40 Items to Barter

Bartering is such a great tool, not just at TEOTWAYKI, but in everyday life. Whether it’s the loan of tools between neighbors, parents that trade off babysitting, carpooling, or more technical-labour skills, bartering saves money and builds invaluable relationships.

There were many items, that we often take for granted, which were much sought after following the major hurricanes in the southern United States. Some people from spared states and regions sold them at astronomical costs to those in need. Stores were looted, those in need suffered.

Here are 40 items that fit inside a standard 5-gallon bucket that are easily traded during severe crises or if the “shit hits the fan” (SHTF), as they say. Please note: I have left out standard weaponry and ammo, for a few reasons.

1. Canned Fuel (like Sterno)

2. Duct Tape

3. Socks

4. Hat

5. Gloves

6. Candles

7. A hygiene pack (basically a ziploc bag with a toothbrush/paste, small bar of soap, tissue packet, and a compressed washcloth)

8. Seeds

9. Nail Clipper

10. Knives (as a tool)

11. Sewing Kit

12. Batteries (AAA and AA being the most common)

13. Lighters

14. Matches

15. Deck of Cards

16. Chewing Gum

17. Reading Glasses

18. Home or Personal Alarm

19. Tampons

20. Condoms

21. Travel Packets of Over-the-Counter Medications

22. Vitamins

23. Hand Tools

24. Cigarettes

25. Water Purification Tablets

26. Mylar Blanket

27. Toilet Paper

28. First Aid Supplies (all kinds)

29. Powdered Creamer

30. Coffee/Tea

31. Powdered Drink Mix

32. Hot Cocoa

33. Sugar

34. Oil

35. Vodka

36. Peanut Butter

37. Hard Candy

38. Canned Stew/Meat

39. Crackers

40. Granola Bars

Most of these can be found at a dollar store. A good strategy is to store your “barter bucket” away from your other supplies in the event of disaster so no one sees how much you really have. Also, make the deal first, fetching the items needed in private.