Bartering items you probably overlooked

When you think of SHTF and bartering quite a few of the standard items come to mind.  Ammunition, hand sanitizer, lighters, food, coins, bottled water, alcohol, tobacco et al.  We probably have a fair share of almost all of these items stockpiled and there certainly is nothing wrong with that.  If T-SHTF does happen they will all have barter value, especially for those who failed to prepare.  Yet what about some of the potentially essential items you probably missed while attempting to fill up the barter shelf in your basement?  I would venture a guess that some of the items below would quite possibly be of  greater value than anything I originally listed.

– Condoms:  That’s right, when T-SHTF you’d better believe that people will still be sharing quality time in between the sheets.  Depending on how bad things get most traditional forms of contraceptives (pills, patch, shot) will be out the window.  Condoms will have huge value because it’s doubtful that couples will want to bring a baby into the world during the peak of a SHTF event.

– Crystal Light Packets:  I have written about these little packets of gold before.  When you are stuck drinking water for weeks at a time, you crave something different and will trade quite a few things to make it happen.  Little packets of Crystal Light can turn warm bland bottled water into delicious warm lemonade.  Trust me.

– Socks:  When T-SHTF people will be stuck with whatever is in their sock drawer, otherwise known as crappy white gym socks and a few pair of dress socks.  Anything that remotely resembles sturdy wool or synthetic blend socks will be noticeably absent from the sock drawer of most in the general populace.   Socks which will protect the feet and provide some level of comfort are absolutely essential when working and walking in harsh conditions.  When your feet go the rest of your body gets sapped quickly.  I’m willing to bet that most people would trade quite a few items for a few good pair of new socks.

– Sunglasses:  Today we tend to take our sunglasses for granted.  If the sun is out and we are outside, the sunglasses are usually on.  If they break we simply buy another set at the gas station.  Chances are if T-SHTF most replacement glasses will be gone, looted in the initial stages after the collapse.  People will most definitely be willing to trade for a few sets of sunglasses, especially considering the requirement for outdoor work will have greatly increased.

– Nail Clippers:  I know I can’t go a week without trimming my nails, it drives me insane.  There have been times while traveling when I forgot my nail clipper and made it a point to find a new one while out shopping around.  Buy 20 or 30 nail clippers and toss them in a drawer.  If people break or lose theirs, these little tools will become highly sought after.