18 Crucial Things to Stock Up On Before a Depression Hits

Being prepared is super important, and it can really help us if we ever face tough times.

Let’s imagine a situation where things get really tough.

Jobs become hard to find, prices go up, and it feels like everything is a bit of a mess.

But guess what? We can do something about it!

By getting ready ahead of time and gathering some important things, we can make things a little bit easier for ourselves.

It’s like creating a safety net to catch us if things get rough.

Think of it like having a stash of supplies at home.

Things like food, water, and other necessary items can be really helpful during tough times.

It’s like having a secret treasure chest that we can rely on when we need it most.

Food and Water Supplies

Being prepared for tough times is super important, especially when it comes to having enough food and water.

You don’t want to be caught without anything to eat or drink if things get hard.

Let’s talk about some things you can stock up on.

Canned goods and dry foods are awesome to have!

They last a long time and can give you energy when you need it.

You can get stuff like beans, veggies, soups, and fruits to keep in your pantry.

Grains are great too!

They’re like the base for lots of yummy meals.

Get things like rice, pasta, quinoa, and oats—they’re good, and you can use them for different dishes.

If you like milk with your cereal or coffee, you can still have it even during tough times.

Try getting shelf-stable milk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk.

Don’t forget about water!

Keep bottles of water in your house, and make sure you have enough for everyone each day.

And if the tap water isn’t safe to drink, water filters or purifiers can help make it clean and safe.

For extra safety, use special containers made for long-term water storage.

They keep the water fresh and safe for a long time.

In times of uncertainty, having a well-stocked pantry can be a true lifesaver.

Focus on shelf-stable items that don’t require refrigeration or freezing, ensuring you have nutritious and satisfying options available, regardless of the situation.

Also, you should focus on foods that will last forever – or close to it.

Here are the foods to focus on.

1. Versatile Grains and Pastas

• Pasta: A pantry hero, pasta’s versatility and long shelf life make it a must-have. Whether in a simple butter sauce or a hearty meat sauce, it offers both nutrition and comfort.
• Rice: A global staple, rice is affordable and nourishing. White rice, with its extended shelf life, is ideal for long-term storage, while brown rice, though shorter-lived, offers more nutritional benefits.

2. Protein-Rich Legumes and Meats

• Beans and Legumes: Inexpensive and packed with protein, beans are essential for a balanced diet, especially when meat is scarce. Stock various types to add variety to your meals.
• Canned Meats: Include a range of canned meats like chicken, beef, and fish. These provide essential proteins and can be a godsend when fresh meat is not accessible.

3. Snacks and Comfort Foods

• Popcorn: Not just a snack, popcorn is a whole grain that can be both nutritious and a delightful treat during stressful times.
• Nuts and Dried Fruits: These provide quick energy and are great for snacking or adding to meals for extra nutrition.

4. Baking Supplies

• Flour and Baking Essentials: Flour, baking powder, and yeast are crucial for making bread, cakes, and other baked goods. They allow you to prepare a variety of comforting homemade foods.

5. Hydration and Beverages

• Water Storage: Always have a good supply of bottled water. Consider water purification options for long-term needs.
• Shelf-Stable Milks: Stock up on shelf-stable dairy or plant-based milks for use in cereals, coffee, or cooking.

6. Flavor Enhancers

• Spices and Sauces: Keep a variety of spices and sauces to add flavor to your dishes. These small additions can transform basic ingredients into delicious meals.
• Cooking Oils: Diverse cooking oils are essential for meal preparation. Options like olive, coconut, and canola oil offer different flavors and cooking properties.

7. Emergency Food Kits

• Freeze-Dried and Dehydrated Foods: For long-term planning, invest in professionally prepared freeze-dried and dehydrated foods. These can last for decades and are a wise choice for sustained emergencies.

8. Canned and Boxed Goods

• Soups and Stocks: A variety of canned soups, broths, and stocks can be the basis for nutritious and filling meals.
• Pasta Sauces: Stock various pasta sauces for easy, hearty meals. They can last for years if unopened and provide a simple way to enhance your pasta dishes.

9. Sweet Treats

• Sweeteners: Include different types of sweeteners like sugar, honey, and syrups to cater to that sweet tooth and add variety to your baking and beverage preparation.

Medical and Health Supplies

Taking care of our health is super important, especially when times are uncertain, like during an economic depression.

Being prepared with some essential medical and health supplies can help us stay healthy and take care of minor health issues.

Let’s talk about some things you should have.

It’s a good idea to keep a medicine cabinet with stuff you can buy without a prescription.

Things like pain relievers for when you have a headache or fever reducers when you’re feeling hot.

Also, having cough and cold medicines, antacids for tummy troubles, and allergy medications can be really helpful when you’re not feeling well.

Accidents can happen, so it’s smart to have a first aid kit ready.

Stuff like bandages for cuts, gauze pads, tape, things to clean wounds, tweezers for splinters, scissors, and disposable gloves can be really handy.

Having a first aid manual or guide can be useful too if you’re not sure how to help someone.

Keeping ourselves clean is super important for staying healthy.

Make sure you have enough toilet paper, tissues, soap, hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and feminine hygiene products.

These are things we need every day, so it’s good to have them stocked up.

1. Comprehensive First Aid and Medical Supplies

• First Aid Kits: Stockpile comprehensive first aid supplies to handle minor injuries and emergencies. Include bandages, antiseptics, and basic medical tools.
• Prescription Medications: Keep a sufficient supply of essential prescription medications, considering potential supply disruptions.
• Over-the-Counter Medications: Stock various over-the-counter medications for common ailments like pain, allergies, and colds.

2. Health and Safety Training

• First Aid and CPR Training: Equip yourself with first aid and CPR skills. This knowledge can be invaluable in emergencies, especially when professional medical help is not readily available.

3. Essential Survival Gear

• Hunting and Fishing Equipment: These tools can be crucial for obtaining food, especially if traditional sources become scarce.
• Seeds for Planting: Maintain a variety of seeds for fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Growing your own food can be both economically and nutritionally beneficial.
• Water Purification: Invest in reliable water filters or purification systems to ensure access to clean drinking water.

4. Tools and Repair Equipment

• Multi-Tools and Sewing Kits: Handy for repairs and everyday tasks. A good multi-tool can serve multiple purposes, and a sewing kit is essential for mending clothes.

5. Personal Safety and Defense

• Personal Defense Items: Consider the need for personal safety. Items like pepper spray or other non-lethal defense tools can be important in dire situations.

6. Lighting and Power

• Emergency Lighting: Stock up on flashlights, headlamps, and candles to ensure visibility during power outages.
• Power Solutions: Invest in rechargeable batteries, emergency generators, and solar panels to maintain some level of power autonomy.

7. Clothing and Protective Gear

• Extra Clothing: Keep a supply of durable, weather-appropriate clothing. Consider the need for thermal wear and waterproof items.

8. Communication and Information

• Radios and Communication Devices: Having a radio to receive news and communicate is crucial. Consider battery-operated or hand-crank radios.

9. Shelter and Comfort

• Emergency Shelter Supplies: Include items like tents, sleeping bags, and thermal blankets in your preparation to ensure you have a backup shelter option.

10. Navigation and Location Tools

• Maps and Compasses: In a technology-reliant world, having physical maps and a compass can be invaluable for navigation in case of power outages or network disruptions.

Household Essentials

In times of economic uncertainty, having a well-stocked supply of household essentials can make a significant difference in your daily life.

These items are essential for maintaining cleanliness, comfort, and functionality within your home.

Here are some household essentials to consider stocking up on.

A clean living environment is crucial for health and well-being.

Make sure you have an adequate supply of cleaning products such as disinfectants, sanitizers, all-purpose cleaners, and bathroom cleaners.

Additionally, stock up on laundry detergent, dish soap, and cleaning cloths to keep your home spick and span.

Power outages can happen during challenging times, so it’s a good idea to have a stash of batteries in various sizes for flashlights, radios, and other essential devices.

Consider investing in alternative power sources like rechargeable batteries, solar-powered chargers, or portable generators to keep your essential electronics running.

When the lights go out, having a reliable light source is essential.

Stock up on flashlights and a supply of batteries.

It’s also a good idea to have some candles and matches or lighters available for emergencies.

Just make sure to exercise caution when using open flames.

Financial Preparations

Preparing for an economic depression means taking care of your money and making smart decisions.

It might sound a bit tricky, but it’s essential to be ready for tough times.

Let’s talk about some things you can do.

Having some cash with you is a good idea, especially when banks and ATMs might not be easy to use during hard times.

Keep a reasonable amount of cash in smaller bills.

Also, you can think about having different types of money, like gold, silver, or cryptocurrencies, if you feel comfortable using them.

Taking care of your debts is super important too.

Check what you owe and focus on paying off the ones with high interest rates first.

You can make a budget to see how much money you can use to pay off your debts regularly.

This way, you can reduce stress and have more flexibility with your money.

Creating an emergency fund is like having a safety net for tough situations.

Try to save enough money to cover your living expenses for three to six months.

You can start by saving a little bit regularly, and over time, your emergency fund will grow.

This fund gives you peace of mind, knowing you have money to cover essential things if you face financial difficulties.

Finally, be sure to have an emergency binder set up.

Not only should this binder have important financial documents, but it should have any other priceless items as well.

Think things like photographs, emergency plans, etc.

Personal and Mental Well-being

Taking care of yourself and staying positive during tough times, like an economic depression, is super important.

Here are some things you can do to feel better.

Find ways to have fun and relax. Get books to read, play board games, do puzzles, or use art supplies to draw or paint.

Doing things that make you happy can help you feel better and stay positive.

You can also try new hobbies or do things you used to love doing.

Stay connected with people you care about.

Talk to your family, friends, and neighbors regularly.

Check in on them to see how they’re doing too. Having people to talk to and share things with can make you feel better.

If you need to, you can join support groups or talk to someone who can help you if you’re feeling stressed or anxious.

Keep moving and stay active.

Doing regular exercise is not only good for your body but also for your mind.

You can go for walks, do yoga, or follow workout videos online.

Even simple exercises at home can help you feel better and stay healthy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to buy during depression?

During a depression, focus on essential items with long-term value and practicality.

Consider buying non-perishable food, water storage containers, basic medical supplies, durable clothing, and tools for self-sufficiency.

Precious metals like gold and silver can also act as a hedge against currency devaluation.

How do you stockpile for a recession?

To stockpile for a recession, create a budget, prioritize essentials like non-perishable food and basic medical supplies, build an emergency fund, and reduce debt.

Purchase in bulk, focus on long-lasting items, and learn self-sufficiency skills.

Consider precious metals as a hedge and stay informed about economic trends.

What foods have a long shelf life?

Foods with a long shelf life include canned goods (e.g., beans, vegetables, fruits), dried fruits, nuts, rice, pasta, oats, honey, peanut butter, powdered milk, and freeze-dried or dehydrated foods.

Vacuum-sealed and properly stored foods can also have extended shelf lives.

What is the best asset during depression?

During a depression, tangible and stable assets are valuable.

Precious metals like gold and silver, real estate, and land with resources can hold value.

Additionally, essential commodities, quality dividend stocks, and skills for self-sufficiency can be advantageous for navigating economic downturns.

What goes up in value during a depression?

During a depression, certain assets may increase in value.

Precious metals like gold and silver, defensive stocks (e.g., utility companies, healthcare), and assets with stable demand (e.g., essential commodities) tend to appreciate as investors seek safe havens and stable investments amidst economic uncertainty.

Is my money safe in the bank during a depression?

During a depression, the safety of money in the bank depends on various factors.

Banks may face liquidity issues or fail, risking loss of deposits.

Government-backed accounts (FDIC in the US) offer some protection, but diversifying assets and having cash on hand can mitigate risks during financial crises.

How much cash should I keep at home?

The amount of cash to keep at home depends on personal circumstances and needs.

A general recommendation is to have enough to cover 1 to 3 months of essential expenses, including food, utilities, and other necessities.

This provides a cushion for emergencies, but avoid keeping excessive amounts for security reasons.