Buyer Beware! Thrift Store Prepping Tips

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Potential treasures that you may be able to pick up at your local thrift stores include; can openers, garden tools, emergency kit bags, water bottles, kitchen tools, resource books, cookbooks, camping equipment, containers, mason jars, medical equipment, warm clothing, wool blankets, water barrels, transportation (bikes), etc. Be careful to select treasures and not trash! ****HybridLight (LOVE these lights!) hybridlight.com/discount/provident ... use the discount code PROVIDENT to get 20 percent off your order. Learn more about preparing for the future at TheProvidentPrepper.org. Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@eabird4358]

I love to look for vintage kitchen items that I can actually use. I love to dig through stuff. The little surprises are worth it. I lived in a 2 room cabin when I was younger now I'm in a small apartment. My rule when thrifting. If I don't use it more than once a week it's gone. I find a lot of great stuff at church sales. One by me has a regular sale on Friday then on Saturday you fill a grocery bag for a dollar.

[@sandraburke1258]

Marketplace is another great 2nd hand site to view for needed treasures.

[@coreygage2023]

In a time when fear is the name of the game with most prepper channels you two are truly a breath for fresh air. Your calm, upbeat demeanor helps to bring me down to earth and centered. My favorite channel!

[@Kristy.G.135]

❤ I couldn’t agree more!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Ahhh ... thank you! We love you!

[@Bob-lq9ys]

Thrift stores can be fun, hand meat grinders, sometimes cast-iron cookware, you just never know until you go

[@David-hz4td]

Helpful hint. If you see something you are debating purchasing. Pick it up and think about it while you are carrying it around. If you change your mind, put it back. I have lost out on things when I went back a few minutes later and it was gone.

[@cabinfevernanna5897]

Kylene, you sure scored on a hubby that will go thrifting with you. You guys are SO MUCH FUN!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

I absolutely scored when I got Jonathan! Best decision I ever made :)

[@tooshieg2059]

You are o right about the bags. I have some really nice, expensive bags - much better than I would have purchased new - because they were cheap at the thrift store. Also, I've scored a lot of cast iron cooking and small kitchen appliances - like a countertop ice maker. Spring is great time to go - people spring clean and also right after the holidays.

[@coreygage2023]

On a side note, I picked up a Tribest "greenstar" elite juicer with all the added components at a local thrift store for $20.00! It wasn't even used and they normally sell for $600.00. What a find!

[@davej7458]

I look forward to hearing from you all. You are both so comforting. You also are so knowable and talk about important things, it's much more than intertainment.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

You are very kind Dave! Thank you for joining us!

[@lornaevans3967]

Picking is the fun of it! Like a treasure hunt

[@philw7174]

I agree, love the finds at D.I.. Thank you Jonathan and Kylene for your continued encouragement for us to prepare. Happy trails!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Thank you Phil for being part of the solution!

[@Utah_Mike]

I stay away from thrift stores, I do shop a lot on our local classifieds & have found many many great deals! Years ago I had my mom check yard sales for cast iron, she did great & I’m well stocked.

[@patricecarter5096]

Oh I love the DI I get there everything, even my clothing. I'm so proud to be frugal....I love your videos. Thanks for your time.

[@lornaevans3967]

I go to goodwill every Tuesday!! It’s senior day. I find a treasure trove of everything from ball canning to prep books!

[@design2c436]

Canning jars here are cheaper if purchased new. Menards sells a dozen for $9. That = .75 per jar with lid and ring. Naked jars in thrift stores, in my area, generally sell for $1-2 each.

[@lornaevans3967]

@@design2c436I live in a suburb of Atlanta and we don’t have a Menards. Is that a grocery?

[@design2c436]

@@lornaevans3967 No its a home improvement chain. I think you can join and shop online.

[@charlenefrazier6734]

I bought a pasta maker just like that for 4$ this week. The week before I found a rack that you dry the noodles on. I. Love. Thrifting!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

That is awesome!

[@br2080]

You have a really nice thrift shop. Nothing like that by me

[@jaimietollison7722]

I found a Nesco dehydrator for $7 at a thrift store. I was so excited and use it often.

[@justnana2256]

We have 2 thrift stores within driving distance. My daughter works at the well known one. They take everything worth anything and put it on their online sales. Nothing of any value remains in the community. The other store is the church one, it is in an old falling down building and has very little of interest but I have found some gems there. I'm not complaining because it means I live in a low population area.

[@JenJones-yi5ly]

I manage a charity thrift shop and there are always amazing deals for preps. From heavy duty go bags to snow chains, there is always something to find. Candles, oil lamps, outdoor cooking supplies, cast iron, wool socks, you name it!

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

I've found many of my older food preservation items at small church managed thrift stores. 😊

[@peachBloom]

I needed this visual how to for shopping for a go bag and prepping supplies now. On September 12th, we had another 5.1 earthquake on the fault that popped off earlier this year. My first earthquake in California was as a child in 1971. When a quake starts, there's that trepidation of how long will it be and how strong will it get! You inspire me by making a list. There's an Army-Navy store not too far away, also. I'm going to get on it. Geopolitical events are not the only things to prep for. Actually, wildfires are an evacuation concern in my area, as well. Thanks so much for all of your quality videos and cheerful voice.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

You are so sweet! Thanks for being part of the solution!

[@elizabethduncan6418]

I do a lot of dumpster diving I find food and other Goods I might need there without paying a dime

[@Showard4743]

I came here to say something similar! Plus some landfills and dumps have special areas to drop off items in good condition for other people to take. I have some great free dumpster finds!

[@The_DailyCuppaJo]

I love my local thrift store and among other things actually did pick up a large sturdy mag light flashlight for three dollars which could also be used as a weapon! Another time I got a handful of assorted small lanterns I have seen on other preppers websites for $2-$3 apiece. One of my greatest finds was a vintage Lodge cast-iron dutch oven for eight bucks. I actually had people stopping me on the way out, congratulating me on my find. Oh, and I picked up two identical plastic storage bins that were just the right size to hold all the supplies I needed after watching your video on how to convert your toilet should the water be turned off for an extended period of time. Score!

[@tizmehere492]

Wonderful topic. I love treasure hunting and I love donating.

[@poodledaddles1091]

1st, take a minivan to the store b/c you’ll need it… maybe:) Some of the bargains will come when you’re not ready( not enough space) or you”re too busy too shop, etc. I agree with all your tips, even down to the flunky electric can openers that are out there. If something is cheap and i think i might need it, i just buy it b/c I don’t go often.

[@br2080]

I like OXO products. Especially the can openers

[@lornaevans3967]

@@br2080 I have bought like 3 can openers from goodwill. Luckily we tried them all out one day and all failed except 1!!! I decided to go to brandsmart and get a new XOXO opener new. I have a lot of cans for my preps so I can’t afford a failing opener when the electricity goes out and I can’t use my electric.

[@margaretgibbs1007]

Footware is often a good deal in op shops. I bought some boots (which lasted for about 3 years frequent use) for $4, which sell for new about $150!

[@unitedheartsamerica5924]

I love you guys and your teamwork.. Bless you and your channel..

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Bless you!

[@andreagardner2335]

That’s the best thrift store I have ever seen. I live in New England. Nothing like that here.

[@sharondesfor5151]

Two weeks ago I found a nearly new air fryer for $12! I'm so happy: when we moved this summer I lost out on my double convection oven. Now I have a replacement, even if it's much smaller than an oven. Back to crispy fries and beautifully caramelized broccoli and Brussels sprouts! 😋

[@EssentialTam33]

When I go places, I sometimes take a pic and send to a friend/family who may come to mind. I will pick it up for them.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

You are awesome!!

[@k.p.1139]

All of our thrift stores closed in 2021. Except for the Goodwill which is a flat joke here. You drive to the back, sometimes they glance at you stuff and say nope, move along, or they will pick though, making a mess and send you on your way. The last time we drove up, I told them you take it all or none, and they said move along. So, I will not go back, they are snobs!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Wow! That's awful!

[@design2c436]

Here they throw most of it the dumpster and the stuff they keep is higher than new prices. In the last 5 yrs I made only 2 purchases at Goodwill and they were nothing dramatic.

[@lornaevans3967]

I found a brand new $35 Yeti at Goodwill! I gifted it to my wonderful husband! He doesn’t use any other cup now! It’s like a baby with a pacifier, he takes it everywhere with him! Lol

[@amberluttrelll8359]

I never even thought to checkout a thrift store for preps

[@RhodaJayne]

I went to a flea market yesterday and purchased a large Breville convection oven for $60.00. I checked the model number and it’s being sold for almost $300.00 on Amazon now.

[@MsDianaWeeks]

I have been thrifting for years! I love it! The Lord blessed me recently with an All American canner I have been wanting for a couple years now, $5.00 !!! can you believe it. I have started my son' s family prepping and teaching my daughter in law to can. Always smart to thrift. I also like that I can try something or learn a new skill without breaking the bank. And I am a bookaholic as well. I am currently working on Grid Down tools, I loved the bedside toilet!, Thanks for sharing with us, I have learned a lot from you!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

That was an incredible find!

[@mommajubby3385]

Our DI has canning jars for 25¢ a piece. I stock up whenever they have inventory. I also picked up a brand new accessory kit for my Bosch mixer for $8! Score!

[@DebbieAndrews3435]

Love a good thrift store find❤

[@stay-salty43]

Water Barrels, GR8 FIND!! TJ MAXX and Ross, if you have them, can be helpful also.

[@wandabrindamour8473]

Great prepping share ❤😊❤ I regularly shop the thrift store for books & dvd's, kitchen gadgets, picked up a winter coat and a rain coat this summer. Great.tip on using file cabinets for prep storage🤓 I have an empty 2-drawer in the garage it should be perfect for medial preps! smh I walk past it 14x per week and NEVER thought about it for prep storage❤❤❤ thank you another storage issue solved, and it's on wheels so I can move it around until I feel it's in the 'right' spot in my home.

[@Tibordog]

We have many thrift store in my area. My newest find is a stainless steel fondue pot which might come in handy if power goes out. Of course the sterno cans weren't cheap..lol

[@roncameron7461]

You guys are awesome! Thanks so much for your insights...😉

[@MaryMyhaver]

Found an inverter cooktop single burner for $10. Will work great on my solar generator if power goes out for safe cooking

[@marygallagher3428]

Great tips, thanks!

[@dumpsterahoy9236]

Thanks TPP

[@bque9444]

Many years ago, I had the belief that, "Eeew, it stinks in thrift stores." Then my financial life changed for the worse, and I was forced to shop at those stores. Wow, what bargains they have! Yippee!

[@lornaevans3967]

They use to be stinky and unorganized. No longer. Just like a department store now. 🎉

[@bque9444]

@lornaevans3967 I must dusagree a bit. The local 3 Goodwill stores are somewhat organized, but messy, especially in clothing, no matter what time of day. I have complained, yet very little was done.

[@lornaevans3967]

@@bque9444 our is highly organized and spotless! Of course I was and sanitize all of my purchases when I get home! I was just there this AM and found a brand new 7 piece king size comforter set for our bed! Iam a washing it as we speak but brand new in the bag. Iam geraphobe!

[@lornaevans3967]

Germaphobe (SP)

[@bque9444]

@lornaevans3967 By calling someone a name, you just demonstrated to everyone that you have a problem, and need to grow up. Further, if you cannot say anything nice, don't say anything. And obviously, my iriitual comment talked about messiness, not germs. Things can be clean, look messy, just need to be organized. Sorry you can not comprehend my simple comment. Good luck.

[@janice2992]

I wish we had thrift stores in UK that sell this kind of stuff. As you may have heard you have museums showing the things that we use in our daily lives.

[@The_DailyCuppaJo]

😂 That’s awesome!

[@patriciacooke886]

I’ve been to a thrift store in Shrewsbury UK, great items.

[@richardelliott9511]

I am so in agreement with you about thrift stores. I make regular rounds of my local ones. Between my prepping and my candle making hobby, I seldom leave empty handed. My best bargin has been a 2 quart , covered fondue pot with an alcohol burner and option for 3 tea lights instead, 5 bucks. I also agree on the flashlight situation but there is another influential tidbit. Amazon does sell led bulbs to replace the old incandescent bulbs flash light bulbs, giving those on a tight budget another option. Thanks for what you do❤.

[@DianeWaite-l4x]

I had a college near me in every spring the kids just throw everything out it usually ends up at a Goodwill or a thrift store some sort I love that time of year because I get great great deals

[@patriciacooke886]

My niece said the same thing about the college near her. Great stuff for cheap prices.

[@sandiheilman-ry4jt]

I buy clothing there. Not only cheaper but real cotton, wool etc. without chemicals like polyvinyl chloride which causes liver failure. If people knew what they are wearing they might be surprized.

[@dessebasey2750]

Thanks so much for your calm, down to Earth Prepper tips/videos. I am at the point that i feel we are on the Precipise. We are inventorying all of our first aid and go bags this weekend. Riots coming and God knows what. I think its here.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

You got this! Stay close to God and it will all work out.

[@OriginalCosmicBabe]

The last time I went to a thrift shop, I found a $30 Nordic Ware bundt pan - that looked like it had never been used- for $4. A couple of years ago, I got a lacy-edged bedskirt, which after seam-ripping & sewing plus some elastic for the waistband (less than 2 hours work), turned into a lovely 3-tiered skirt that I get compliments on nearly every time I wear it! Any time I see a real wool blanket for under $10, I grab it - not just for using on my bed in winter, but as a car blanket or a pet bed. And real wool blankets would be very handy as a window covering to keep the cold out during a winter power outage.

[@azokalum]

I've found good quality wool blankets at thrift stores. After purchase, I freeze it for a few days then carefully wash. A wool blanket is near each bed providing both warmth and an emergency cover in case of fire.

[@chrislear6676]

Our local thrift store supports a hospice. Try to donate and buy as much as I can.

[@robertogomez3698]

Locally, I usually go to a thrift store that serves military veterans and their spouses. They do food distribution once a month. As for the thrift store, I have bought medical leg braces, camera bags, utility bags, books, Tupperware kitchen utensils, extension cords, computer speakers, and other misc stuff.

[@gonefishing3644]

Thrift stores can be a good source for gently used, or even never used, sturdy clothing, hiking boots and work boots. But you have to know retail prices and brands to be sure you are getting a bargain. If you are looking for books, baking pans, microwave safe dinner plates, mixing bowls and camping gear, a thrift shop may have what you need at better than new prices. I have bought still-in-the-package toothbrushes, sets of sample size toothpaste and even still-in-the package bandages and other medical supplies of the sort that patients are given to take home with them after surgery for home care. Want a set of adjustable crutches for your medical prepping supplies? You probably can find a pair at a thrift shop at way below retail cost. I bought a brand new, still in the box, bread machine a few years ago at less than half price. It was one about 10 identical machines some business had donated. If you have an old-fashioned hobby, such as home sewing, quilting, knitting or crochet, a thrift shop can be a good source for used sewing machines, sewing patterns, fabric scraps, thread, quilting hoops, skeins of yarn, etc. A lot of this stuff shows up when the executor of an estate donates granny's stash of craft supplies. Some of the better-quality clothing gets donated when an adult discovers too-large or too-small clothing after their weight changes. Or cold weather clothing gets donated when a family moves to a warm climate. When the seasons change you can find an influx of the previous season's clothing at thrift shops as people clean out their closets to make room for new items. The best time to go to a thrift shop is the first hour the store is open on those days the store's employees have just added more donations to the store. The worst times to go are the last hour before the store closes when other shoppers have already picked over the merchandise or on Saturdays and Sundays when working people have the opportunity to shop.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

That's great tip!

[@wearetheresistanceprepping1883]

Recently it was discovered in our area that a popular thrift store I'll call the g&w boutique was caught up in a bad position. Several employees were claiming goods donated (this was allowed by the company) and apparently were reselling them online at a substantial price hike and apparently doing very well. The ones suffering are the patrons of these establishments that some cant afford to buy items new.

[@Tjensen999]

I love DI.

[@amberluttrelll8359]

I got lucky last time I was in the hospital (ms flare) when I got out they sent me 2 bedside commodes.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Sorry about the MS flare! Those are rough! Lucky find on those bedside commodes.

[@amberluttrelll8359]

@@TheProvidentPrepper I know you can totally relate on the nightmares of ms And thankfully I didn’t need to use commodes so they both are in the basement just in case shtf

[@keithgarland3404]

Just a side note, those books are very useful, I am a retired automotive technician and mechanical engineer, but as a young married man, I learned building, brickwork, woodwork, plumbing, furniture repairs, DIY, all by reading these books, and then doing, and practicing these skills. Yes you can watch KZbin videos now, but we may not have internet.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Sounds like you have a lot of skills that make you very valuable.

[@paxorra5528]

Reused treasures I have found 2 cots (army type) for $10.xx each (brand new is about $60 to fancy $150), a 8 person tent (heavy grade, do not know the price new.. I was not able to get it 😔), Coleman 2 burner cook top $10.xx (no rust, scratch& dent free). I think someone had cleaned out a house because there was lots of household, garage, attic, basement... to the brim in the store that day.

[@JuneLewis-u8u]

I don’t see much at mine in AZ. But every so often a gem…

[@garitengholm211]

I used to own a flower shop and I would go to all three of the thrift stores in my area and load up on glass vases when they have half off sales. I’d wash those vases with soap and warm water and voila!…they are brand new and you will not be able to tell them apart from the new vases.

[@wellarmedwife166]

we have always made our own pasta...but with a kitchen aid... electric required. I found the exact manual pasta maker at the hot bins a few weeks ago (undelivered amazon packages go there) It was day 4...so it cost me a whopping $4. Plan to use it this week..just so we have knowledge of how...may as well keep using the kitchen aid while we can.

[@wendyr435]

Amazon sells the bedside commodes fairly cheaply. I would NEVER buy one used, just eww.😮 The one I bought on Amazon folds up when not in use. They also have the chemicals you can use to break down the solids, the kind you would use in an RV. I love thrifting, and books are my fav items to get there. I'm collecting WW2 era cookbooks. They used fewer items in a recipe, and some have some pretty interesting things I probably would never eat!

[@patriciacooke886]

In August my husband and I offered to help our son and daughter in law with dog sitting while our son need surgery. The very first day my husband had a small injury. It became a stressful situation, not knowing where they stored paper towel to cleanse his injury. It immediately became a big mistake on our part NOT having first aid kit in our car. My next trip to our local thrift store I found the perfect zipped bag to start storing first aid items. I love thrift stores.

[@roguegypsy7827]

I live in Bishop, CA. There is no Walmart, Kmart, Home Depot, Lowe’s etc etc. we get everything we need from our local thrift store. We even get great hiking and camp gear from all the PCT hikers after they quit their hike. Lots and lots of bicycles were dropped off after Burning Man also

[@brentbarr7800]

Which DI did you go to? That pasta maker is awesome. I have the exact same one, cost plenty, great find.

[@davidjones1393]

NICE

[@carriejones9890]

I look for canning jars They are significantly more expensive at my thrift store 😐

[@patriciacooke886]

Goodwill prices on canning jars is outrageous, they are definitely out of touch. I will not pay 1.99 for a jar.

[@kathryncook1427]

Sometimes they are same price as Walmart

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Sometimes they are. You have to be a wise shopper!

[@iwrist313]

I go to thrift stores. But I find new items there that cost more than the average thrifter won't buy. It's a good place to get books you can repair items and a good ole fashioned cook book for $1.00

[@tanillecramer3915]

Our local thrift store is a pure rip off unfortunately! They have been trying to charge new prices. I don’t go there anymore

[@patriciacooke886]

It was Goodwill right? They are out of touch, grifters

[@Kristy.G.135]

I have been looking for unscented candles to use for emergencies. I almost picked up a dehydrator but it was almost the same price as new. I’m a little sketchy of things you have to plug in. I’m afraid of causing a fire

[@MosaicHomestead]

Those stores don't exist here.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Sorry!

[@kathryncook1427]

I only have 1380 sq feet town house

[@design2c436]

...in my experience...File Cabinets are not rodent proof!!! Darn critters squeeze through the drawers somehow and make nests in the files.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Good to know!

[@design2c436]

@@TheProvidentPrepper I have waged war this year, peppermint oil plug-ins, peppermint oil spray, peppermint oil reed diffuser, poison, ( farm strength) and bucket lids that dump them in. Mouse traps, cats, kitty litter around house. And putting food in galvanized tins, trash cans, and jars.

[@patriciacooke886]

I would be concerned if the file cabinet is on not level cement flooring. Definitely mice could get into the cabinet. Maybe cut a thick plywood a little wider to place underneath.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

@@patriciacooke886 Very good point!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

@@design2c436 Sometimes it has just got to be all-out war on those critters!

[@MariaN-wf1jh]

hello

[@sandraburke1258]

How do you overcome Prepping BURNOUT? When your family began with just you and your 4 children and now there are 20 of us and you're the ONLY ONE PREPPING with the LEAST INCOME while "they" take several vacations a year drive nice vehicles and eat out regularly. Can you say NO to your own children and their children (your grandchildren) when the time comes to survive on what you've put back to live on? Do you say hey I'm the elder at the end of my life so you eat before me or do you just walk away and let the rest divide your preps because you know there isn't enough to last 20 people very long and your eating takes away from a younger generations possible survival. OR is it a PLAY YOU PAY-so they go without and you who took the time to prepare and made sacrifices will survive for a while longer. In Gods hands when the time comes!

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Such tough questions. I think it is important not to create the expectation that you will take care of everyone. We have made significant sacrifices over the years to live frugally while others have lived a life of abundance. It is interesting now to see how we have peace while others are struggling because of their decisions. Handouts aren't healthy and create a mindset of entitlement. Everyone should work for what they receive. Jonathan says he will give them a pair of work gloves and put them to work. I have a friend who says he will take custody of their valuables, a can of rice for a wedding ring, or boat, or whatever. We will listen carefully to what God tells us to do. After all ... it all belongs to Him not me :)

[@prole2554]

Unfortunately. there is no such store within a 75 mile radius of me.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Sounds like a great business opportunity for someone.

[@That.Lady.withtheYarn]

Hi

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Hi!

[@PaladinsLight]

idk u guys were mormans, considering your history with the u.s government i can see why you guys are called the original preppers. it is true that if you go to wealtheir areas you will get better donations but stores match prices to the population so since that store is in a wealtheir area the prices in my experince go up as well no matter the quality of the product. thrifiting is a great asepect of prepping but so is dumpster diving or finding curb finds. i wonder if you guys particapt, you can find tons of stuff totally free. stores throw out boxes of food or electronics and tho the legality can be a grey area. can you make a video touching on these topics please.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

That would be an interesting video. Don't overlook the free stuff on facebook marketplace or your local online classifieds. It is amazing the great stuff you can find. Yup! We are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our people have been prepping pretty much forever. We are encouraged to be hard working, self-reliant, and to take care of each other.

[@OhavYisrail]

QOTD I love thrifting and go a few times a week. In addition to the above, I have found board games (great for no-power entertainment), tools, and more for building my preps. I keep a master list of what I'm looking for and usually leave it in the most helpful place (on the kitchen counter lol). One of my best finds recently is all of a sudden I found 4 of the hand crank egg beaters. I bought all four, since they were only $2 each, still less than the cost of one new one. I use them all the time for mixing because it's honestly easier than getting the kitchen aid out. Plus i need the exercise if I'm making a cake. Two of my biggest preps I've done with thrifting is I created a secondary income stream. Im focused mainly on jewelry and furniture now, but by repairing or restoring (because some blessed soul that doesn't have the sense they were born with decided to paint a 200 year cherry piece off white without even going with the grain and now it's on sale for $20). I can then resell it on a much higher end market and make a tidy profit. The second is, I've built my precious metals reserve. For this one you really need to go early, go often, and really keep your honeyholes to yourself. But so far this year, I've found over a dozen sterling candlesticks, a sterling wedding frame (which I paid all of 89 cents for), several sterling and continental punch and cake service sets (the ones used for a wedding), and even a few pieces of british sterling (that one you really have to know your hallmarks). plus pounds of sterling and gold jewelry (I buy the bulk jars and sort them, some gets resold, some donated to crafting programs, and some saved to send to the refiner). I can either resell on the collectors market, or send off to be refined. My best tip for this is people really only pay for real silver for special occasions and ritual items (which are unlikely to be on the resell market, and if they are I always find someone of that faith to give them to), so skip the cutlery and chafing dishes (Again notable exception being wedding sets). 99.99% of the time that will be plate and really only of value to collectors.

[@OhavYisrail]

my other tip is know your prices. My local thrift store charges $3 each for ball jars regardless of size. way cheaper to buy new. I can a lot plus use for dry storage so I'm always on the hunt for jars, but I about had a heart attack when I saw that sticker.

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Awesome way to create another stream of income!

[@OhavYisrail]

@TheProvidentPrepper thanks. I have to admit to being super jealous of your thrift store though. I'll have to add it to my (long) list to check out when I finally make it out to Utah. I've followed Deseret industries for years and am in awe of their humanitarian work.

[@lunarminx]

My two area goodwill now prices things too expensive. We buy holiday fleece throws $5 at Walmart. They had some of the $5 throws, used, for $7. If things are cheaper its not by much. so if electronics, best get brand new if not that much more expensive. Like $3 more for a heavy duty tote over that flimsy one.

[@jeanvliet1742]

Unfortunately here in the boonies in Wisconsin we don't have any DI stores 4:41 😢 not enough peppers or good thrift stores around for these types of items. Guess I need to move to Utah or Idaho 😅 thrift stores here are quite expensive for anything good

[@TheProvidentPrepper]

Watch on online classifieds for free stuff. I'm also a huge fan of garage sales :)

[@rebeccaday7076]

I would like to know the ins and outs of storage and rodents. No one talks about this issue. I moved to my dad's to take care of him f8ull time for 3 years. When I moved back home I had mi 4:09 ce. Traps and poisen then 2 cats finally took care of the problem. Now that I'm storing extra I have used glass canning jars so far. My question is can they chew through the plastic pails? Or mylar bags. I'm sure if times are tough and people are not throwing away so much food, I'm sure mice will come into homes more.