It can be difficult to choose the right items for your bug–out bag. Living in a consumer- driven society we have learned to love luxury items. Some people are convinced that they cannot live without certain luxuries. Learning to differentiate between luxury and necessity is critical to both your bug–out bag design and your overall disaster preparation.

You have to get used to the notion of leaving prized possessions behind if you plan on surviving a disaster.

This will require an honest look at your possessions and asking yourself “which of these things can I live without?” If you are honest with yourself, you will quickly realize that the answer is “all” or “most.” The people who get over their personal possession obsession do far better when forced to bug-out. People who are emotionally tied to things often have a tough time leaving places. Learn to differentiate between what you merely would like to have and what you will actually need.