If there’s one supply that I feel people tend to overlook in their preps for long term survival, it’s buckets. Yup, buckets. Buckets of all sizes and shapes, from larger five and six gallon buckets to simple pails. Heck, why not throw in large drums while I’m at it, but that’s not what this post is about. In fact, I consider buckets a top priority purchase.
Ok, maybe buckets shouldn’t be THE top priority purchase but definitely one of the top 10. Why? Because they’re so incredibly versatile and certainly add to your ability to care for yourself in any long-term emergency situation.
Here’s the way I see it…
Buckets can be used for things like:
- protecting food storage in mylar bags
- containing any number of supplies for emergency preparedness for ease of movement (such as in a bug out situation)
- as a temporary toilet (with appropriate toilet lid and other supplies, of course)
- to haul and/or store water or any other liquid you like
- to contain and grow food (such as a grow bucket or to plant tomatoes upside down)
- as a makeshift wash system (to be used with a laundry plunger)
- to wring out clothes (using two buckets and drilling a few holes in one is all you need)
- to create a Big Berkey clone (just insert the filters and be done with it)
- as a biosand water filter (gravel, charcoal, and sand… and voila… filter)
- to cache equipment (sealed and buried or just at a relative’s house)
- to hide supplies inside the house (a five gallon paint bucket should be overlooked by all but the most zealous thief)
- as a makeshift stove (ok, I’m stretching this a lot but I’m sure a steel bucket could be fashioned into one)
I’m sure there are plenty of other uses but the above are off the top of my head. Just to be thorough, here are several ideas from FiveGallonIdeas.com that I didn’t mention:
- as a makeshift sink (such as for camping but great for emergency situations too)
- as a greywater catchment
- as a seed vault
- as a mouse trap
- to irrigate crops
- as makeshift heating units
- workout equipment (try moving five gallons of water any distance!)
- as building material
- worm farm
- grain thresher
- swamp cooler
- chest freezer organizer
- refrigerator (similar to the zeer pot)
- wine or cider press
- a simple seat (who would have guessed?)
- bathtub (for very small children) – [editor’s note: not so sure this is a great idea due to drowning concerns]
- brewing beer or wine
- soil sifter
- toolbox
Really, buckets are so incredibly versatile you can’t go wrong with stockpiling dozens in an assortment of sizes but my favorite is the ubiquitous five (or six) gallon bucket. While I hear you can often get these for free from restaurants I’ve never tried. Instead, I buy mine from hardware stores and make quick use of them. I suggest that you begin to stockpile your own buckets… they don’t “go bad” and I guarantee you’ll find a use for them.
Oh, and remember the lids. 🙂
What else might they be useful for? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
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