If you are looking into prepping, you will have quickly realized that it is not a cheap thing to do. While it is brilliant to be prepared if anything were to go wrong, the planning does take time. Not only can prepping be time-consuming, but the building up of resources is no cheap task.
When it comes to prepping it may feel like there is an endless list of supplies that you need. While it is true that you can never be prepared enough, there are ways to prep on a budget.
We will not sugar coat things, prepping is an expensive task, especially if you want to be fully prepared for a disaster. However, the key aspect is knowing where and how to spend the money that you have. If you purchase the correct supplies and do not waste money on things that are not an instant necessity, it is possible.
In this article, we will be focusing on a handful of resources that are essential when it comes to prepping. We will be talking you through the things that you should prioritize and purchase when you are on a budget.
Food
The first and most important things to consider are your food and water supplies. While it is great to have a good bug out or the best survival equipment, you will not get far without food.
When you are looking for food supplies to stockpile, perishable goods are a big no-no. You want to choose food supplies that have a significantly longer shelf life.
Canned and dried goods are some of the best options available. There are so many different types of canned foods available that will help to keep you sustained. From fruits and vegetables to beans, legumes, and meats.
We would recommend purchasing a wide variety of canned and dried goods. While these foods may not be as nutritional as fresh food, they are great in a disaster or emergency.
You need to think smartly. Purchase long-lasting items such as flour, which you can then use to make bread, for example. Dried pasta will keep for a long time and is a great option. Dehydrated food like beef jerky is also a good option. Energy bars are great for calorie-dense options on the go.
If you have a small budget, build up your food supply over a few months. Purchase 3 or 4 cans each time you do a grocery shop. Slowly but surely your supply will increase.
Water
Water is essential, without access to clean drinking water, in an emergency, you will not survive for long. This is why you will need to ensure that you have enough water to last you for a good period.
We would recommend purchasing bottled water. It is fairly inexpensive and does not have an expiry date. It is good to have a significant amount of bottled water to last you until you can search for a safe water source.
In the long run, we would recommend purchasing a water purifier. You can purchase water purifying straws that allow you to extract safe drinking water from seemingly dirty water sources. These are great to keep on your person at all times. You can purchase larger water purifiers too.
It is also worth considering purchasing long-life milk and powdered milk. In addition to this, instant coffee is a great purchase to help with caffeine intake.
If you want to purchase other bottled drinks you can, but for those on a budget, water is the only necessity.
First Aid
First aid supplies should be a priority. If there is an emergency, it is unlikely you will be able to visit your doctor.
Given this, you want to ensure you have the basic first aid supplies should you become injured.
Here are the items we would recommend purchasing first:
- Bandages
- Band-Aids
- Cotton pads
- Butterfly strips
- Antiseptic wipes
- Antiseptic cream
- Hand sanitizer
- Tweezers
- Scissors
- Sling
- Bandages
- Gloves
- Pain relief tablets
- Diarrhea tablets
- Anti-inflammatory pain relief
- Cold and flu medication
- Syringe
- Iodine
Here are just a few examples of things you should include in your first aid kit. If you or any family members require medication such as asthma inhalers or epi-pens for allergic reactions, these should be included.
You should try to have as many medical supplies as possible, but we would recommend starting with the most important when on a budget.
Essential Items
In addition to food, water, and first aid supplies, there are many essential supplies you will need. While the importance of an item can be debated, these are the things we feel are essential.
We could produce a list that is a KM long of all of the potential things you could need, but it is important to spend your money wisely when on a budget.
Here are some of the things you should consider purchasing first:
- Can opener
- Flashlight
- Lighter
- Batteries
- Power bank
- Camping stove
- Knife/multitool
- Water bottle
- Sturdy rucksack
- Compass
- Flintstone
- Tarpaulin
- Knife, Fork, and Spoon (or a spork)
- Duct Tape
- Blanker
These are just a few suggestions and the items you choose will vary depending on your situation. For example, if you have a bug out, you will have more space to store essentials. However, if you are on the move, the amount you can carry will be limited.
Sanitary Products
Hygiene is important, even when you are in a survival situation. Depending on your situation, there are some hygiene items you should consider. If you have a bug out, it is easier to store these items.
Here are a few things that you should consider purchasing:
- Toilet paper
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and dental floss
- Tampons or sanitary pads
- Hand sanitizer
- Bar of soap
- Face/baby wipes
- Handwash
- Tissues
These are the bare essentials that you should try to include. However, if you are on a tight budget, you can purchase either toilet paper or tissues. In addition to this, hand sanitizer can be used as a substitute for hand wash.
Summary
Prepping on a budget is possible. While it may take you longer to build up your supplies, starting with the essentials is the most important thing to remember.
While you may want to purchase the latest gadget, ensuring you have enough food and water is the best starting point.
Once your essentials are all purchased, this is when you can start expanding on your supplies.
As we have mentioned above, the list is endless when it comes to prepping, but stripping it back to the basics is the best advice we can give to those on a budget.