Author of How to Prep When You’re Broke and Bloom Where You’re Planted online course
We recently looked into the economic crisis that’s bearing down on us fast and discussed the factors at play to cause problems for consumers. Now, let’s discuss what we can do about it the looming retail scarcity.
It would be easy to say “just stock up on everything” but many of us are already staggering under the increased expenses. For us, that isn’t really practical. When money is limited it must be spent thoughtfully.
Below are some areas where you may soon see shortages, along with ideas for addressing them. To get hundreds more ways to save money, check out our Money Mojo Bundle for as low as $2.
Electronics
When I say “electronics” I’m not specifically speaking of high-ticket items like computers and televisions. Things like replacement accessories could be in short supply as well, and that is something we can get ahead on far more affordably.
I got a generic charger for my Apple devices. I bought a total of 4 to stash away because if my computer isn’t working, then neither am I.
If you have multiple different computers in the house, you can consider a few of these universal chargers with various extra plugs to work on different machines.
Whatever charger your phone needs, you may wish to go ahead and purchase new charging cords now. This is especially true for people who are notoriously rough on their cables. I just picked up a couple of packs so that I’d have half a dozen spares for my phone and a couple of 2-packs for my Kindle. These replacement accessories for electronics are pretty important for lots of people. Make sure you have chargers that are compatible with all the devices in your house.
If you use earbuds or headphones, you might want to consider an inexpensive backup for your main set. I use noise-cancelling headphones every day because I share a small space, and it helps me prevent being distracted.
When you go about your day today, really think about the things you are plugging into the charger and consider what may need replacement sooner rather than later.
Plastics
A shortfall of plastics could cause difficulty in several different sectors. Toys (many of which are also imported) and parts for manufacturing are two places we could see the effects of failing trade with China.
For many things such as toys, I suggest buying used in the future. People will be anxious to sell things that their children are no longer using and replace them. You may also want to buy a couple of Christmas presents early if it’s within the budget.
I have personally stocked up on the following:
- Heavy trash bags
- Kitchen trash bags
- Food storage bags in sandwich size and gallon size
- Contractor trash bags
If you use those plastic food storage containers for leftovers, now would be the time to make a purchase of them if you need more. I use Mason jars and jars from groceries I’ve purchased for leftovers.
How is your stash of disposable razors? Here’s an inexpensive bulk pack with decent reviews that you can get for a reasonable price now.
Footwear
Are your shoes in shape to last? If you wear specialty shoes for work, such as steel-toed boots or shoes with non-slip soles, you’ll want to get at least one pair ahead. Winter boots are essential if you live in a cold, snowy climate.
For children, getting the next size up in sneakers might be a good idea. I picked up several pairs of cheap flip flops from the dollar store for my daughters for this summer, too.
Clothing
Apparel could be hard to come by, at least for reasonable prices. Think about essential clothing needs and shop ahead of time. Winter coats, jackets, umbrellas, and outerwear are important for all ages.
We’ve taken a few trips to the thrift store recently to grab some outerwear. Right now, there’s a great selection. If the racks at the stores are empty, this may change.
Consider getting a size or two up in clothing for any children in your family.
Fast fashion items like tee shirts, leggings, and socks may be the first to disappear. Think about back to school basics now.
Home goods
Items such as furniture and less expensive home goods like decor may also slow to a trickle, which will drive up the cost. If there’s a purchase you need to make, such as a mattress or a sofa, or bedding and towels, you’d be wise to do it sooner rather than later if you can at all.
Automotive parts
Have you been putting off a repair on your vehicle? You’ll want to get going on that because the slowing of imports could make replacement parts difficult or even impossible to find for a while. If your tires are shot, you’ll want to replace them now while the prices are a bit more reasonable.
Food
If you purchase processed food for your stockpile, consider hitting up the stores now to add some supplies. This isn’t just for things packaged in China – much of the packaging used domestically is imported. (Plastic, remember?)
Toilet paper and Covid flashbacks
Remember the Great Toilet Paper Crisis of 2020? So does everyone else. Think back to 2020 – the items that were in shortage then will most likely be the first to go now. Be sure to check your supplies of toilet paper, bottled water, bleach, and cleaning items and stock up if needed.
Medical needs
An alarming amount of our over-the-counter and prescription medications come from China. This article has suggestions for stocking up on over-the-counter goods, and this one has ideas for getting ahead on your prescription medications.
Strategies
A flurry of activity now can help you push back the day that you are forced to move on to other strategies, but personally, I have used many of the following strategies for my entire adult life.
- DIY: You can make your own cleaning supplies and laundry supplies for a fraction of the cost. Be sure to grab the raw materials you need for this now.
- Learn to make repairs: The book, How to Fix D*mn Near Everything, is a classic for a reason. It’s an older book and may not provide guidance on recent “smart” purchases, but I’ve used my copy regularly for almost 30 years. Whenever possible, repair instead of replace.
- Second-hand is grand: Thrift stores, yard sales, Facebook Marketplace, and your local neighborhood app could be great sources for second-hand goods. Clothing, shoes, toys, books, and household items can often be acquired for a fraction of their value when purchased from someone who no longer needs them.
- Make do: Learn to manage with what’s available. We may not have the option of buying new due to either budget constraints or merchandise scarcity. We’ve all grown accustomed to such abundance that making do has become a lost art for many.
- Keep a positive attitude. Financial problems are stressful, and so are shortages. However, remember that many of the things that feel so vital now are relatively recent additions to our lifestyles. Look to the past to make a more comfortable future by researching how our grandparents lived without all the thingamajigs and whatchamacallits.
While the concept of scarcity is alarming, going back to basics may not be all bad. You may find that the time you spend making things from scratch and repairing items you already have is pleasant, and you’ll be passing down these important skills to your children, too.
What are you stocking up on?
Don’t forget to grab your Money Mojo Bundle for as low as $2. The sale ends soon!
Do you have anything that you want to add to this list regarding items to stock up on? Are there items you’re willing to go without in the future to live within budget? What do you foresee as the first shelves to empty out?
Let’s discuss it in the comments section.
13 Responses
My husband is an IT contractor. Some computer equipment is already backlogged. Computers that took 3-5 days to get delivered, now can take weeks. If you are planning to purchase a new computer, you might want to do it soon. If you find a reasonably priced computer and it is IN STOCK, get it.
In short supply, often translates to higher prices.
Yep. Been looking at things like clothing, footware, and just bought some more light bulbs.
Electronics, I think I am covered. My dad had a old laptop that would take five minutes to boot up, then would not let him log into his account. It was a old Windows load. I took the laptop, loaded up a Linux load and had that laptop up and running in less than thirty minutes. I use it as a music server now. It is 13 years old.
Since the COVID government induced disaster, we have been keeping the pantry well stocked. Same goes with TP and paper towels. We also have a bidet which allows us to use less TP and things are a lot more sanitary. We use cloth napkins that we wash.
I am a big tea drinker. That is something I think we may see shortages of.
Also, garlic. I read a article that some 2/3s of our garlic comes from China.
Buy extra trash cans with lids to store trash and keep odor and sanitation contained. Use plastic wrap over plates to dispose of so there is no need for precious water to wash and the amount of trash is less.
Just a few to add to your list—
• canning jars & supplies because freezer space will be used for non shelf stable items. Canning jars were gold after covid because they had to stop making the jars, which is a process
• toilet paper is made in USA, there are companies that sell it individually wrapped in paper (like old days) so we should not see much change
• seeds for food & herbs
• ammunition & hunting supplies because we might need to hunt for our food
• as far as clothing I would recommend natural fabrics/materials that last longer because stronger & not plastics
• sewing notions, which are already difficult to get because considered no longer common
• glues, caulk & basic repair materials
The goods we use to MAKE our tp comes from other countries. For example, some of our soft wood pulp to make tp comes from canada and china
Coffee and grass fed beef has been on my list – thanks for the article!
We have had plans for the past year to add a sunroom to our house. Finally that time has come. I have already bought ceiling fans, a water feature, and chairs while supplies are still in the United States. We had a meeting with our general contractor yesterday and I asked if building supplies would be Made in America. He said yes. So I think we are covered.
Batteries. All sizes. And a possible bartering item. M
Vitamins! C, D3, Zinc and multi-vitamins.
1) Most all brands of oil filters for vehicles and machinery are made in the USA. EXCEPT THE FILER ELEMENT. The element is the part of the filter that actually does the filtering. The filter element is that paper looking part you can see a little bit of when looking from the threaded end of the housing. Most of our filter elements are imported from China and India currently.
2) I had my vet script for the farm a case of lactated ringers to treat my animals for “dehydration”. It is also used to treat for hypovolemic shock in an “animal” that has suffered a trauma resulting in large blood loss. Medical grade spools of plastic for IV bags are manufactured in China or India and imported into the USA where the processed IV fluid and bags are filled and sealed.
3) I stocked up (5K and 2K) on the 2 most common size plastic bags we use for commercial vacuum sealing of meat products for customers and (10K each) non vacuum hamburger and sausage bags. If you home processes meats or vegetables for freezing, I’d highly encourage everyone to stock up on foodsaver bags and hamburger/game meat bags.
4) I’m good on gloves and we’re all well shod in my home, but I have a weird thing about socks. It seems like I never buy new ones until all my heels or big toe holes are too uncomfortable to ignore. So I really better get a bale of wool socks.
Regarding holes in socks, I have plenty of thread/light yarn with which to mend/darn them. Learned from my mother over 60 years ago how to use a light bulb and to do it properly so there are no ridges to irritate the feet. Never thought I may actually need to do it. Cheaper and easier to store than a whole pile of socks, of which I do have bunch though. That might be a useful skill that I could help others.
I kept the plugin 5v-usb chargers from my many items old and new.
1 used extra, fully functioning win-11 laptop with charger.
As for things I use a lot. I have picked up many over the last few years from the resale shops.
More jeans than I can wear in a month, multiple winter coats and sweaters.
Several shoes and boots.
Several nice towels and lots socks-none cheap or used.
Multiple rechargeable batteries and a few chargers that operate off 12vdc or 120vac
A few 150′ rolls of alumfoil.
4 gallons engine oil and filters for my car.
4 gallons engine oil for my generators.
Expanded my tools, mainly the socket sets.
Enough tp for two+ years.
A small load of otc things for health.
Getting extra chili mixes to go with the 80 pounds of ground beef in my freezers.
(growing my tomatoes)
More rice/beans than I ever want to touch or look at again If I have a choice.
soysauce galore/Spices
An extensive sewing kit, lots of heavy thread and needles.
Many pairs of work gloves.
Stocked up on drugs, prescriptions, penicillin and other things.
I work occasionally in the medical industry so I have access to things some people don’t.
BTW, right now lots of drugs are completely unavailable or on long back order.
Oxytetracycline seems to be gone entirely from the market, manufacturer shut down last year.- good for Anaplasmosis
Accumulated the above over several years along with hundreds of other things.
It’s my actual savings, *very little* money on hand, about $30 in my wallet atm.
It’s silly how little money I actually live on if my preps are not included.
I particularly stock up on allergy meds and generic Mucinex. Mostly from Dollar General and Sam’s club or other warehouse store. Omeprazole is a daily use thing, as my DH has severe reflux, so I always keep a couple of months worth on hand. Lots of OTC meds are made in China. The Mucinex can stave off lung inflammation, and prevent it from becoming pneumonia. This was especially helpful during Covid! You can also buy cheap antifungal cream, antibiotic ointment, and band aids. Now is the time to rotate your stock!
Wound wash (Bactine or equivalent) can be especially useful in a grid down situation where clean water is at a premium. Antiseptic wipes are great for your BOB. Now is the time to stock up on some more LifeStraw type of water filters. If you have a Brinsea filter, buy extra filters. Buy activated charcoal in bulk if possible, so that you can build your own water filter if needed. Yes! Disposable plates/flatware.
YES Diapers! (Those will disappear quickly!) Now is the time to buy cloth diapers and plastic pants if you have babies or elders. If you are menstruating or have stress incontinence, there are GREAT washable panties that offer protection for your outerwear while keeping you clean. These are expensive, but they last and are reusable. Disposable incontinence pads and underwear come from China. Stock up now if you must, and keep an eye out for garage sales because folks unload them when their elder passes. (Mom is 90, so I have intimate experience with when the store runs out of your brand! BTW, Walmart has them cheaper than other stores, and the store brand is great!)
Canning jar lids! I bought some reusable ones from Lehmans, and you can use them and the rings over and over. Worth the investment if you are a gardener who cans produce!
Weather this storm, it WILL pass! In Jesus’ love, Gina…