. What’s your favorite hunting rifle? Which weapons deserve a spot on this list?

14 Most Versatile Hunting Cartridges

With almost 16 million hunters in the United States, and with such a huge range of game to hunt, the right rifle and the best cartridge is critical. We have some of the most diverse ecosystems on the planet, with animals ranging from tiny squirrels to gigantic moose. The cornerstone of a successful hunt lies in the hunter’s skill and knowledge but also in the choice of ammunition. The right cartridge can make all the difference, offering the power needed for a clean, humane kill without compromising the quality of the game.

38 Things Every Prepper Should Stockpile That Aren’t Water, Food, or Weapons

This list extends beyond the basic survival trio of water, food, and weapons. It’s a given that we need to stock up on water, food, and a way to defend ourselves and what we have. But what other things will you need in a survival situation? None of us truly knows what TEOTWAWKI will really look like, although most of us have theories we think most likely. But whatever the situation is, there are certain supplies that it just makes sense to have on hand, aside from the obvious trio I mentioned above.