I have a lot of old school items that I consider preps. From manual kitchen items and tools to old-fashioned containers for organizing, many of my preps were acquired second-hand or inherited. Whenever I go to a thrift store or yard sale, or peruse online marketplaces, I always watch for items that could serve me well in an emergency.

I have loved thrift stores and second-hand shopping my entire life. I remember being a little kid and begging my mom to stop at yard sales. She was never really into it – during her upbringing, that just wasn't something people did unless they had no other option.

When I moved out on my own, I immediately decorated my dorm room with yard sale goodies and thrift store treasures. Everyone loved coming into my cozy room to hang out. I was forever hooked on the unique "other people's trash" as my treasure.

Later, when I became a prepper, I certainly didn't have the budget to go out and spend a fortune on shiny new gear. But I was able to acquire tons of things by shopping at thrift stores, yard sales, and online marketplaces.