Over the years I’ve consulted with many clients through my consulting business who know that they should stock up on food, water, and other needed gear but they’ve become so overwhelmed with all the “prepper foods” and “prepper gear” suggestions (check out this article for my favorite gear) that’s being promoted on nearly every survival blog and prepper website that they don’t know where to start – so they contact me for help.
I love seeing the look on their faces when I tell them that they don’t really need all of that stuff or need to order anything online because everything needed to prepare for a local disaster or even a total SHTF event can be found and purchased at their local Wal-Mart.
Prepping should be a simple and low-cost expenditure, unfortunately prepping has been made into a business where you’re intentionally led to think that you have to spend thousands of dollars on long-term storage foods, firearms, bug out vehicles and other related gear, when in reality everything that you really need can be purchased quickly and cheaply at your local Walmart Supercenter.
Below I’ve put together a 20 step prepper’s checklist that once completed will make you better prepared than probably 95% of the U.S. population – all at a fraction of the price of purchasing an equal amount of foods and gear from the prepper supply vendors that you see promoting their products everywhere online nowadays.
You can do all ten steps at once if you want or you can divide each step into separate days or weeks. But you need to get it done as soon as possible. Keep in mind that this is only a starting point and isn’t presented here as a completed end-all list. Prepping is a lifestyle and you’ll always be working and improving your skills and adding to and or altering your supplies.
Now let’s get started…
1. Head to the nearest Wal-Mart and pick-up 20 lbs. of white or brown rice (white rice stores longer but brown rice is more nutritious) and 20 lbs. of pinto beans. White rice has a better storage life while brown rice has more nutritional benefits – your choice.
2. While you’re there grab 5 lbs. mixed beans, 5 lbs. of white sugar, 5 lbs. of iodized salt, one gallon of olive oil (can be frozen to extend shelf-life), 5 lbs. oats, 10 lbs. each of white or wheat flour and cornmeal.
3. Now head over to the canned foods and pick-up 20 cans of canned fruits and 20 cans of canned vegetables. Be sure to buy only those brands and contents you normally eat and nothing exotic. No need to shock the senses.
4. Now over to the canned meats. Pick-up 20 cans of various meats, salmon, stews, spam, and tuna. Again buy only those brands with contents you normally eat and nothing exotic.
5. Okay. Now to the to the peanut butter shelf and toss two 40-ounce jars in the cart. The listed shelf life is just over two years and each jar has over 6,000 calories. Peanut butter is an excellent instant survival food.
6. Over to the powdered drink mix – go on I’ll wait…Okay, pick up two 72 Ounce Tang Orange drink canisters (provides 100% of the US RDA vitamin C requirement per 8 oz. glass). Also, grab six 19-Ounce Containers of Kool-Aid Drink Mix.
7. Off to the vitamin and supplement aisle, pick up 363 caplets of a good “one a day” multivitamin and mineral supplements. I buy this brand – comes in 121 count bottle for $18 each.
8. Now to the department, we all love – sporting goods. Go to the camping aisle and pick up 4 five gallon water containers. Fill with tap water as soon as you get back home.
9. While you’re there buy 250 rounds of ammunition for your primary defensive weapon. More if you can, but this will be a good start. Also a good universal cleaning kit.
10. And while you’re in the sporting good department pick up the best flashlight you can afford, extra batteries and bulb. Also, grab two boxes of wooden matches and several multi-purpose lighters. Don’t forget to date, use and rotate – remember first in first out. Let’s get started. What would you add to the list?
11. Go to back the grocery department and pick up 5 lbs of powdered milk or the equivalent of canned, now go over to the next aisles and throw in 5 lbs of rolled oats and a case of Ramen noodles. Ramen noodles aren’t the most nutritional food but they are cheap, add bulk to the diet and store well – just don’t rely on them to provide all your nutritional needs. And don’t forget a good manual can opener.
12. While you’re in the grocery department be sure to pick up an assortment of spices to taste, such as Basil, Chili powder, Cinnamon, Garlic, Sage, Marjoram, Oregano, Rosemary, Thyme and Black Pepper. Spices can go along way toward making unfamiliar foods palatable. Also, while you’re in that area add 5 or more lbs of salt to your shopping cart, as you know salt has 101 uses.
13. Okay, counting what you bought during our first trip to the shopping center, that should do it for the grocery. Now go over to the area near the pharmacy and pick up 3 large tubes of toothpaste, 3 brushes, 100 double edge razor blades, (note: if you don’t have a razor you’ll probably have to order one from Amazon.com and don’t forget a brush and bowl), I’ve used this type of razor for years and think it is a cheaper long-term solution than disposable.
14. While you’re there, add the most comprehensive first-aid kit that you can find to your cart and don’t forget over the counter pain meds (Tylenol, aspirin etc.). If you’re a woman (or have one in your life) go over a few shelves and pick up enough “feminine” supplies to last three months or longer.
15. With all that food in your pantry its only a matter of time before you have to poop. I know, its shocking but we all do it. If you have a water source such as a stream or lake nearby you can still use the toilet in your bathroom, all you have to do is manually fill the tank in back and flush as usual. If this isn’t an option, you’ll need to look for other alternatives such as the Portable Toilets sold in the sporting goods department or making a sawdust toilet from a five-gallon bucket.
16. What’s next? You guessed it toilet paper. If you poop you need to wipe, if not you probably need to start. You could use a corncob, cloth, Roman sponge on a stick or paper from discarded books or newspapers but I would wager most of you prefer the softness of Angel Soft. Get enough to last at least a month, more if possible and remember women need more than men so plan accordingly.
17. While you are in that area of the store pick up a supply of disposable plates, bowls and plastic utensils. Don’t go overboard here but having a small stockpile of these items on hand can save a lot of water that would otherwise be used to wash dishes. Also add two or more gallons of regular, unscented bleach to your cart.
18. This is a biggie and can’t be done (legally) at the department store pharmacy without the signature of a doctor – that is stocking up on prescription meds. Getting more than a 30 day supply, at least in the U.S., can be difficult if not impossible. But there are ways to get most of what you need for long-term survival.
19. Now push your cart (man this thing is getting heavy) over to the hardware department of the store and pick up a carpenters hammer, vise grips, adjustable wrench, screwdriver set, duct tape, electrical tape, ax, pry bar, crosscut saw, hacksaw and a large can of WD-40. This is your bare minimum survival toolkit.
20. After you get your toolkit, go over to sporting goods and in the camping supply aisle pick up a propane camp stove and 5 or more 1 pound propane cylinders or a bulk 20 lb tank and hose adaptor – yes the pressure in the small bottles is the same as a 20 lb cylinder or even 100 lb tank, just be sure to get the proper adapter and hose assembly. Another alternative and the one I prefer is the Volcano Stove because I can use propane, wood, and charcoal.
21. Okay, we are just about done – only a few more steps you’ll be out the door and heading home. You’ll need a way to keep in touch with your group so go to the electronics department and pick up the best two-way radios that you can afford – I have these. Don’t forget a battery-powered radio and extra batteries for both. While not necessary, I prefer a radio capable of receiving AM/FM and shortwave broadcasts – I have this one.
This shopping list will have you better prepared than probably 90% of the U.S. but it should not signify the end of your preps only a good start. There’s always something to do and learn never become complacent – remember the quote “On the plains of hesitation lie the bleached bones of those who on the very threshold of victory sat down to rest, and while resting died.”
What did I leave out? What would you add? Let us know in the comments below.
You didn’t say if this list is for one person or more. I saw the comment about feminine products, so that makes me think this list is for two people. It also doesn’t say how long these supplies would last, it just says that if I have these items that I’d be better off than most others. Maybe that’s your message, just do something? Anything?
Storage life isn’t really an issue because you should be using and rotating. First in… first out… and replace.
Hi! My family is a big fan of your UTube videos. Thank you for all the work you do to make them for us. G_delawtr, above, asked whether this list is for one person. In your response, I didn’t see your answer & I’m still curious. Thanks!
It’s a list to get started for a family of 3 or 4 people. Not a be all and end all list. Will be and should be expanded on as possible depending on the individual families needs and finances.
Thank you!
Where I live my only heat source is wood so I bought 10 gallons each of bar oil and pre mixed gas for my chainsaws. The gas has a 5 year shelf life.
Thanks, MD. Best beginner list I’ve ever found. I’m going to pass this around if you don’t mind. I’ve followed you for the best part of the last 15 years. I’m still here and I am so glad you still push the basics. The normal person needs to hear information at least 6 times to start retaining the knowledge. Never stop buddy.
Point 18. It is legal to stock up on your meds, just not quickly. If you’re on a long term med other than narcotics, you’re doc will probably do a 90 day fill with two refills. Your insurance will probably let you refill on day 75 or 80. Do NOT refill on day 85, instead on 75 or 76. Get into this habit. That means on your first refill, you have two weeks built up. Refill again, four weeks. Then six weeks.
And schedule your followups with the doc early. You have 3×90 fills, so they’re expecting to see you in about 280 days at the earliest. Go a month early, 240-250. If they say anything, it’s just a complicated time at work. If it is every six months, remind them that either you just put in your last fill or you’ll be out of refills between appointments- most docs will thank you for the reminder and file it with your pharmacy. If you do this, you can have a year’s worth of meds in a couple years. Done this way, in a little over two years, you’ll do 10 fills, and have a 20 week buffer.
Obviously, this doesn’t apply to anything that needs a fridge. I’m a diabetic. I’ve told many docs over the years that my income is not as secure as I like and if I have to live in my car for a couple months I will, but I need temperature insensitive meds. Its amazing what kind of alternatives there are, even if it means taking a more aggressive lifestyle-dependent regimen rather than a chemical dependent regimen. Your doc thinks you’re invested (and you should be) and they’ll work with you. And after more than a year without medical insurance… I haven’t had a crisis yet.
Game the system, people. If you need a med for the rest of your life, play the game like your life depends on it. It kinda does.
Of course, you could get lucky and have a like minded doc who gives you a second scrip, non-refillable, for 90 days so you can get a head start. But good luck.
I am on a very expensive med. I had just had my 3 month script refilled when the doctor cut my dose in half. I was told to “finish up” what I had and start with the new dose. Instead I was able to fill the new script right away ( my insurance covered it even though I had filled the old dose three days earlier). I then got a pill cutter and went to work. Voila! I now have a six months buffer. Might help some people.
I have to be honest here. Please dont be offended.
I’m a 43 year old lady from canada. I really like your utube vids but today you presented this checklist with a ridiculous looking normie floozie posing like an instagram star. I understand this bleach blondie is your wife. I have lost a lot of respect for you knowing that you love bleach blonde made up floozies. I was picturing your wife as a very humble, discreet lady. Please have her dress down. Remember grey man? She is so far from grey she will definitely get your position noticed. I’ve noticed. I’m extremely unimpressed and I have unsubscribed. Thanks.
She isn’t my wife. Its a stock image. Get a grip.
Thanks for your reply. Well either way, wife or stock, she looks like a prostitute, spreading in the isle. Maybe YOU should get a grip….on your little mouse (your computer mouse, get your mind out of the gutter! Lol) and change the image to a respectable looking person in the isle so as not to alienate your female or religious audiences. Just a suggestion for improvement. Take it or leave it, MD.
Man, that picture is the only reason I clicked on the link!
Some people just can’t shut up, can they? 🤣🤦🏻♀️ I’m impressed with your ability to deal with them! Thanks for all you do! We love your channel!
Wow! Thought she was totally out of line with that tirade; thought the girl was just a normal attractive young lady, and even reasonably well dressed, unless someone’s a Nun or is Muslim, with very stringent dress codes.
Yes, I thought so too. You see it’s still up with the article… yep.
Thats a good start and most of it is affordable too. Stop everyday after work and pick up a few items at a time. In a month your good to go. Theres a strip of junk stores (family dollar, dollar tree, big lots) that I hit every couple days on the way home from work to get small things and it doesn’t break the bank. At dollar tree they have libbys brand canned mandarin orange’s, buck a can.
MD, I would add rope, cordage, unscented laundry soap, dawn dish soap and a sewing awe and sewing kit to the list.
Great list. I would add 550 paracord (in hardware), a roll of black stove pipe wire (in hardware), Super Glue and JB Weld (in hardware). Then in automotive I would get a couple of tarps in various sizes.
Good Morning,
I have used this list over and over again. Thank you for it. It helps to organize my thinking and shopping instead of panicking and buying 20 cans of lima beans no one will eat. I have one question, when I store certain items, I have read to use oxygen absorber packets. I see them on Amazon but I don’t know what cc to buy. What is your suggestion? Thanks in advance for answering. Stay well.
Barb
Barb, it depends on what size of container that you’re storing the food in. I put in two 1000cc Oxygen Absorbers to each Mylar lined five gallon bucket.
Thaks M D. Ive been lazy in my days and knowing at the same time my need to provide and have things ready for family, thanks for the kick in the back side, im on my way to walmart and other locations to get ready , weather large or small problem. Keep up the excellent work.
Thank you for your time and effort to help others -help themselves. Everyone who makes comments on how many days will this list last or how many people does this list work for- still have their blinders of “its never going to happen to me” on.
This is a great list to start by and continue as needs/places/people always change. There is no list amounts that can tell you how much you need people!
This is like learning the ABC’s- it’s up to you on how big of words you want to spell once you learn the basics. He took time to compile a beginners list to help you start- not a catch all! You will never find a “true list” because there are to many variables and factors for each person/family/situation/living region.
The idea is to start- even if it’s 1 can at a time, or 10 bucks a week. It adds up quickly!
Great list for anyone who is starting to prep but is a little lost. I plan on making a few copies of the list and giving them to a few people who have done nothing. I hope they look at the list and it makes them think a little about what is happening right now.
i got all those items plus but still a little light on tp its not a top of the list for me
I agree with your video on the AR pistol…you a good man…God bless☕🍩👍
Thank you.
You left off the list where the money is stashed to pay for all of this lol don’t have any rich Uncles, in fact I don’t have any Uncles lol awesome list anyway, thx for all of your work on these vids
Will, sadly it’s going to get much worse. I could have told you to go spend $10,000 to $40,000 one a years supply of prepackages survival foods through my affiliate link. I’m actually trying to get folks to prepare for what’s here and getting worse. Time is running out and ready or not it’s coming.
Great list. Appreciate all you do.
Thank you.
don’t forget a reliable knife id you rely on hunting ,plenty of fire wood and hardwoods for smoking meat or fish and old news paper to start a fire maybe charcoal with a chimney starter. a blind or a tree stand also…the list could go on forever but sometimes your finances are limited…Thanks…keep up the good work. I enjoy the videos….I have family on the plateau so it’s a connecting point for me