Garage sales and thrift stores are treasure troves for preppers looking to build their emergency supplies without breaking the bank. Whether you’re preparing for a natural disaster, power outage, or unexpected emergency, you can find a wide variety of useful, affordable items that might just make all the difference. Shopping second-hand not only saves you money but also helps you collect unique and often high-quality items that would be pricey if bought new. Here are 30 items preppers should always keep an eye out for when thrifting or attending garage sales.
1. Cast Iron Cookware
Cast iron pans, pots, and skillets are durable, versatile, and can be used over an open fire or in a standard kitchen. Since they distribute heat evenly, they’re perfect for cooking in survival situations. Plus, they last a lifetime if cared for properly, and you can often find them much cheaper second-hand.
2. Hand Tools
Non-electric hand tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, and hammers are essential for repairs when power is unavailable. Look for quality tools with wooden or metal handles, which are sturdier than many modern plastic versions. A good set of hand tools could be vital for home repairs or even building shelters in an emergency.
3. Canning Jars and Lids
Canning supplies are crucial for preserving food long-term, especially if you’re growing your own produce. At garage sales, you might find boxes of jars, lids, and rings that can be reused again and again. Just be sure to inspect the jars for cracks and the lids for rust or wear.
4. Blankets and Sleeping Bags
Warm, thick blankets and sleeping bags are essential for staying warm if the power goes out, or if you’re forced to camp out unexpectedly. Heavy wool blankets are especially useful since they retain heat even when damp. Check for tears or heavy wear, but most second-hand options are still serviceable.
5. Camping Gear
Tents, lanterns, and portable stoves are great finds for preppers, often available for a fraction of the cost of new gear. Items like these are ideal for emergency shelter or cooking in the event you need to leave your home. Even partial or older kits can be useful for spare parts or backup.
6. Backpacks and Bags
Heavy-duty backpacks or duffel bags are must-haves for any prepper. They’re perfect for building bug-out bags or organizing gear. Look for military surplus bags or hiking packs designed to carry heavy loads, which are often sturdier than typical bags you’d find at a department store.
7. Solar-Powered Gadgets
Solar-powered radios, lights, or chargers are incredible finds at garage sales. These can help you stay informed and connected when power isn’t available. Test them if possible to ensure they still function, as these gadgets are invaluable during long-term power outages.
8. Wool Clothing
Wool is one of the best materials for cold-weather clothing because it retains heat even when wet and is naturally water-resistant. Look for wool sweaters, socks, and gloves at thrift stores, which can provide extra warmth during winter or in case of an emergency.
9. Gardening Tools
Whether you have a large garden or just a few potted plants, growing your own food can be a critical prepper skill. Look for sturdy gardening tools like shovels, trowels, and watering cans. Older tools are often better made than their modern plastic counterparts.
10. Fishing Gear
Fishing rods, tackle boxes, and other supplies are often sold for pennies at garage sales. Stock up on gear that can help you fish for food if necessary. Check the condition of the line, lures, and hooks, and consider whether the gear is suited to local fishing conditions.
11. Sewing Supplies
Sewing kits, fabric, and threads can come in handy if you need to repair clothing or other fabric items. A good sewing machine can be a real find, but even simple needles and threads are essential for patching up gear or clothing.
12. Candles and Lanterns
Candles and lanterns provide much-needed light in a power outage. Look for beeswax or tallow candles, which burn longer and cleaner than paraffin. Oil lamps and lanterns are also excellent choices for low-light emergencies.
13. Books on Survival Skills
Second-hand bookshops and garage sales often have hidden gems, including books on wilderness survival, first aid, homesteading, or gardening. Stocking up on knowledge is just as important as stocking up on supplies, especially if you ever need to rely on yourself for long stretches of time.
14. Non-Electric Kitchen Gadgets
Manual kitchen tools like hand-crank can openers, meat grinders, or coffee grinders can be incredibly useful in a power outage. These tools allow you to continue preparing food without electricity, and older models often last longer than modern versions.
15. Wool or Down Comforters
Warm, thick comforters made from wool or down are excellent for keeping warm during cold nights. These natural materials trap heat well and can help you stay cozy if you’re without central heating. Inspect for cleanliness and repairability before purchasing.
16. Water Containers
Water storage is essential for preppers. Look for large jugs, barrels, or smaller portable containers to store drinking water. You can often find old camping or sports water containers that, when cleaned, are great for emergency storage.
17. Hand Crank Radios
Communication is key during an emergency, and a hand-crank radio allows you to listen to emergency broadcasts even if you have no power. Look for models with weather bands or built-in flashlights for extra functionality.
18. Fire-Starting Tools
Lighters, matches, or even flint and steel kits are great additions to a prepper’s stockpile. At garage sales, you can often find large collections of matches, and old lighters can often be refueled or repaired for reuse.
19. First Aid Kits
Basic first aid supplies are often found at garage sales, from bandages and wraps to splints and slings. Even if the kit is incomplete, you can use it as a starting point and add new items as needed.
20. Cookbooks Focused on Preservation
Look for older cookbooks that include recipes for preserving food through canning, pickling, drying, or fermenting. These traditional methods can help you keep food fresh without refrigeration, and vintage cookbooks often contain useful tips no longer common in modern editions.
21. Knives and Sharpeners
Sharp knives and good sharpening stones are essential in any prepper’s arsenal. Look for quality fixed-blade knives, which are often more durable than folding ones. A good sharpening stone will keep your blades in top condition for any task, from food prep to cutting rope.
22. Tarps and Ropes
Tarps and ropes are incredibly versatile and useful for everything from creating shelters to protecting supplies from the elements. Look for thick, durable tarps and ropes that can be repurposed for multiple survival tasks.
23. Fuel Containers
While you may not find fuel at garage sales, you can often find containers designed for storing gasoline, kerosene, or propane. These containers can be invaluable for fueling generators or camp stoves during an emergency.
24. Hunting Gear
Whether it’s a bow, a pair of binoculars, or camouflage clothing, hunting gear can be useful for preppers planning to live off the land. Even if you don’t hunt, many of these items have applications for general outdoor survival.
25. Portable Water Filters
Filtering water is essential in an emergency, and portable water filters are great for ensuring clean drinking water when supplies are scarce. While rare to find, used filters like LifeStraw or Sawyer can sometimes appear at garage sales or thrift stores.
26. Maps and Compasses
If GPS isn’t working, a good map and compass are crucial for navigation. Vintage road maps, atlases, and compasses are sometimes sold cheaply at garage sales and can be essential tools in an emergency where technology fails.
27. Durable Footwear
Look for sturdy hiking boots, work boots, or rubber-soled shoes. These can be lifesavers when you need to travel long distances on foot or work in rough outdoor conditions. Check for wear and tear, but many shoes can still be repaired or repurposed.
28. Military Surplus Gear
Military gear, such as clothing, packs, and tents, is often built to last. At garage sales, you can sometimes find military surplus items that are durable, waterproof, and perfect for emergency situations.
29. Bike Parts and Accessories
In a situation where gasoline is hard to come by, bicycles could become essential for transportation. Look for bike parts, spare tires, chains, and tools to maintain them. Even if the bike isn’t usable right away, spare parts could help repair one you already own.
30. Multi-Tools
A good multi-tool can serve as a mini survival kit on its own. Look for models with knives, screwdrivers, scissors, and other useful features. Multi-tools can be an excellent, portable addition to any prepper’s kit.
