Before It’s News – by N. Morgan
When things become tight and going to the store and buying what you need becomes impossible, you will need to utilize your hoard items wisely. One way to do this is to find reusable items. I found a list of just such items, to help in a SHTF situation. I cannot stress enough how important this list could be to your very survival.
1. Cloth Napkins– Stop throwing your money in the trash can every month, and save a bundle by replacing paper towels with cloth napkins. Make sure to buy something absorbent, not a fancy napkin meant for laps only.
2. Handkerchiefs- Do people still use these nowadays? Sure they do! We stopped buying boxes of Kleenex long ago, and have enjoyed the convenience of never running out of a hankie when you need one.
3. The “Family Cloth”- Instead of stocking up on roll after roll of toilet paper (which can be ruined by moisture, eaten by mice, and is a fire hazard), consider having a good stash of soft, washable cloths to wipe with instead. Use these along with a squirt bottle of water, and it really isn’t as bad as it sounds.
4. Cloth Diapers and Wipes- Super easy to use, and much more economical than disposables. It would stink (haha) to use up the last of baby’s diapers and have no way of getting more. Buy a pack of prefold cloth diapers and some pins, and never worry about running out.
5. BPA Free Plastic Dishes- Have a durable set of plates, bowls and cups that won’t break when dropped and can handle long term use. These can be for everyday, but can also be thrown in a Bug-Out-Bag when necessary.
6. Tattler Reusable Canning Lids- Instead of stocking up on a huge supply of one-time-use canning lids, consider buying Tattlers as your budget allows. They’ll last indefinitely, as long as you take good care of them. It’s a relief to know that I’ll never run out of canning lids with my Tattlers on hand.
7. Permanent Coffee Filter- If you plan on making a cup of Joe when the SHTF, grab a washable coffee filter instead of a stack of disposables. You can also use it for making teas, straining herbs for medicinal purposes, and straining fresh milk, among other things.
8. Washable Feminine Hygiene Products- Yes, have some tampons and pads for convenience. But for a long term situation I’d highly recommend the Diva Cup and a few packs of Glad Rags. This may be TMI… but I’ve been using these products exclusively for over a year now, and absolutely love them.
9. Straight or “Fixed Blade” Razors- You know, the kind our great-grandparents likely used. There’s a learning curve, and they’re a bit of an investment up-front to buy new, but think of the freedom of never having to buy disposable razors again! Of course, you could just grow a beard… or hairy legs. In a true survival situation grooming probably won’t be top priority.
10. Miswak Sticks- These natural sticks have been used for thousands of years for cleaning teeth naturally. They require no water and no toothpaste. Although they do eventually wear out, I’ve read where people have used the same stick for six months, up to several years (with the thicker Miswaks). You can make your own teeth cleaning sticks out of Dogwood, Walnut, Sassafras, and other tree varieties (click here for more info). A great alternative to stocking up on toothbrushes and toothpaste.
The video I’ve included shows you have to save money on preps and how to get the most for your money. Being prepared for any event is essential to you and your family’s safety and security.
Other necessary items:
Here is an oldie but goodie. Got a silver dollar? Got milk? Down the road when there might be a problem keeping things like milk longer without refrigeration do what our grannies did and place a silver dollar in it and viola it prevents bacteria from growing and souring the milk. It wont fit in a jug but it will a carton. If you cant get cartons of milk find a glass jar that will hold the amount of milk you use.
Also for deoderant there is nothing that can beat baking soda. I do recommend that you use the organic kind only (no chemicals). Save all small pieces of your bars of soap they will come in handy in time. Put them in a jar with a little water.
Baby powder at the dollar store can help keep you dry and prevent chaffing.
Have some zinc oxide cream on hand too.
Do not forget powder charcoal (its a must) for food poisoning and anything bad you get in your system through the digestive track. You must have this on hand. Spoiled food will be a problem down the road.
Keep on hand garlic gels they are great dewormers for pets, kids and anyone else infected with worms. Kids are prone to pin worms and in less than 48 hours they are gone. They also are good for earaches prick one warmed with a pin and squeeze in affected ear.
Do not forget the old stand-by clothes pins and get some line. You will need it, I promise you.
That’s all for now but there is plenty left to do.
Im always thinking of how I would resupply/make socks and boots post collapse. So long as the UN sends troops we will not run out,,, but what about when there is no more enemy to resupply from?
I go through about 2-3dozen socks a year (Im a sucker for new socks and use the old ones as b-room rags). Now while better boots last longer if your living and sleeping in them 24/7 even the best boots may only last 1-2 years.
I have a good farming and electronics backgrounds. I can shoot very well both handed too. I dont really want to become a shoe/sock maker as well.
Where is the dating site for finding a partner who is a shoesock maker?lol
Maybe its called soles for soul mates.com lol
or my darning partner .com