Old sheets and towels have been a lifesaver for me—cut them up for reusable cleaning rags, makeshift bandages, or even emergency insulation in a pinch. Empty plastic bottles aren’t just for water storage; fill a few with dry food (rice, beans, even pet food) to keep things organized and pest-free. Candle ends and broken crayons can be melted for quick DIY emergency candles—just pour into a jar with a cotton string, works better than you’d think.
Buckets (the food-safe ones if you can get 'em from a bakery) are so useful, too. I use them for everything from water storage to makeshift toilets—just line with a trash bag and add a bit of kitty litter for emergencies. Also, keep extra plastic grocery bags; they’re handy for waste, waterproofing, or even wrapping up wet clothes.
One trick I love: save all those silica gel packets from packaging, toss a few in your medical supplies or matches container to keep moisture away. Any other creative ways people are organizing their first aid stash on the cheap? That’s the one area I always seem to over-complicate!
