Today, I want to talk about an incredible find I picked up at an estate sale that has become an excellent addition to my preps. Before diving into the specifics of what’s in the mysterious box I acquired, let’s chat a little about the power of yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales for bolstering your preparedness plans.
Estate sales, yard sales, and flea markets are often overlooked goldmines for preppers. While many might not think of these places as first stops for gathering survival gear, they offer unique opportunities. My experiences have shown me that these sales aren’t just about old furniture and clothes. They’re places where history and practicality intersect, offering items that are both useful and timeless.
The Treasure Hunt: Best Places to Find Prepper Gear
Estate Sales
Particularly estate sales, where you’re likely dealing with a collection from someone who has lived through various eras, can yield some fascinating, vintage finds. Often, they hold a plethora of survival, camping, and hiking gear. More importantly, you can find those charming, old-timey items that may seem trivial but can substitute for electric appliances in a pinch. Imagine swapping out an electric blender for a good old hand blender. Trust me, these kinds of swaps can save you in a pinch if the power goes out!
Yard Sales
When scanning yard sales, my strategy isn’t to find food items. The real treasures lie within old tools, manual gadgets, and other survival essentials that have withstood the test of time. These things often come with stories of a bygone era, yet they hold intrinsic value in our modern preparedness plans.
Flea Markets
Flea markets are no less interesting. Often, they’re a colorful kaleidoscope of stuff you didn’t even know you needed. Spend a Saturday wandering through one, and you might come away with some invaluable bartering knowledge or that just-right piece of equipment you’ve been hunting for.
Inspection US Meals Ready to Eat Military MRE with Heater Box of MRE Meals Full Meal 12 MRE Pack
My Recent Find: A Box with a Story
So, about the find. Here’s a bit of background: I stumbled across an estate sale sign while driving and decided to check it out. It was being held by the grandchildren of an elderly lady who, it appeared, was quite the devotee of a well-known televangelist. If you know of Jim Baker, you’ll know he was notorious for marketing ‘end times’ products.
A Prepper’s Jackpot
Among his marketed items was an end-times food line with meals boasting a 30-year shelf life. Let me tell you, when I discovered boxes upon boxes of these meals, each weighing about 50 pounds, I knew I’d hit the prepper jackpot. For under $100, I managed to secure what appears to be between 300 to 400 meals. While I haven’t done a complete inventory, the assortment was impressive.
Surfing the Waves of Nostalgia: Contents of the Box
What’s in the box, you ask? Here are some of the highlights:
- Cheesy Rice Casserole
A satisfying serving with nearly 400 calories per portion, featuring six servings in a packet. This dish alone promises a significant calorie boost whenever needed. - Cornbread Muffins and End of the World Gravy
Although the label might have seen better days, these items seem ready to serve in those hypothetical end-times scenarios. - Multigrain Cereal and Biscuits
Insignificant they may sound, but aren’t those comfort foods the best when things get rough?
While these meals are more than a decade old, having been manufactured around 2012, they promise an impressive shelf life of up to 30 years. I’m excited to test their taste, truth be told. Regardless of whether their flavor lives up to expectations, the caloric content and the preservation qualities make them a hearty addition to my prepper pantry.
Why Consider Estate Sales for Your Preps?
Image this: Less than $100 for 400 meals with a 30-year shelf life. Pretty small footprint, right? That’s the beauty of estate sales. These are the kind of amazing finds that really can enhance your preparedness.
Sometimes, depending on the locale and the specific items, you might even uncover boxes of MREs (Meals, Ready-to-Eat) from past disaster relief efforts led by organizations like FEMA. Often, surplus MREs find their way into these kinds of sales, offering another layer of preparation at a fraction of retail cost.
BLOCKQUOTE: “Stuff like this are amazing finds that can really contribute and enhance your preps. If you don’t do yard sales, flea markets, and estate sales, I encourage you to start swinging by.” – Shane
Diving Deeper: Community Insights and Shared Knowledge
Of course, one of the most enjoyable aspects of these treasure hunts is sharing what we find with the wider community. It’s an opportunity to learn what others in the prepping community seek out and perhaps discover something you’ve overlooked.
I’m eager to know what you look for in these types of sales and what treasures you’ve managed to unearth. Sharing insights not only empowers our community but also encourages curiosity and preparedness.
Wrapping Up
So what’s the takeaway here? The next time you see a sign for a yard sale or estate sale, take a detour. Spend a little time sifting through the past to find those perfect additions to your future readiness plans. And, most importantly, share your finds. After all, knowledge shared is knowledge gained.
Until next time, safe prepping!
Please do leave a comment about your own experiences, treasures, and must-have finds at these sales. Let’s learn from each other and build an even stronger, more resilient community. Don’t forget to subscribe for more tips, tricks, and strategies for modern preparedness!
