Beyond the Panic: Stockpiling vs. Hoarding for True Security

The words stockpiling and hoarding have become somewhat interchangeable in the context of prepping, and the line between the two can get blurry. In my opinion, the key is to recognize the difference and not let anyone try to guilt or shame you for wanting to be sure you have what you need in an emergency. 

Let’s begin with the definition of both: 

Hoarding*: 

1a: the practice of collecting or accumulating something (such as money or food)

2: The compulsion to continually accumulate a variety of items that are often considered useless or worthless by others accompanied by an inability to discard the items without great distress.”

The first definition can be fitting, but “hoarding” often carries a negative connotation. Seeing the second definition of hoarding may remind you of the TV series where folks had to practically be dug out from under piles of things they acquired over the years. 

Stockpiling*: 

a: a reserve supply of something essential accumulated within a country for use during a shortage

b: a gradually accumulated reserve of something

Stockpiling is the true definition of what we aim to achieve as Preppers. You are not “hoarding” those extra six cans of corn you bought, those two extra packages of bottled water, or those extra flashlights (you can never have too many). Outsiders who hear about the prepping community may use that term facetiously or out of ignorance, implying that you are doing something wrong by having extra on hand. Do not let that deter you from what reserve goals you may have set.

For me, hoarding is when someone takes more than they need in great quantities to exclude others in need. The best example of when stockpiling can turn into hoarding is The Great Toilet Paper Run of 2020*. Preppers or those who made sure they kept extra “just in case” were more than likely NOT among the throngs of people who suddenly felt they needed six cases of TP when, before that event, they never had enough in the house. Some were panic-buyers, already on edge by the shortages brought about by the pandemic. Still, others were opportunists, cleaning the shelves before others co-opted into the hysteria and selling some at a silly markup. Taking advantage of people who didn’t have the foresight to have enough on hand. Or, they were just mean people who didn’t care that they had nowhere to put all of this TP, but they would make sure YOU didn’t get any. 

Yes, those awful people do exist.

Note the nuance between the words “stockpiling” and “hoarding”. The former is used by preppers or those looking to ensure they have enough to at least cover the basic FEMA emergency requirements*; the latter is a negative term that can be intended to disparage those doing either. But let me reassure you that storing extra food, water, and other necessary supplies is much different than just accumulating out of greed or to keep others from having, and it is different from accumulating decades of old newspapers, magazines, toys, cats, etc. due to some unbreakable emotional connection or mental illness. 

You are making sure you have enough to cover your emergency needs for the time period you set your goal for. The goalposts may move, and your stockpile strategy may change. But I believe that as long as you are steadily following your Preparedness Plan, you will not be in a position where there is a shortage, you’re out of baby formula, and you now have to choose if you want to take the last two packages knowing another mom may now not have any. Remember, the panic-buying and bum-rushing will be done by those who haven’t prepared. You have or are in the process of, so these are moral conundrums and public skirmishes you can avoid. 

I left the last four propane cans on the shelf during a cold snap* because I knew I had plenty to ride it out. If I were a hoarder, not a prepper, I would have taken them, not caring that I already had enough and someone else may not. Being a prepper meant I could do that and give a person who had to keep a grandmother warm or a way to heat their food should their power go out an opportunity to get them. I could take the attitude that ‘they should have”, but some people just can’t and sometimes get caught short of something. Maybe someone will display the same thoughtfulness I did should I get caught short one day. 

Hopefully the above has shown the difference between hoarding and stockpiling. This is not to have arguments with linguists or unnecessary semantics; it is an opinion based on my observations of both words’ usage in prepping and life. I want you to feel comfortable and confident with your prepping decisions and not have that shaken by someone who does not understand prepping or who may be trying to make you feel guilty because you are. If they call you a hoarder, don’t let it make you defensive; treat your prepping like saving for a rainy day or college. You are giving yourself and your family security in an increasingly insecure world. 

And you should never feel guilty about that!

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