How to Find Low Cost Prepping Items

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EMERGENCY PREP

9/5/20244 min read

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.

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 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