I have been prepping for some time now and many of the items I have need periodic refresh. Some items go off, some perish and some are damaged in storage. It is similar to running a warehouse in many respects.
Checking your preps like I am doing now for damage just makes sense. Rain, wind, animals, kids and just moving things around causes damage and you need to identify that, fix or replace depending on what is best and then put back into stores.
When I started I didn’t really keep an inventory of what I had I’m also taking advantage of the check to catalogue everything. It will make things easier in the future for planning purposes.
Replacing items that have a limited shelf life, have gone off or perished should be performed regularly. I usually do this once a year by going through my inventory and simply purchasing replacements and updating the records. I leave the old ones in situ unless they are actually showing signs of decay such as perished goods, damaged or bulging tins.
What I have not done up to now is spend the time on the non perishable goods, items like tools, parts for filters, pipes, drills, saws, traps, bows and air rifles etc.
In my travels I have come across several items that I have in my stores that are on no use to me now. Mainly parts or tools that I no longer need as it is for a specific make or model. I’ve several spare parts for motorbikes I have not seen on the roads for decades. I’ve tools to attach to a lathe that I don’t have any longer. I’ve a ton on old biking gear that is no longer used. I’m now putting them on eBay. The funds will be more suitable for other tasks at this time of year.
In addition I have identified tools for tasks that I have already upgraded with modern more efficient tools. My old shotshell reloading kit for example. The old ones usually take up three times the space, take three times the time to use and require three times the effort of the new models. Sometimes though it is worth considering purchasing another new tool and replacing the obsolete one. It depends on what they are like. I either put them on eBay to recover some funds or I just keep them as a backup. It can make sense for a variety of reasons, spares, time and effort and sometimes the old one is worth more as decor than as the tool. I can replace it with a robust tool and have some spare cash.
It is worth looking at everything in your inventory, checking for damage, and even items that are not damaged or perishable should be considered for replacement. Newer tools are usually more efficient although we should always remember that they don’t tend to be as robust.
I have started the habit or keeping the old items though. Seeds are a good example. Every year I buy a stock of seeds put them away at the end of the year and mark them with the year. Next year I will do them same. I currently have five years worth of seeds. Most will be will viable for several years to come and if they are not then I’m no worse off. I could even use them for barter.
It all takes space and funding though so you are limited by your own circumstances as to what you can store and purchase.
Just remember though that damaged or perished goods are just as bad as having none. You must replace these at a minimum.
Related to this I check my BOB, GHB, GOOD and every other acronym kit on a monthly basis. They are the kits intended to be picked up and used at a moments notice and I want to ensure they are always ready. Being available at a moments notice means that they are easily accessible and this means that they are frequently accessed for daily living. The medical kits are usually accessed to get plasters, antiseptic and bandages while energy bars and drinks are frequently removed by our other halves who often then forget to tell us so we can replace the items. In the event of an event, sic, we could find that we are missing key items just when we need them the most and with no way to replenish the supplies.
On each of my BOB, GHB, etc. I have a list of contents and I simply check what is in there against the list. Replenishing where necessary. I’ll check and replace the items at the yearly check up so the monthly check is just a stock check.