Practical Items to Have on Hand – Before You Need Them

Most of us don’t think about preparedness until something breaks, the power goes out, or we suddenly can’t get to the store. It’s human nature. But true preparedness isn’t about fear, hoarding, or expecting disaster around every corner.  Make-do essentials are about common sense, stewardship, and peace of mind.  This post is part of my series on living a self-sufficient lifestyle.

“Make-do” essentials are those everyday items that quietly sit on a shelf—until one day they save you time, money, stress, or even a trip to the emergency room. None of them are expensive. None of them require panic-buying. They’re the kinds of things our parents and grandparents naturally kept on hand because they understood something we’ve slowly forgotten: being prepared is part of being responsible.

This article is about building a simple, affordable make-do supply—slowly, intentionally, and without anxiety.  Learn to build a lifestyle with make do living and you will always be able to take care of problems.

What “Make-Do” Really Means

Making do doesn’t mean settling for less. It means being able to handle life’s interruptions without scrambling.

A broken cabinet hinge.
A blister that turns into an infection.
A storm that knocks out power.
A stretch when money is tight.

These moments aren’t emergencies—but they become stressful when we’re unprepared.

Core Make-Do Essentials for Every Home

1. Basic Repair & Fix-It Items

You don’t need a full workshop—just the basics:

• Duct tape (at least two rolls)

• Electrical tape

• Super glue

• Zip ties (various sizes)

• WD-40 or equivalent lubricant

• Basic screwdriver set – assorted types, sizes and screw heads

• Hammer

• Small box of nails and screws – assorted sizes

These items can handle quick repairs on furniture, doors, appliances, and outdoor items—often avoiding a service call entirely.  While we’re on the subject, don’t forget to boost security in your home!

2. First-Aid & Personal Care Make-Do Supplies

Most minor injuries become major problems because nothing was done early.

Keep on hand:

• Bandages (multiple sizes)

• Gauze and medical tape

• Antiseptic (iodine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol wipes)

• Antibiotic ointment

• Tweezers

• Thermometer

• Ice packs (reusable)

• Disposable gloves

It’s a good idea to also assemble a natural 1st aid kit.  A homeopathy remedy kit can also come in handy.

3. Light, Power & Utility Make-Do Essentials

Power outages don’t need to be dramatic to be inconvenient.

Make-do items to keep:

• Flashlights (with batteries stored separately)

• LED lanterns

• Candles and matches (stored safely)

• Extension cords

• Portable battery packs

• Manual can opener

It’s important to realize that a more self-sufficient lifestyle is something we all need to work toward.

4. Cleaning & Sanitation Backups

When water pressure is low or cleaning supplies run out, improvising isn’t fun.

Smart items to store:

• White vinegar

• Baking soda

• Bleach (rotated yearly)

• Paper towels

• Trash bags (heavy-duty)

• Disposable wipes

• Rubber gloves

These basics can substitute for many commercial products and are useful during illness, storms, or plumbing issues.

5. Food-Related Make-Do Essentials

This isn’t about stockpiling—it’s about flexibility.

Helpful items include:

• Shelf-stable staples (rice, beans, oats)

• Extra salt and sugar

• Cooking oil

• Powdered milk

• Bouillon cubes

• Manual kitchen tools (grater, peeler)

• A few cans of soup that would only need to be heated up

How to Build Your Make-Do Supply (Without Overwhelm)

The key is slow accumulation.

• Add 1–2 items per grocery trip

• Buy extras when items are on sale

• Store everything clearly labeled

• Rotate supplies once or twice a year

• Find buy-one/get-one free sales at local grocery stores.  Use one and put one away for emergencies.
• And even though we are all accustomed to asking the internet about anything we need to know.  But, it’s wise to have a few repair instruction books on hand in case there is no power.

Why This Matters More Than Ever

We live in a time when:

• Supply chains are unpredictable

• Weather events are more disruptive

• Prices rise unexpectedly

• Many people live alone or on fixed incomes

Make-do essentials restore something priceless: confidence.

They allow you to pause, assess, and respond calmly instead of reacting in panic.

Preparedness doesn’t mean expecting the worst—it means respecting reality. Things break. Storms happen. Bodies need care. Life interrupts our plans.

When you quietly build a make-do supply, you’re not being extreme—you’re being wise.

Start small. Add slowly. Think practically.

And when something goes wrong—and it eventually will—you’ll be grateful you prepared when things were calm.  And as always, please contact me with questions or comments.  You’ll find many helpful articles on this website, so be sure to check them out