I love my stockpile! I also like to reflect on it periodically. I value the time I spend seeking out new information on sites like the OP. It makes me a better prepper. For this reason, my stockpile has changed and evolved over time as my knowledge has improved. 

This month, I decided to take a close look at my stockpile from the perspective of my top priorities. I thought I would give folks a “peek” into how I’m thinking about my preparations for SHTF at this time. I’m hoping that you will find some “food for thought” in terms of your own priorities and possible weaknesses. In this article, I share three of my top priorities for my stockpile. As my stockpile is large and mighty, look for future articles on other priorities.

Priority #1: Avoid Limited Shelf Life

How well do you know your preps and how long they will last? Yeah, I’m willing to admit that there was a time when I thought that stockpiling bleach was a great idea. Since then, I’ve streamlined my thinking and my preps: I have limited space, and it is a top priority to avoid all preps with a limited shelf life.

Doing the research for this article, I did still see websites recommending putting away bleach. Now, if you have soooo much space, perhaps you could store bleach….but it will not be worth much in a year. According to the Clorox website (and I’m imagining they might know a thing or two about bleach!): “After a year, the natural breakdown of the sodium hypochlorite bleach active into salt and water rapidly accelerates, and the active ingredient concentration becomes too low for EPA registered uses like sanitizing or disinfecting.

So, you might be saying to yourself, “Duh! Bleach is a no-brainer!” But how about povidone iodine? This product is likely to be good for a year or (perhaps) three unopened in a good brown bottle, but do you know what the “kryptonite” of povidone iodine is? Heat! Just three months of storage in a hot room of 104 will reduce the effectiveness of this crucial disinfectant by a whopping 37%. Even storing at less extreme temperatures of 90 degrees for a period of time can render it useless.  

Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m not counting on having AC during SHTF. Have you considered how your local climate could affect the longevity of your preps in an all-out SHTF?

For a complete contrast, let’s compare vodka. This is basically shelf-stable, good forever. Even opened, it’s good for 10 to 20 years! The alcohol in this, well, “alcohol” is very good at preventing spoilage. The only exception to this is those flavored vodkas, which don’t fare so well. The added chemicals mean that they only last a year or two, even unopened. 

Yes, it does pay to know your stockpile expiry dates and weaknesses…..How well do you know yours?

Priority #2: Small Items Mainly for Trade

What I stockpile for trade is not what I stockpile for myself. In my trade stockpile, I emphasize items that are small and don’t take up a lot of space. This is mainly because I don’t have a lot of storage in my small cabin. However, I also learned a great deal from reading Selco’s stories, where he emphasizes items for trade that can be easily stored in multiple locations on the body. 

I want to have low profile items available in a high volume that will keep me being the grey gal. Here are the small items I stockpile for trade and why:

• Zip ties – So many uses (repairs, building), they are strong and mighty 
• Batteries – I don’t personally rely on these, but recognize their potential value to others in SHTF. Be warned: buy cheap and lose! I only buy the top brands that advertise that they keep their charge for 12 years in storage! That’s a long SHTF!  (If you don’t have a battery tester…why not? They’re very inexpensive at this link. I think it’s important to test at least a sample of stockpiled batteries each year to ensure what you’re storing has any value. Imagine showing up for a trade with a bunch of dead batteries…you could lose your credibility, and that could also be dangerous.)
• Buttons and sewing supplies – Yes, my secret stockpile weapon is my massive button collection. Something for everyone! Where else are you going to be able to get these? 
• Large heavy-duty freezer bags – I dunno: This is just a hunch I have. You won’t be able to go to the Tupperware lady any longer. These bags can be washed and reused. They are waterproof. They can be cut up to make other things, like a fruit fly trap. I always keep a good amount of these on hand.
• Lighters – Small and useful. I do go the cheap route on these with the small Bics. I know I should invest in a better quality one or two for my BOB. Let me add that to my list of things to do!

Priority #3: Have for Health and Security, Possible Trade

I have items on hand for my own health. I don’t plan on trading these, but I might if it was an emergency. For this reason, I have some extras of these around at all times.

• Iodized salt – It’s a simple thing, until you don’t have it. Getting decent nutrition is going to be hard enough in SHTF. Having some of this on hand will help.
• B12 supplement – I recently wrote about how serious a B12 deficiency can be. I found a high-quality supplement, where one bottle of the tincture lasts an entire year. It’s less than $30. What’s not to like? 
• Alcohol – Seeing as I’m a non-drinker, I use my alcohol for making plant medicines in the form of tinctures. In a pinch, could it be an antiseptic, like in the old war movies? Heck, ya! Would I be willing to trade some in an emergency…maybe. Do I know someone in our rural area who makes his own. Yes!  
• Povidone Iodine – I keep small bottles, where the price is right, on hand. I store in a cool dry place and I know it will only last a few years. However, when in short supply, this could become a valued trading item. Yes, I keep some extra on hand.
• Ammo – I would have to be in pretty desperate straits to be ready to trade some of my precious ammo. But, yeah, I do have a lot a lot a lot of this on hand. So…..maybe I’ll trade.

Taking Stock of Your Stockpile

The more thought you put into what you’re stockpiling, the more helpful it could be. Do you agree with the priorities offered here? Why or why not?