Think of this post as a reminder of what you probably are already aware of. There is always more to stockpile because it's up to you to prepare for that pivotal SHTF moment. Who knows, you may see something here you completely forgot about and you can run to the store ASAP to stock up!

Bic Lighter
If I only had one survival tool (well, depending on the scenario), I’d probably want it to be a lighter. The inexpensive and ubiquitous Bic butane lighter is a trusty source of flame, and you only need one working thumb to operate it. This fire starter works better than matches or spark rods, and it’s capable of lighting hundreds of fires. Not bad for gear that costs $1 a piece.
Floss
Besides keeping your teeth clean, floss can make a high strength cord and improvised fishing line. Leave the floss in its case for easy cutting and dispensing, or break it free so that the spool packs down tighter in your low-cost survival kit.
Bottle of Bleach
The pint and a half sized bottle of Clorox can be found for $2 in most grocery stores, and that small bottle can disinfect hundreds of gallons of drinking water. It can also make a disinfecting wash to clean out hydration bladders, water filters and even kill viruses on contaminated surfaces. For drinking water, add 2-4 drops of plain 5.25% Clorox per quart of water (2 drops if clear, 4 drops if cold or muddy). And BTW, if you have the new 8% Clorox, drop your higher dose to 3 drops per quart.
Super Glue
This super sticky, super adhesive can mend all kinds of objects, and even small wounds. If you select Krazy Glue brand, you can even use it to close up small cuts (Krazy Glue is the closest match to the Dermabond formula). Just put a drop of super glue (or a row of drops) at the surface of the wound to keep it closed. Just make sure you don’t glue the “clamping” fingers to the wound, as you’ll tear the wound open trying to free your glued hand.
Bottled Water
A factory sealed bottle of water can give you two vital things in an emergency – a vessel of safe clean water and a container to hold more water. Select bottles that hold 1 quart or 1 liter, so that water purification tablets do not have to be divided into smaller pieces. Get a clear plastic bottle with a smooth rounded shoulder, and it can also be used as a magnifying lens for fire starting on sunny days.
Toilet Paper
It sure is handy. TP can also make a torch when wrapped around a stick and soaked with oil. It would also make a great trade item during tough times. Allow one roll per person per week when stocking up.

Recently we visited a prepper friend and he showed us his storage room. It was very impressive but I could not help but laugh at the rows and rows of toilet paper he had lined up! He told me a) You cannot have too much toilet paper when the SHTF and b) “This stuff will be like gold when the time comes!”

See, he is already thinking about bartering!

When the grid goes down it will not be easy on everyone but if you are prepared, even if it is just with the small inexpensive things, you may very well have a foot up on your friends and neighbors!

For more affordable items go check out Outdoor Life.