Overprepping!

[Moony]

My feeling is that prepping is something that is done in anticipation (or preparation !) of a future event, whereas hoarding is something that people do during an event.

Example of anti-hoarding laws currently in effect (I assume others apply around the globe, whether the UK has any specific anti-hoarding emergency measures is something I need to research a bit):

"HAWAII REVISED STATUTES REVISED 1997, Title 10:

(1) Prevention of *hoarding, waste, etc. To the extent necessary to prevent hoarding, waste, or destruction of materials, supplies, commodities, accommodations, facilities, and services, to effectuate equitable distribution thereof, or to establish priorities therein as the public welfare may require, to investigate, and any other law to the contrary notwithstanding, to regulate or prohibit, by means of licensing, rationing, or otherwise, the storage, transportation, use, possession, maintenance, furnishing, sale, or distribution thereof, and any business or any transaction related thereto."

OK, So If I Hoard, Then What?

Again using Hawaii's Titles as an example, any items in excess of what legislation has deemed appropriate to store (in Hawaii's case any amount over 1 week) is subject to forfeiture and may be confiscated, ordered destroyed or may be redistributed for public use. See exact text below:

"128-28 Forfeitures. The forfeiture of any property unlawfully possessed, pursuant to paragraph (2) of section 128-8, may be adjudged upon conviction of the offender found to be unlawfully in possession of the same, where no person other than the offender is entitled to notice and hearing with respect to the forfeiture, or the forfeiture may be enforced by an appropriate civil proceeding brought in the name of the State. The district courts and circuit courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction of the civil proceedings. Any property forfeited as provided in this section may be ordered destroyed, or may be ordered delivered for public use to such agency as shall be designated by the governor or the governor's representative, or may be ordered sold, wholly or partially, for the account of the State.

[Steve C]

Probably used the wrong term ("consumables") but thats opsec for you! what I'm talking about is not actually a foodstuff or liable to degrade to any great extent if stored correctly (it is). I do actually use these items regularly but also restock when I get down to about 80% of my "normal" holdings. I think I'm about topped out due to storage space (need a bigger house now) and am pretty content with my stockholding. At my normal useage rates I probably hold about about 2 years supply (without restocking), if shtf and I actually reduced to a "use only when needed" protocol then we could be talking decades! (or could used for bartering purposes).

To answer TomW I think I am more biased toward to having stock of short supply items in time of need rather than the never throw anything away type of hoarding.

My main concern was that while we (as preppers) all know the benefits of holding a good level of supplies there must be that tipping point where things starts to look excessive to the general public.

[NorthernWoody]

If you can eat it after two years you are a prepper. If it starts to smell you are a hoarder

[TomW]

Sad thing is to joe public, not having to go shopping every couple of days is unusual. So I guess having a stock of anymore than the largest multipack or multibuy deal would be a bit weird. Best thing is don't show anyone and if someone does notice and comments pass it off as a great deal you couldn't refuse

[tom2tom]

Not sure but i would always rather have 2 much than 2 little =)