11. Trash Bags

Trash bags aren’t just for garbage—they’re survival multitools. Heavy-duty ones can double as ponchos, ground tarps, or even temporary rain shelters. In an emergency, sanitation systems may be overwhelmed or offline, making proper waste disposal critical. Without trash bags, things get messy fast—literally. Use them to line buckets for emergency toilets or to bag up dirty clothes or used bandages. Keep various sizes on hand: kitchen-sized for daily waste, contractor-grade for heavy debris, and small bags for hygiene items. Store boxes in dry places, preferably elevated off basement floors. Trust us—when the time comes, you’ll be glad you stocked up on something as simple as plastic bags.