15 Affordable Survival Items You’ll Regret Not Stocking Up On

Being prepared doesn’t mean spending a fortune. With smart planning, you can stock up on essential items without breaking the bank.

Having the right supplies, like food, water, or basic tools, can make all the difference in an emergency. These practical, affordable items are perfect for any household looking to boost its readiness.

We selected these essentials because they cover the basics of survival while staying budget-friendly. Each item serves a specific purpose, ensuring you’re prepared for various situations without overspending.

1. Rice

White Rice
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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 with oxygen absorbers, white rice can last up to 30 years. In typical pantry conditions, it lasts about 4-5 years.

2. Dried Beans

Dried Beans
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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 1-2 years before quality diminishes.

3. Salt

salt
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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, although iodized salt may lose its iodine content after about 5 years. It can also be used for cleaning and as a de-icing agent in winter emergencies.

4. Water Storage Containers

Blue plastic bottles or blue gallons of drinking water, water storage containers
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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.

5. Candles

candles
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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.

6. Matches

box of matches
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Waterproof matches are a must-have for any emergency kit. A box of 250 waterproof matches costs about $5-$7 and can last for several years when stored in a dry place, though their effectiveness may decrease over time. These matches will light even in wet conditions, making them invaluable for starting fires for warmth, cooking, or signaling in emergencies.

7. Bleach

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

8. Vinegar

Distilled White Vinegar
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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.

9. Soap

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

10. First Aid Supplies

first aid kit
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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 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 available immediately.

11. Multivitamins

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

12. Toilet Paper

stockpile toilet rolls
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While not technically essential for survival, toilet paper significantly improves the 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.

13. Trash Bags

garbage bags
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Heavy-duty trash bags have numerous uses in emergencies. 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.

14. Duct Tape

Man holding Duct tape
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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.

15. Manual Can Opener

Manual can opener
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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.

14 Essential Canned Goods for Your Emergency Pantry

selection of canned goods
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I firmly believe in keeping a well-stocked emergency pantry. While fresh food is ideal, in a survival situation, we may not be that lucky. So, for my family, even though we grow a lot of our own food, canned goods play a crucial role in emergency preparedness. They offer a reliable source of nutrition when access to fresh produce may be limited. The goods you stockpile should be affordable, easy to store, and full of nutrition.

25 Winter Foraging Foods to Save Money on Your Grocery Bill

foraging
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Preparing for a recession is more important than ever in these uncertain times. I understand the challenges and fears you might face, so I’ve compiled these 25 actionable tips to recession-proof your prepping plans. Each suggestion can help you stay ahead, ensuring that you’re surviving and thriving, even in tough economic times.

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

Get home bag
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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.

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