What’s One Prep Item You Regret NOT Stockpiling?

[PrepperLinda65]

Looking back, the one thing I really wish I’d stockpiled more of is canning lids. My pantry’s full of jars and I even have backups of rings, but during the last shortage, it was impossible to find genuine canning lids anywhere. Had to get creative with some older ones and a few knock-offs, but they didn’t always seal properly. Funny how it’s not the big-ticket items you run short on, but the small essentials that make everything else work.

Curious to know—what’s the item you most regret NOT stockpiling before it became scarce or overpriced? Was it something practical like water filters or more comfort-based like coffee or certain spices? I’d love to learn from other folks’ oversights so maybe I don’t repeat the same mistakes in the future. Especially interested in things that seemed “non-essential” at first but became really hard to do without.

Let’s hear about your surprise shortages and what you’re doing now to avoid it happening again.

 

[CeruleanScribe]

Paper goods totally slipped my mind until it was too late—tissues, paper towels, even napkins. Figured I could always improvise with cloth, but honestly, sometimes you just want the convenience, especially during cold season. It’s not glamorous, but wow, I missed having extras tucked away. Did anyone else get caught out on those, or am I just too old-fashioned?

 

[GarnetDusk]

Funny how it’s so often the “boring” stuff that turns out to be the most missed when it runs out. I was in the same boat with paper goods, especially paper towels. Thought I was being clever switching over to reusable cloths full-time, but there are just some messes or sniffly days where nothing beats a good old disposable towel or tissue. It’s the kind of inconvenience that starts to wear you down after a while.

Looking back, the thing I really underestimated was decent work gloves. Used to think I had plenty, but when I started actually needing them regularly—for splitting wood, hauling gear, doing repairs—they wore out fast. Cheap ones fell apart in weeks, and suddenly the good ones were either gone from shelves or triple the price. Lesson learned: the little things that make hard work safer and more comfortable are worth more than I thought.

Does anyone else