Get prepared at yard sales! Look for these 10 items

By C. J. Refsland on July 3, 2013 • ( 1 )

My Comment: This was sent to me via email from a friend. I thought it was so good, I had to share it. I know this is common sense but this is one thing I hadn’t thought about. Yard Sales! This is from ‘The Survival Mom’, there’s links in the article to her site, if you want to check it out. I’ve had several ask ‘what can we do?’ Here’s one thing I recommend to all. And she’s right with the holiday’s sometimes Garage Sales are booming. Happy hunting!

Over the holiday weekend, I thought that many of you might be checking out yard sales. This list might help you add some important prepping supplies to your stash and save tons of money.– Lisa)

Prepping doesn’t have to be expensive. Many of the items you would need to comfortably live through any short or long term disaster can be found second-hand for pennies on the dollar. Here are some of my favorite things to keep an eye out for at yard sales and thrift stores…

1. Lighting: Oil lamps, candles, flashlights

These items are definitely worth picking up any time you find them for a good deal. You can never have too much lighting. If you can find lamp oil and wicks, be sure to grab them up as well. Used candles can sometimes be found for free at yard sales, so be on the look out for a freebies box. Even candles with very little wax can be melted down and rendered into a new candle, so scoop them up every chance you get.

2. Camping Gear

If you don’t have a tent big enough to accommodate you and your family, look for one. You never know when you’ll need a temporary shelter of some kind. Sleeping bags, camping cooksets and mess kits, backpacks, water bottles/thermoses, cots… I’m always looking out for these types of things.

3. Fishing/Hunting Gear

Camo, bows, guns, fishing rods, tackle boxes- all great things to buy second hand when you find a good deal.

4. Tools

You want to gravitate toward GOOD quality tools. Cheap junk won’t do anybody a bit of good in an emergency. Look for gardening tools, such as shovels, hoes, rakes, etc. and woodworking tools, such as axes and hammers and saws. Non-electric models are a better investment, as well as things that don’t require gasoline.

5. Cast Iron Cookware

If you’ll be doing any cooking over an open flame, you’ll need cast iron cookware. Rusted cast iron can be restored by baking and greasing it, so don’t let that scare you away from a good buy. Just make sure it isn’t rusted through.

6. Sewing & Knitting supplies

Materials, needles, thread- these items could be extremely useful and valuable in a long term emergency situation. You can never have too many needles and thread… think bartering items. If you don’t have a sewing machine, keep your eye out for one of those as well, especially an old fashioned treadle machine which runs on foot power. Items such as yarn and knitting/crocheting tools would be equally as handy to have.

7. Winter Coats/Accessories

Good quality winter jackets can be very expensive when buying them new. It’s much wiser to pick them up when you find them for a steal, even if it means buying something your kids will have to grow into. Warm hats, good, thick gloves, snow boots, long underwear, ski masks- these are all things you should look for.

8. Hiking Boots

High quality boots in good condition are definitely worth keeping an eye out for, in kids and adult sizes. Even if you come across a super good deal on a nice pair of boots and they aren’t a size you need, they can always be used as a bartering item.

9. Medical Supplies

Bandages, splints, slings, ankle supports, and wrist guards are all things you might look for. I particularly look for good quality hot water bottles. When I was pricing the new ones, I was shocked to find they typically run $10 (for cheaper ones) to $20 (better quality ones). Finding a good one for $1-$2 at a yard sale is MUCH better than spending that kind of dough on a new one.

10. Food Preservation Equipment

Canning jars and tools, canners, dehydrators, food savers- all of these things can be found second-hand for so much less than you’d pay for them at the store.

The next time you drive by a yard sale sign, turn your car around and see what they’ve got for sale. You never know what treasures are waiting to be found there!

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Check out these episodes of Survival Mom Radio Hour!

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Finally, 2 sales you should know about…

25% off all Mountain House#10 cans from Freeze Dry Guy. This sale has been extended through Wednesday, July 10.
Get 20% off all PurifiCup purchases through midnight, July 7. Use code 2013JULY4 (all caps) for discount.

Life is good. Enjoy your week!

Lisa Bedford,

The Survival Mom

Survival Mom, How to Prepare Your Family for Everyday Disasters & Worst Case Scenarios — available online and in bookstores!

Hat tip to JD