How to Find Low Cost Prepping Items

Garage sales are a popular go-to, but they’re not the only option. Here are five great places to find SHTF items that you may not have considered.

GEAR & TOOLS

9/5/20247 min read

a couple browsing goods a flea market for disaster prepping

8 Great Places Every Prepper Needs to Look for Cheap Finds

When preparing for a SHTF (Sh*t Hits the Fan) scenario, acquiring the right gear is essential. While many people focus on specialized survival stores, there are plenty of overlooked places where you can find useful items at a fraction of the cost. Garage sales are a popular go-to, but they’re not the only option. Here are five great places to find SHTF items that you may not have considered.

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When I first started consulting with clients about disaster preparedness, I learned quickly that the devil is in the details—not just in what you prepare, but how you acquire it. Over the years, I've helped people build supply caches for every kind of scenario imaginable. The one universal truth? Smart buying matters as much as strategic planning. The art of finding great deals on prepping and barter box items can mean the difference between a well-equipped household and one struggling to make ends meet when it matters most. My clients often remind me of one crucial lesson: preparation isn't just about having a plan—it's about executing it wisely and economically, especially with inflation being a major threat, whether it is planned by the deep state or not.

For those of us who think beyond the next grocery trip, finding deals becomes less of a hobby and more of a mission. Budgeting will save you money, and this ties directly into having a financial prepping plan for disasters. Without a way to save and pay off debts, beginning a plan for buying barter items could seem difficult. If you don't have a plan, at the very least start buy learning to find deals. What better way than practicing at flea markets and garage sales to find pepper items and barter box trade items. Every penny saved on gear, supplies, or barter-ready items can be invested back into your survival plan. A five-dollar discount on a multi-tool might not sound like much today, but when it’s paired with a stack of canned goods bought at half price, you’re building resilience without breaking the bank. The key is knowing where and how to look for these deals. Flea markets, clearance sales, online auctions, and second-hand shops—these are the gold mines for the savvy prepper.

The beauty of the barter box is its dual purpose: insurance for the unknown and leverage in negotiation. A well-stocked barter box isn’t just a cache of spare items; it’s an arsenal of currency. High-demand items like portable water filters, hygiene supplies, and small tools will hold their value in almost any crisis scenario. The trick is acquiring these items without overpaying. Keep an eye on seasonal sales for camping and outdoor gear, buy in bulk where it makes sense, and don’t shy away from haggling when you can. Clients who’ve mastered these techniques often tell me they’re not just better prepared but feel a deeper sense of control over their future.

E-commerce platforms offer a unique advantage. Deals on pre-packaged emergency kits or discounted freeze-dried meals pop up frequently. You have to act fast, though; competition among buyers is fierce. Notifications and alerts for specific categories can help you stay ahead of the curve. Additionally, connecting with prepping communities online opens doors to group buys or even barter opportunities within the network. The preparedness world is a thriving ecosystem of resourcefulness, and knowing where to tap in is part of the challenge—and reward.

Then there’s the old-school approach: boots on the ground. Weekend trips to estate sales or local auctions can yield surprising finds, from medical supplies to quality tools. These aren’t just opportunities to gather supplies but also to practice evaluating value under pressure. Learn to spot the difference between a bargain and a burden. A cheap flashlight that fails at the wrong moment could be as costly as not having one at all. Experience teaches discernment, and there’s no substitute for putting your hands on an item to judge its worth.

Prepping isn’t just for yourself—it’s for your family, your neighbors, and anyone you might rely on or who may rely on you. That’s why barter boxes are so critical. Items like coffee, over-the-counter stockpile medicines, and even packs of batteries can become powerful tools of negotiation. These are the things people will clamor for when resources are tight. But acquiring them doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Warehouse stores, dollar shops, and even seasonal clearance racks are fertile hunting grounds for such items. The more you’re able to stock up without compromising your budget, the more you’re ensuring stability in an otherwise volatile future.

Prepping on a budget isn’t a matter of luck; it’s a skill that can be cultivated with time and practice. I’ve seen clients who started with next to nothing build stockpiles that rival seasoned preppers simply by being smart about their acquisitions. It’s about having the patience to wait for the right deal, the knowledge to recognize value, and the discipline to prioritize needs over wants. Mastering these elements means you’re not just prepared for disaster—you’re prepared to thrive in the face of it.

1. Estate Sales

Estate sales are often more fruitful than garage sales because they typically involve selling off an entire household's possessions, often after someone passes away. This means you can find a wider variety of high-quality goods, including durable tools, long-term food storage items, kitchen equipment, and survival-related materials like camping gear, hand tools, or old-fashioned household items that don’t rely on electricity.

What to Look For:
- Hand tools (axes, hammers, saws, etc.)
- Canning supplies (jars, lids, pressure cookers)
- Camping and outdoor gear
- Cast iron cookware
- Old books on gardening, homesteading, or DIY skills
Why Estate Sales are Great: The variety of items available is unmatched, and you can often negotiate prices, especially on the last day of the sale.

2. Thrift Stores

Thrift stores are an excellent resource for inexpensive survival items. These stores often receive donations of all kinds, ranging from clothing to outdoor gear to kitchen equipment. Thrift stores can be a goldmine for practical survival goods at very low prices, especially for those on a tight budget.

What to Look For:
- Heavy-duty clothing (denim, flannel, wool)
- Backpacks and duffle bags
- Camping gear (sleeping bags, tents, mess kits)
- Tools (manual can openers, screwdrivers, pliers)
- Blankets and linens
Why Thrift Stores are Great: Prices are consistently low, and inventory constantly changes. If you visit often, you’ll find great deals on a wide variety of SHTF essentials.

3. Flea Markets

Flea markets are a treasure trove for finding both new and used SHTF items. Sellers often specialize in certain types of goods, so you can find everything from knives to first aid supplies to outdoor gear in one trip. Unlike garage sales, flea markets are often held regularly, giving you more consistent opportunities to browse for items.

What to Look For:
- Knives, multi-tools, and hand tools
- Military surplus gear (tactical clothing, bags, boots)
- Cooking supplies (cast iron pans, portable stoves)
- Ammo cans and storage containers
- Solar-powered gadgets (lanterns, radios, chargers)
Why Flea Markets are Great: They offer a mix of new and used items at negotiable prices, and because of the specialized vendors, you can often find specific items you need without scouring multiple sales.

4. Online Auction Sites

Online auction sites like eBay, Craigslist, and Facebook Marketplace are great places to score deals on survival gear and supplies. These platforms give you access to a wide variety of goods from across the country, and many sellers offer used items at steep discounts compared to buying new.

What to Look For:
- Bulk survival food or MREs (Meals Ready-to-Eat)
- Water filtration systems (used or new)
- Solar generators and power banks
- Survival kits (new or used)
- Medical supplies (bandages, tourniquets, trauma kits)
Why Online Auctions are Great: You can browse at your convenience, often find hard-to-locate items, and set price alerts for specific gear you’re searching for. Auctions and “Buy It Now” options let you score items at lower prices than retail stores.

5. Military Surplus Stores

Military surplus stores are an ideal place to find rugged, high-quality survival gear at a fraction of the cost of modern survival stores. Military gear is designed to last in harsh conditions, making it perfect for SHTF scenarios. Many items like clothing, backpacks, and tools are built for heavy-duty use and are typically more affordable than civilian equivalents.

What to Look For:
- Tactical backpacks and load-bearing gear
- Durable boots and clothing (especially cold-weather gear)
- Cooking stoves and mess kits
- Emergency blankets and sleeping bags
- Ammo cans and firearm accessories
Why Military Surplus Stores are Great: You’re guaranteed to find items built for durability, often at a much lower price than civilian alternatives. Plus, much of the gear is multipurpose and ideal for both survival and everyday outdoor use.

6. Farm Supply Stores

Farm and ranch supply stores often stock practical tools and supplies that are essential for long-term survival. These stores typically cater to agricultural needs, so you can find equipment built for durability and self-reliance.

What to Look For:
- Seeds for gardening and crop cultivation
- Water storage barrels and rainwater collection systems
- Animal feed and livestock care items
- Manual farming tools (shovels, hoes, hand plows)
- Work gloves, boots, and heavy-duty clothing

7. Salvage Yards

Salvage yards (junkyards or scrap yards) are often overlooked but are great places to find useful materials and tools at incredibly low prices. While it requires some digging, these places can yield valuable parts for DIY projects or repairs.

What to Look For:
- Metal sheets, pipes, and rebar for building or reinforcing structures
- Vehicle parts for off-grid repairs
- Large containers or barrels for water or food storage
- Wood planks or pallets for construction
- Old tools and hardware

8. Homesteading and Prepping Groups and Forums

Online and local homesteading communities often hold swap meets, trade events, or simply sell or give away excess supplies. These groups are made up of people who live off-grid or practice self-sufficiency, making them a great resource for high-quality survival gear and knowledge.

What to Look For:
- DIY tools and equipment (solar panels, hand pumps)
- Livestock and poultry for sustainable food production
- Gardening supplies and heirloom seeds
- Preserving equipment like dehydrators and canning jars
- Barter opportunities for practical survival items