This post may contain affiliate links. You can read my disclosure policy here.
Where to Get Emergency Supplies Cheap
- Containers. Shop for containers at thrift stores and salvage stores for good deals. Sometimes you can get food grade buckets from the deli or bakery at your local grocery store. Just ask.
- Toiletries. When you travel, save the hotel shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and soap bars. Keep them in a plastic container in a closet for emergencies. You can also apply for free samples.
- Books. The library has amazing resources for free! You can learn how to grow a garden, can produce, raise animals, build stuff, what wild plants are edible, how to build a latrine, camping skills, about medicinal herbs, how to build a fire and more.
- Dollar Tree. The Dollar Tree carries lots of items that can be used for emergencies. If you spent just $10.00 a month on emergency supplies at the Dollar Tree, that would be 10 items a month. Just be sure to compare prices and make sure you’re getting the best deal.
- Thrift Stores, Flea Markets, and Yard Sales. These places have a myriad of supplies just waiting to be found for cheap. Think creatively. Not only that, but if you purchase things that you would have normally purchased in stores, you can use the saved money to buy more supplies.
- Ebay. You can find everything on Ebay. From card games to knives, to backpacks. It’s all there.
- Glean. Gleaning means to gather or collect OR to gather grain or other material that is left after the main crop has been gathered. Basically your getting food for free when you glean. Ask you neighbor with the apple tree if you can have the fruit that falls on the ground. Or go to that blackberry bush near the park and pick berries to make jam. Ask the farmer if you can have the pumpkins leftover. It can’t hurt to ask. Use the fruit or vegetables to turn into preserves.
- Shop end of season and clearance sales. We rarely ever pay full price for anything. I always look for clearance items – whether it’s clothing, food, or shoes. End of season sales provide great opportunities to stock up on items from your list.
- Salvage Stores and Bread Stores.We purchase almost all of our groceries from salvage grocery stores. No these are the most beautiful markets, but the prices can’t be beat. We find expensive health food brands and fresh produce for rock bottom prices. We also shop for bread at day old bread stores where you can get good bread for less than a dollar a loaf. Just be sure to check the expiration dates and use food up before it goes bad. Canned food will last for quite a while after the expiration date, but check seals before eating and don’t eat questionable food.
6 Comments