A lot of people ask themselves, “What should I stockpile for economic collapse?”
Here are 9 must-have items you should always have with you as you prepare for what will happen if the economy collapses.
RELATED: Survival Economic Collapse: 16 Practical Ways to Survive an Economic Crisis
What Should I Stockpile for Economic Collapse | The Complete Guide
1. Water
What should I stockpile for economic collapse?? Water is perhaps the most important resource to have during any emergency.
Before an economic collapse or any other natural disaster, make sure to stockpile a few gallons of water for you and your family.
Keep at least one gallon of water per person per day. Stockpile enough water that will last for at least a week. This should give you enough time to think of other methods of collecting water later on.
If you plan on living off-grid after an economic meltdown, there are a ton of other ways you can collect water. If you have access to surface water, for example, you can just collect it in buckets.
Other alternatives during an emergency like this are to create a rainwater collection system or to retrofit a well with a hand pump.
2. Food
Next to water, food is the most important resource to stockpile. When stocking food, make sure to choose canned goods and other food items that will last for at least a few months. This often includes staples like beans, rice, wheat, oats, freeze-dried food, and many more.
Before going shopping, take into account the individual preferences of the members of your household. This will help make sure that morale is kept high should an economic collapse happen.
Take note of any food allergies as well. During an emergency like this, the last thing you want is someone needing to be rushed to the hospital because of an allergic reaction that could have been avoided.
Finally, once you’re done shopping, keep a list of the items in your food storage and their corresponding expiry dates. Rotate out any food items that may be nearing expiry and use them in your kitchen. Replace these items as needed so you know that your stock is always fresh.
3. Emergency Kit Items
An emergency kit should have at least the following items inside it:
- A first aid kit
- Light sources like matches and flashlights
- Batteries
- Insect repellants
- Prescription medicines and other over-the-counter medicines
- Radio
Make sure to keep all these together in one easy-to-carry container. This will come in handy when you and your family find the need to move to a different location.
Additionally, keep a list of special medications your family might need. Stock up on these early. In dire situations, pharmacies are often the ones that run out of supplies first.
4. Cash and Budget
In an economic meltdown, always remember the saying, “Cash is king.” Crises like these often mean that even the largest banks can go out of business. If the economy collapses, your savings may just go down the drain with these big businesses.
Avoid this by keeping a few thousand bucks in cash ready. If possible, store it in an envelope and place it inside a safe at home. This should help make sure that in a worst-case scenario, you’ll still have the resources you need to purchases some essentials.
Additionally, prepare a budget. Make a list of the items you will spend that cash on. As much as possible, limit the spending of this cash to absolute essentials and emergencies. Stockpile your other needs early on so that they no longer need to be a part of the budget you will make.
5. Hygiene Items
Another one in the “what should I stockpile for economic collapse” list is hygiene items. They don’t just keep you from smelling bad but also help make sure that you stay clean.
Emergencies like these may mean that you’ll have to get down on the ground and get your hands dirty. Do not risk catching some disease by keeping things around you clean.
Some of these items include:
- Soap and shampoo
- Toothbrushes and toothpaste
- Dishwashing liquid
- Detergent
- Plastic bags
- Feminine hygiene
RELATED: Protecting Your Money in an Economic Decline
6. Fuel
Needless to say, in an economic crisis, gas prices go through the roof. Avoid having to spend a million dollars on gas by stocking up on this valuable resource early on.
Gas is useful in a lot of situations. It can come in useful for when the power goes out and you have to run the generator. It will also come in handy in case you and your family have to move to a different location.
As early as now, fossil fuel supplies are already drying up and renewable energy resources are not yet as widely used as they should be. Make sure to store enough fuel early on for these needs.
7. Valuable Tools
Some basic tools can make a big difference when it comes to your ability to provide for the needs of your family during an economic meltdown. The time to get them is now while you still have the resources and while they are still available.
A complete toolbox should be the first thing on your checklist. Make sure it has all the handyman tools you need for general home and auto repairs. These items include hammers, nails, screwdrivers, screws, saws, utility knives, tape measures, pliers, glue, and many more.
Gardening tools are also must-haves if you are going to survive an economic meltdown. They will come in handy when you find the need to start homesteading so you can grow your food.
Some essential gardening tools include shovels, rakes, pruners, trowels, wheelbarrows, and more.
8. Self-defense Items
Economic crises can bring out the worst in people. It may force some to do undesirable things just so they can survive. This is especially true for the unprepared.
Make sure that you are equipped to protect yourself and your family by keeping your home secure. As much as possible, do not go broadcasting to the world how well-prepared you are for the crisis. You do not want to attract the attention of those with bad intentions.
Have alarm systems in place as well. These systems can contact your local authorities should someone enter your home without your permission.
If need be, equip yourself and members of your family who are old enough with weapons. Make sure that they are trained to use these weapons. Emphasize to them that they are to be used only when necessary.
Additionally, have an emergency plan in place for your family. This plan should be designed specifically for situations like these. Make sure that everyone understands where to go and what to do if someone unwanted tries to enter your home.
9. Knowledge and Skills
Your mind just might be your biggest asset in a situation like this. Make sure to stockpile as much survival knowledge and skills before an emergency happens.
If you can, stockpile books that tell you exactly how to deal with different kinds of emergencies. Of course, it is better as well if you can read them all well before the emergency happens.
Learn basic skills like making repairs to your home, fixing cars, homesteading, and many more.
These things will all come in handy should you and your family decide that living off-grid is the best course of action.
If you’re still wondering whether you really need to answer the question, “What should I stockpile for economic collapse?” then check out this video courtesy of FREENVESTING and find out:
A lot of people ask, “What should I stockpile for economic collapse?” Make sure you look at our list of items to have in your emergency stash so you and your family are prepared to survive any of these emergencies.
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