Searching for Prepping Items at Goodwill and Other Thrift Stores
Perhaps the most common reason people give for not prepping is money.
They say that because they live paycheck to paycheck, there’s never anything left at the end of the month for stockpiling supplies.
It’s not that they don’t believe in the concept of preparing for an uncertain future. They’re fully convinced they’d be better off with survival food, water and a bunch of other items that will be essential for dealing with a crisis.
It’s just that when they finish paying for all the stuff they absolutely have to have, everything else is a luxury.
Thrift store prepping
I completely get that, and I sympathize with the plight of those who are barely scraping by.
But I also know that occasionally some unexpected money comes in. It might not be often and it might not be a lot, but it could be enough to get a survival stockpile going.
How? By purchasing items at the lowest possible price. And by doing it over time, rather than trying to gather everything at once.
So, whether you want to get started stockpiling necessary items for an emergency or you just want to economically add to your existing stash, here are some ideas for grabbing items from a Goodwill store or other low-cost venue. Let’s call it Goodwill hunting.
An economical goldmine
Winter clothes. Coats, gloves, hats and boots can usually be found at bargain prices at Goodwill or another thrift store.
First-aid kit. This is a kit you can form by purchasing bandages, gauze and adhesive tape. You might even see a pair of crutches, a brace and a sling for sale.
Backpack. Yeah, it will be used, but so what? It will be far less expensive than a new one in a retail store. Make sure it has wide shoulder straps and a reinforced bottom.
Ponchos and other rain gear. Most of your winter clothes won’t be waterproof, so you need stuff that is. Grab an umbrella while you’re at it.
Sewing kit. Fabric, needles and thread will come in very handy when stores are not open and you have to mend clothes or a tent.
Gas can. If the grid goes down and gas stations close, a gas can filled with gasoline will be a precious commodity.
Tools. No one is going to care how shiny their tools are in a crisis. Pick up some used hammers, screwdrivers, shovels and rakes.
Blankets. Even if the inevitable disaster occurs during the warmer half of the year, nights will get cold. Wool blankets will feel like lifesavers.
Camping equipment. Look for used tents and camp stoves, which will be much cheaper at thrift stores than elsewhere.
Pots, pans and other kitchen gear. Very expensive when they’re new, these items can be found at great prices in thrift stores.
Survival items. Multi-tools, Mylar blankets and other survival gear can often be found at these types of stores.
Books/Games/Crayons. If you have to bug out and TV is a thing of the past, these items will provide boredom relief for you and the kids or grandkids.
Hunting gear. Even if you’ve never hunted before, grab some camouflage clothes, game bags and boots. You may have to hunt for your meals.
I can’t walk to even go to a place like that! House bound!! And very poor! I only get 744$ a month!! I am what I am I guess!
I currently am a part-time minimum wage earner, at least until SS kicks in very soon. I began seriously prepping last year… Gear and everything. Did I locate done bargains? Sure have. Have I purchased new? Sure have. What began with an urban prepping book has blossomed into how to plan and prepare first a week supply for two a year ago into todays reaching the 90 day mark. Much came by donation, more by up-cycling. My first book was quite correct… ANY budget. I’m living proof… This requires a plan and a level of commitment… Yet it can be reality on literally ANY budget anywhere.
Where I live lots of people put stuff outside for free n on face book there is groups that u can post to looking for help with stuff for free etc
Great idea!! I hadn’t thought of thrift stores. I am slowly building a supply, but am legally blind so it takes a lot for me to have a way to go and extra money. But, it can be done. I am living proof. Sometimes it is more of a struggle but it can be done
I will begin by saying, I regret you have presented this article. Why? I am a thrift store addict. All that you mentioned is correct. Now I will have more competition. Thanks to thrift stores I have a great collection of gear, such as camp stoves, tents, sleeping bags, quality muti tools, etc. You name it, I have it. You can throw in vintage, quality fishing gear. True it is. I can’t get my car into the garage. Thanks for your true and helpful article – even with encouraging competition.
Sorry for “stealing your thunder” there, RJ. :)
I’m sure there’s plenty of thrift store items to go around.