Garage Sale Prepping

[InDy]

Just thought I would pass this little FYI along......

http://www.survivalblog.com/2010/09/..._prepping.html

This has been covered before, but I'd like to reinforce that use of garage sales for low-key cash purchases of essential survival items. In the past two months I've been making weekend trips to various community garage sales - spending an average of less than $20 per weekend. Most of the items cost me less than $10 each and I often only paid $1 or $2. The following is a partial list of the haul:


2 - Complete dissection kits with scalpels, forceps, etc
1 - Craftsman toolbox, steel, in good condition
1 - 19th Century wrench
1 - Drawknife
1 - New two-mantle Coleman lantern with spare mantles and fuel can with can
1 - Glass kerosene lamp with bottle of fuel
1 - Used Coleman lantern, one-mantle
1- Good condition 5 gallon USMC metal gas can
1 - Set of woodworking gouges
1 - 9mm holster new
1 - Shotgun cleaning kit
2 - Police band /Public service band/Aircraft band scanners (1 base and 1 portable)
1 - Wooden ammo box suitable for storing boxes of .22 LR
2 - Working portable radios, battery powered
1 - Crank/battery solar powered radio (suitable for recharging rechargeable batteries)
1 - Set of socket wrenches and assorted hand tools (hand drills, screwdrivers, etc)
1 - Large crowbar
1 - Fishing outfit -- rod, reel, and tackle
1 - Backpack
1 - Coleman camping stove -- small one burner
1 - Army mess kit
3 - .50 caliber military issue ammo cans
1 - Bench vise


I passed on a number of other good items -- for reasons of space, budget, or lack of need including several portable Coleman propane stoves, tents, winter clothing, tools, at least two 10-gun capacity steel storage cabinets and an Egyptian AK-47 rifle. I did pick up a single shot 12 gauge shotgun for $80 as my "big purchase". Perfect firing condition except for needing cleaning -- so I spent another $45 for a full disassemble, checkout, and cleaning by my local gunsmith. - Joe T.

[Angela]

I LOVE yard sale prepping! Thrift stores are good also. Just picked up a couple nice oil lamps at a thrift store this week for $2 each. I also usually specifically look for kids clothes in larger sizes than I need (particularly good shoes/boots/winter gear), wool blankets, and candles besides just keeping my eyes and mind open to whatever else is there. You never know what kind of bargain you're going to find.

I've also called friends who I thought could use something at a yard sale that I knew was useful, but I already had one or five of them. Then I can pick it up for them if they need it.

On the flip side, don't be embarrassed to walk away from a yard sale without buying anything if they don't have anything you need. Some folks feel obligated to buy something just because they showed up, but keep tight with your budget and only purchase the things you'll use.

[InDy]

Thrift stores are good also.

I totally agree, Angela......Thrift stores can sometimes be a GOLDMINE for finding preparedness treasures!!! We have picked up some real finds in regards to our preps at thrift store more then a time or two. And don't forget the antique shops. We have purchased some of our best prep stuff from antique stores in the past for pennies on the dollar.

[dranger1108]

Yesterday I picked up a large steel axe for $5, and yarn with hooks for $2... today is a city wide yard sale in my town... I'm so excited to see what treasures I find. Last week I got two oil lanterns, and a battery powered one for a $1 each, candles, blankets, and even a chicken feeder...
I'll come back and post my finds later today!

[dranger1108]

magic chef food dehydrator $3