Nearly two-thirds of all the furnishings and prep items in my home were used when I got them. As the economy has continued to crumble, any stigma attached to shopping on the cheap has given way to pride at getting a good deal. Forget designer shoes or imported coffee – I get absolutely giddy when I come home with a great “find”!
But can you rely on bargain shopping to get all the things you need to help your family be prepared for whatever comes your way? Is there a way to really make “treasure hunting” both fun and successful?
Yes! All it takes is some planning together with a positive attitude and a pre-determined budget. Even if you aren’t pinching pennies, why waste your money when you can find great items at bargain prices and redirect those extra dollars to food or debt reduction? And if you are on a budget (and most of us are), this organized approach lets you decide what’s important and where you should look for the best buys.
Do your homework
- Get a small notebook that fits in your pocket, purse or glove compartment. Never leave home without it!
- Sit down with your family. Identify your needs and prioritize them. For each item, determine:
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- Exactly what the item is. If your husband needs a Left Handed Monkey Whatzitgrubber and you don’t have a clue what that is, have him show you a picture of one and explain what it’s for. Guys, the same goes for you if you don’t know the difference between a tea strainer and a colander.
- The condition you’ll accept. Is there someone you know who could refurbish or repair–a broken or not-working item?
- $$ you’re willing to spend. Be sure to set aside funds that can be readily accessed if you find a great deal on one of your high priority items.
- Specifics such as make, model, caliber, size, etc. Remember, you can’t take it back if it doesn’t fit!
- Put these items in your notebook on a Priority List. These are items you’ll actively search for on a regular basis.
- Make lists of less critical items that you’ll keep your eyes open for whenever you find them. Divide the lists into heading such as Equipment, Survival items, Clothing, Consumables, etc. I keep a summary of categories at the front –my “list of lists”.
- Next, if you have a group of like-minded friends that are planning and training together, have a serious discussion and identify the needs of the group. You may want to start with a checklist such as the ones found online or in your favorite SHTF book, customized for your group, location and budget. Determine what items and supplies you don’t have that are critical to your group, then prioritize and budget for them. Agree who will house the item, the condition you’ll accept, and who will contribute how much.
- Share your own priority list with your group and keep a list of their priorities in your notebook. The more people looking, the better!
- Be sure to ask and note such requirements as size, caliber, dimensions, colors, etc next to each item on everyone’s lists.
What can I expect to find?
Anything and everything! You’ll shake your head at some of the objects being sold for pennies on the dollar or thrown away as trash. Here’s a sample of some of my recent finds:
- 6’ black wire bakers rack – $10
- All-American pressure cooker, new (still in the box) – $15
- 2 Coleman camping cots – $2 each
- 15 PermaGard chem suits new in packages – $1 each
- Excalibur dehydrator – $10
- Craftsman toolbox with more than 120 Craftsman, Stanley and other tools – $20
- 5 gal bucket chemical toilet (new) – $2
- 3 oil lamps with extra globes – $3 each
- Metal ammo cans – $4
- Grocery sack full of new first aid supplies (at the end of an estate sale) – FREE
- Garden tools (2 rakes, 2 shovels, a hoe) – $3 each
- 10 person, 3 room Coleman tent in very good condition, along with two sleeping bags and a Coleman lantern – $75
Where to look
Now that you know what you’re looking for, the question is where to find it. Your options will vary depending on where you’re at and how much time you can devote to “the hunt”. Be sure to check:
- CraigsList
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- Check under Yard Sales, Farm & Garden, etc, and use key words to search the general “For Sale” category for your priority items at least once a week. Remember, it’s a first come/first serve situation.
- Beware of scammers. Try to take someone with you when you go to purchase an item.
- Other web sites such as www.GovLiquidation.com [1], www.GovDeals.com [2], www.GSAAuctions.gov [3] or www.drms.dla.mil [4]
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- Some of these require that you buy a case full of something. This is where coordinating with a group of friends is useful. You may not need 20 gas masks, but your group may need that many for all their family members.
- All states and many municipalities also have surplus sales or auctions. The same is true for hospitals, colleges, school districts and other large organizations. Be sure to check their web sites for upcoming sales.
- Yard Sales (especially estate sales)
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- Yard sales are mainly held between April and September, although they can be year round in warm weather areas. Watch online and along the streets for signs that the “season” has begun.
- Look for sales in locations best suited to your items. Identify sales in rural vs urban areas, look for nice homes in neighborhoods that have yards or gardens. Make a map/list of sales in geographic and priority order.
- Be there first, with plenty of cash in hand. Always be friendly – greet the seller with a smile! They’re much more likely to give you a good deal if you’re not gruff and rude.
- Be considerate. If the ad says “No early birds”, respect the hours posted. Don’t block the street or driveway. Keep your children under control or leave them at home.
- Negotiate! This can be the best part of the whole hunt. Prices are rarely firm, but don’t insult them, either. If they’re asking $20 for the dehydrator, it’s fine to offer $10, but don’t offer $2. Don’t look too eager – point out the worn spot, the torn cover, or the missing end piece. But most importantly, know when to walk away if it’s not a good deal of if it’s not a need. Keep the larger purpose in mind.
- Estates sales are the best source for many items such as older tools and gear. Things that a family wouldn’t get rid of just because of a move are up for grabs when grandpa moves into the nursing home.
- Keep your eyes open when you’re going from sale to sale – there’s usually more Yard Sale signs posted along the way.
- Thrift Stores
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- Get to know your local thrift stores – what their strengths are, any special sales days, and any membership cards (yes, just like the groceries!). Get on their mailing list if they have one and find out about any early bird specials.
- Once you’re a “regular”, chat with the manager or the clerks and let them know about any specific items you’re watching for. They’re often very willing to give you a call if something comes into the store that’s on your list.
- Auctions
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- I recommend taking someone with you that has experience with auctions or you’ll find yourself buying something when you just tried to scratch your nose! All auctions are different, but most are fast paced, fast talking and lots of fun.
- Most auctions have a time prior to the start of the sale for inspection of the items. Take advantage of this time to look closely at an item’s condition. Ask questions. Listen to those around you and learn, learn, learn!
- Local or community newspapers
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- Most local papers have a yard sale or items for sale/barter section.
- Watch for local auction notices.
- Don’t be afraid to approach the sellers prior to the official sale date to see if they’d like to sell specific items. In small communities, people are often more flexible with neighbors than with strangers.
- For Sale sections on town, church or company web sites, bulletin boards or newsletters
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- Watch for church rummage sales, fund raising sales and items being sold off by your town or community center.
- Word of mouth (Tell your friends what you’re looking for!)
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- Some of my best leads on items and services have come from friends and neighbors when I’ve mentioned what I’m looking for.
- Shop local merchants whenever possible. Buying from farmers or local tradesmen both supports the local economy and cuts out the middle-man profit. Plus, they’re more likely to take pride in selling a quality product or service. And when you purchase from them, you can ask for referrals on other items.
And don’t forget that there are some places that even advertise free things or items for barter! Be sure to check FreeCycle, the “Free” section on CraigsList, and other local sources. Also, if you show up near the end of a yard sale, people will often be willing to give items away to keep from having to haul them away or put them back in their garages.
Be sure you inspect all items carefully. Be sure they work (or that their condition is acceptable). Remember – all sales at yard sales, thrift stores, auctions and the like are final. No returns accepted!
If you find an item that’s on a friend’s or your group’s priority list, take a photo and quickly send it to whoever else is part of the decision making process. Call them immediately while standing next to the item (even better, lean on it!)
Tools of the trade
So now you have the what and the where. But before you jump in the car and head out on your adventures, be sure you have everything you need.
- Don’t forget to bring your notebook along with a pen or pencil to take notes.
- Carry your purse or wallet in a way that your hands are free without laying anything down. Keep most of your cash in the car, carrying only part of it on you at any one time.
- The bigger the better – a pickup truck is a great way to carry just about anything home. However, my small SUV works just fine for all but the big stuff. In that case, have a pick-up driving friend on speed-dial!
- In your car, have the following:
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- A measuring tape
- Bungee cords
- A bucket, bag, newspapers or other items to restrain and protect small or breakable objects
Ready, Set, Save!
So now you have a plan. You know what you’re looking for, where to find it and how to get it home. All that’s left is to put on your comfortable shoes, strap on your fanny pack, grab your notebook and your list of destinations, and head out! Make it a family affair or take a friend and have lunch afterwards. Whether with a group or by yourself, if you’re like me (I consider shopping both a sport and entertainment) you’ll look forward to the adventure. Just tell your family that you’re “working hard” to help the family prep. Enjoy!