10 Items You Should Stockpile Before The Next Great Depression

The Great Depression was a worldwide economic downturn that caused severe unemployment, declines in output, and deflation in most countries around the world.

Socially and culturally, it caused harsh adversity. History often repeats itself and, with that in mind, it is important to consider household items to stockpile in the event of another depression.

What would you stockpile?

These 10 suggestions are sure to be of help. This article serves as a springboard for you to think of additional items.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is cheap and super versatile.

Another advantage is that it has a long shelf life. Unopened, it never goes bad (when opened, it stays “good” for about 6 months). Baking soda has many uses ranging from cooking to cleaning and hygienic purposes. It is 100% sodium bicarbonate which can be used as a leavening agent in baked goods.

It can also be used as a soap for cleaning and for an antiperspirant, to soothe bee stings and bug bites, and to freshen your breath by gargling (use 2 ounces of water mixed with ½ teaspoon baking soda).

Blankets

Plenty of thick wool blankets will help you stay warm during all sorts of weather.

A wool blanket has thousands of natural air pockets to trap the warmth so your body stays warm and snug. It also keeps body moisture away so you stay dry.

Wool blankets have no odor either. Stock up on several blankets for each family member and, possibly, your family pets (e.g. dogs like to snuggle and be warm, too). Store the blankets in a dry place.

Candles

Blackouts and disruptions in your electrical service make your power and light sources unpredictable.

Several candles and books/boxes of matches stored in a plastic bag/container are an assurance that you will have enough light to live and work in the darker hours of your day/night. Candles last a relatively long time so you can be safer and more productive. You can also heat a room with enough candles and ceramic pots.

Duct Tape

There are many, many uses of duct tape. Just let your brain wander and you are sure to come up with several unique ideas.

With duct tape, you can design your own temporary footwear or clothing and even construct a temporary shelter if needed. Duct tape also helps you repair useful items easier. Think about repairing glasses, mending shoes, and fixing leaks and holes.

Store up on several rolls of tape and add a few pairs of scissors to make it easier to cut the tape.

Gloves

A wide variety of gloves will help you in any situation. Cold weather gloves will keep you warm, gardening gloves can be used for planting seeds and growing various vegetables and herbs, and latex or rubber gloves are necessary for cleaning.

Watch for sales or sew your own. Consider adding various sizes for additional members of your family.

Needles and Thread

Fixing holes and rips in clothing that you own is a valuable skill to ensure your clothes do indeed last longer.

During a downturn, buying new clothing may not be an option and it most likely is not a priority. Clothing made of strong, durable fabric will last a long time especially if you can keep it in top shape when showing any type of wear and tear.

Reusable Food Storage Containers

Public services that we take for granted today may not be available during a depression. Think about your trash, electricity, sewage, and water.

If you have a stockpile of glass jars and other types of durable containers, you can keep your living area cleaner and reduce the number of pests and germs. You can also use glass containers/durable containers for storing food, germinating seeds, fermenting food, keeping clean water, etc.

Plastic Trash Bags

Did you ever think about the many uses of plastic trash bags? Besides using them in traditional ways for waste management and food storage, you can use the bags for flood prevention and water collection.

Stock up on plastic trash bags of various sizes. The uses are unlimited!

Seeds

Since food undoubtedly will be scarce, learning to stretch meals is important.

In past periods of depression, the government gave food handouts or ration coupons to buy such things as powdered milk, potatoes, beans, sugar, and flour. This might not be the same for any future depression. It also might not be enough for you and your family.

If you have some seeds, you can grow additional foods for yourself and your family. Look for seeds that produce nutritious foods and foods that your family enjoys. Consider seeds that are easier to grow (e.g. strawberries, peppers, lettuce, beans, quinoa, snap peas, mushrooms, collard greens, asparagus, green onions, and various herbs can be grown in cups).

Remember that seeds are living things and how long they last are affected by the way they are stored. Usually, dark, cool, and dry conditions are recommended.

Bleach

With its wide range of uses, bleach is sure to be on your list of items to stockpile.

Bleach can help disinfect surfaces to prevent the spread of infection and disease, repel certain types of pests, etc. More specifically, bleach is effective against 99.9% of bacteria, viruses, and mold.

Storing a few gallons of bleach would be a top priority in your stockpile to help ensure the best health possible for you and your family members. After a year, it is important to restock your bleach containers to have the most potency.

Being prepared for a possible future depression (or economic downturn) takes some time and thought. In the end, you can rest assured that you and your family will be better off if such adversity strikes. Hopefully, this article gives you some suggestions of what to stockpile in such a situation and offers you the inspiration to take the necessary action prior to such an event.

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