In a post-crisis world, the traditional concept of money will be obsolete. When financial systems collapse and resources become scarce, bartering will become the primary way to acquire what you need. While most people stock up on the obvious—food, ammo, and fuel—true preparedness means thinking outside the box.
The most valuable barter items might be the little, overlooked things that disappear when supply chains break down. These are the items that address everyday problems people in a survival situation will face.
Hygiene, Health, and Comfort
When normal life breaks down, so do hygiene and health standards.
- Lice Combs: In crowded shelters or communal living spaces, lice will become a serious problem. A durable, fine-toothed metal lice comb will be a highly valuable commodity.
- Dental Treatment Kits: Without access to a dentist, tooth pain can be debilitating. Temporary dental filling kits, toothache cream, and even extraction forceps will be in high demand.
- Reading Glasses: Broken or lost glasses can make simple tasks impossible. A stash of inexpensive reading glasses in various strengths will be extremely valuable for anyone who needs to read maps, repair equipment, or sew.
- Menstrual Cups: When disposable feminine hygiene products run out, reusable menstrual cups will become priceless. They are washable, durable, and take up very little space in a stockpile.
Morale and Entertainment
Boredom can be a major morale killer in a post-collapse world. People will trade for anything that offers a distraction or a sense of normalcy.
- Board Games and Cards: A well-preserved deck of cards or a classic board game can help ease tension and bring people together.
- Simple Musical Instruments: Instruments like a harmonica, ukulele, or concertina require minimal maintenance and can provide much-needed entertainment.
Tools and Supplies
Specialized tools and supplies will be difficult to find and will have a high barter value.
- Sewing Machine Belts and Needles: While many people stock thread, the parts needed to keep hand-crank sewing machines running—like belts and bobbins—will be priceless for those trying to make or repair clothing.
- Rennet Tablets: This “secret ingredient” for making cheese will be in high demand. A single rennet tablet can turn a gallon of milk into barter-ready cheese, making them a powerful trade item.
- Beekeeping Equipment: Beekeeping will become vital for pollination, honey, and wax. Simple tools like veils, smokers, and hive tools will be highly sought after.
- Manual Coffee Grinder and French Press: Whole coffee beans store longer than ground coffee, but without electricity, a manual grinder and a French press become a coveted luxury. For coffee drinkers, a caffeine fix will be worth almost anything.
The Ultimate Barter Item: Clean Water
When a crisis hits, clean water becomes more valuable than gold. You can last weeks without food, but only a few days without water. If you have a reliable source of clean water when others don’t, you will be able to trade for almost anything you need, from food to medicine.
But before you can trade it, you have to be able to produce it. You need a way to secure a clean water supply for yourself and your family. The problem is, storing and moving enough water to survive is a pain. This is where a reliable, off-grid water source can make you the most powerful trader in a post-collapse world.
Final Thoughts
The most valuable barter items aren’t always what you expect. By stocking up on the small, weird, and practical items we take for granted today, you will be well-positioned to acquire what you need in a post-crisis world.
