You don’t need a year’s supply of toilet paper to survive, but consider stocking up on these items. While it’s good to be prepared, you need to know what’s worth storing up in case you need to just spend more time at home.
Here are Some of the Best Options if You’re Looking to Store Up:
1. Cleaning Supplies
It’s always good to have extra cleaning supplies on hand. Just note that bleach is an exception. Bleach has a shelf-life of about six months, as we have reported, and its disinfecting power starts to degrade after that.
2. Soap
Another household item to store in case of shortages is bar soap. While most of us like liquid hand soap, it can get expensive compared to other forms. Consider stocking up on bars of soap to use for both hand washing and showers.
Bar soap is less expensive and can be stored easily. Bar soap also lasts longer than other forms of soap and can be shaved or cut down if needed.
3. Meats
While meat only lasts a few days or so when stored in the refrigerator, it can last when frozen. You can use a vacuum-sealing device to get rid of the extra air from each bag before you put it in the freezer. By getting rid of the excess air, you will keep your meat fresh even longer. If you are not already stocking up on different types of meat, now is a good time to start. Stocking up on meat helps you save hundreds of dollars each year. If you want to have a freezer full of essential food options, learn how to stock up without going over the budget.
You may already know that the price of meat fluctuates. The cost will depend on several factors. Local grocery stores often run sales and have manager specials at certain times during the week. The manager specials often occur when the meat is approaching its sell-by date.
4. Personal Hygiene Basics
It’s always good to have at least an extra month’s supply of personal hygiene basics like toothpaste, shampoo, body wash, and deodorant. If you have a baby, stock up on diapers and wipes.
5. Dried Fruit
Fresh fruit can spoil quickly, but dried fruit can last a lot longer because the moisture has been removed from it. If you are adventurous, you can make your own with a dehydrator! Store it properly — and enjoy it in baked goods, in your cereal or oatmeal, or as a healthy snack.
6. Vinegar & Baking Soda
Vinegar and baking soda are two of the most versatile pantry items. Besides their uses in cooking, they can do double-duty to help you clean your home.
7. Frozen Vegetables & Fruits
Frozen fruits and vegetables are a great alternative and last much longer. Since the quality degrades over time, don’t forget to rotate your stash, using the oldest frozen fruits and veggies first. Canned goods in these items can work as well but fresh is always best!
7. Matches
Matches are another necessary item that many households don’t have. While we all can usually find a forgotten box of matches in the pantry, you will need more when an emergency situation occurs. Stock up on boxes of matches and store them well so that they don’t get wet and ruined.
8. Plastic Bags
Keeping all of those plastic bags from the grocery store could help when shortages occur. Plastic bags have many different uses and can help in multiple ways.
9. Hydrogen Peroxide
Another great item to stock up on is hydrogen peroxide. This natural disinfectant can be made into spray and wipes to use around the house to kill germs.
Hydrogen peroxide also cleans cuts and scrapes, which is essential in an emergency. Make sure to store it in the dark bottles that it comes in, however, as it immediately loses effectiveness when exposed to light.
10. First Aid Supplies
Stocking up can be helpful if a shortage should occur. Creating a first aid kit with plenty of bandaids, gauze, and athletic tape is a smart idea. Pain, allergy, and fever-reducing medicines should be part as well.
Keeping these items is essential at any time of the year. However, when shortages occur in an emergency, it is best to have the right items on hand. Consider getting these household items to stock up on in case of shortages to keep your family and property safe no matter what the future holds.
Any items that YOU think are important to have on hand? List them below; we’d love your input to help others add to their list!
Article Credit: https://www.moneytalksnews.com/slideshows/best-things-to-stockpile/ https://homesteadsurvivalsite.com/household-items-to-stockpile-in-case-of-shortages/ https://www.imperfectlyhappy.com/stock-up-on-meat/
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