Do you want to start stocking up on items to prepare for emergencies? Becoming a prepper is a wise decision because it gives you more peace of mind. If you would like to add to a stockpile of essentials, it is a good idea to visit some of your local dollar stores.
Prepping Items to Buy at the Dollar Store
Not only are these items good for your emergency storage but they can be used as bartering items as well. You can get many of the items you want for great deals and feel more prepared.
You might not know it, but the dollar stores (like Dollar Tree or Dollar General) have many great items that you can use for prepping. When you want to prep on a budget with efficient products that work well, bring some cash to the dollar store and begin your search for the items listed below.
#1. Bandages in Different Sizes
When collecting items to include in a first-aid kit, the dollar store should have plenty of bandages available. You can purchase bandages in different sizes and add them to your first-aid kit. You never know when you will need bandages.
If someone gets a cut or scrape, it is vital to clean the wound and keep it covered. With a massive stock of bandages, you can make sure you have what you need to conceal an injury if someone gets hurt. You might even find kid-friendly bandages with designs and fun prints on them.
#2. Medicine and Topical Ointments
As a prepper, it is a good idea to have a first-aid kit full of essentials. Besides getting bandages from the dollar store, you can find plenty of affordable medication and topical ointments. Instead of spending a lot of money on brand name medications, choose the dollar store’s generic options.
These options work just as well and are good to have as backups for emergencies. Some of these products that you may find at your local dollar stores include:
- Ibuprofen
- Acetaminophen
- Allergy Medication (Liquid or Tablets)
- Lidocaine Ointment
- Burn Ointment
- Rash Ointment
The dollar stores offer generic versions of the products you may take when you have a headache, cramps, or even a burn from touching something hot. If you want to save while prepping and stocking up, go to the dollar store for these essentials.
#3. Gallons of Water
The dollar stores often sell water bottles. While you may get a better deal on single-serve water bottles when visiting grocery stores, you can get larger gallons of water at the dollar stores. Collecting gallons of water is ideal when prepping. But don’t turn away from packages of smaller water if that is all that is available.
You do not know if something will happen that would prevent you from having access to fresh water. If you do not have access to water from your sink, you would have plenty of it in your stockpile.
Check several dollar stores to find the largest containers of water possible.
#4. Toothpaste and Toothbrushes
You cannot go wrong with having some extra toothpaste and toothbrushes available. While some stores increase the price of these essential oral hygiene products, the dollar stores do not. You may even find Crest and Colgate toothpaste products at the dollar store.
Because each store has a different inventory to offer, the exact brands you will see will depend on your location. However, you can get toothpaste for your teeth and toothbrushes that work just as good as what you currently use.
#5. Non-Perishable Foods
The dollar stores have plenty of non-perishable foods that you can purchase and add to your prepping stockpile. The best part about getting these foods from the dollar store is that they are so cheap.
You might even find several of the name brand products.
The inventory will vary from one store to the next. Some of the non-perishable foods commonly sold at dollar stores include:
- Peanuts
- Peanut Butter Crackers
- Canned Ham
- Canned Sausages
- Canned Vegetables/Beans
- Rice / Pasta
You can find all the foods that you and your loved ones could eat to survive if an emergency occurred. And, you can even use coupons at the dollar store. If you have coupons for certain food products, do not hesitate to bring them to the store with you.
When you use those coupons, you can get these non-perishable foods for even lower prices.
#6. Small and Large Candles
If the electricity goes out, you will need to have some light source. While you can use flashlights, it also helps to have candles. Some stores sell candles for ridiculously high prices. You can save money on these essential items by purchasing them at the dollar stores.
The candles sold at dollar stores are often long and thick, lasting a while when you need to light them. Although they might not have a unique scent to them, the smell is not important. It is all about having a way to illuminate your space when the electricity is not working.
#7. Bottles of Peroxide and Alcohol Rub
Why pay more for peroxide or alcohol rub when you can find it at the dollar store? You may want to consider buying several bottles of alcohol rub and peroxide each time you take a trip to the dollar store.
Having bottled alcohol is ideal for several reasons. You can use it to take care of body odor and clean out wounds. It works well as a disinfectant to kill germs.
#8. Different Types of Batteries
You can find all kinds of batteries at the dollar store. There are even times when they might have small packages of brand name batteries. Because you might need these batteries for different appliances, it helps to have as many of them as possible during an emergency.
You can stock up on these affordable batteries and keep them in a plastic container with a lid attached. If you are dealing with an emergency and your flashlight needs batteries, you will feel more at ease knowing you have plenty of replacement batteries available to use.
Other Emergency Supplies to Consider Buying at the Dollar Store:
- Garbage Bags
- Baby Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Bleach and other cleaning supplies
- Trash Bags
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Paper Plates
- Shower Curtains – can be used in a variety of ways to protect from the elements
Prepping Items to Buy at the Dollar Store
When you want to start prepping, take a trip to the dollar store because you will find plenty of useful items while there. Instead of splurging on certain prepping essentials, you can pay a dollar or less for many things.
Whether you want non-perishable food, candles, bandages, or other items on the list, you can find them at most dollar stores. Even if you do not find what you need at one store, you can check out others in your area at least once a week.
You’ll be ready for survival situations without breaking the bank or your budget when you buy prepping items at the Dollar Store.
More on Being Prepared for Emergencies & Disasters
Is Prepping Selfish?
Best Foods to Buy in Bulk
Survival Skills We All Need
How to Stock Your Home Pharmacy
Creating a Get Home Bag (not the same as a bug out bag!)
Emergency Essentials Every House Should Have
Prepping Vs. Hoarding
How to Make Prepping Affordable