This post contains affiliate links, but that has not affected these recommendations in any way. I am not an expert, I am just doing my best to be prepared and hoping to help you do the same.
As you may know, we are in the midst of a global pandemic. While I think it’s important to stay calm and use your head, we have definitely reached a point where it’s a good idea to gather some essentials if you haven’t already.
But should you stock up on 1,000 rolls of toilet paper? Nope. Here are the things you should be picking up- and some ideas for how to get what you need without leaving the house.
Household Essentials
Toilet paper
At first, everyone was panic buying toilet paper in the event of a quarantine. Now, with quarantine or just social distancing/self-quarantine happening already- AND everyone buying out the world’s supply of toilet paper- it’s a great idea to have enough to last you a couple of weeks to a month. That amount will vary by family, but most families shouldn’t need more than a couple of packs.
How to Get It: Toilet paper is out of stock at just about every store at this point already. If you aren’t stocked up, you can try stores that people don’t often think of, like Home Depot or Lowe’s, or you can order it online. Amazon still has some. If you still don’t have any luck, call your local Target, Walmart, drugstore or grocery store and ask when they restock. Many stores are restocking every morning- but stock runs out quickly so you’ll need to be there at the right time.
Paper Towels
If you use paper towels, these are starting to run out as well. These are actually a pretty good idea to have on hand to prevent the spread of germs- hand towels can harbor germs. That said, as long as you’re washing your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds, you should be okay.
How to Get It: Paper towels are in the same boat as toilet paper right now. You might be able to find some in stores if you’re still leaving the house, and if you aren’t wanting to go outside you can find some on Amazon.
Flu Essentials
If you do get sick, you might be able to stay home, especially if your symptoms are minor. This will be determined if and when you actually get sick, but it’s wise to have some things on hand. You’ll need the same things you’d need with a flu- fever reducer, tissues, cough drops, and some beverages with electrolytes.
{However, please see current recommendations for advice on this should you come down with symptoms. I am NOT a doctor and am not offering advice. At minimum, you should be tested for confirmation and reporting, even if you eventually wait out the illness in self-quarantine.}
How to Get It: Surprisingly, many stores did seem to still have many of these items in stock. Either head out to get some or place an online grocery order- just keep in mind that many grocery stores are being overrun with orders right now and you might have to schedule your pick-up for a few days out.
If you’re wanting to stay in- which you NEED to do if you already have symptoms- try purchasing through Instacart or Postmates. If you’re buying ahead and can wait a couple of days, order on Amazon: Tissues, Tylenol, Gatorade, Cough Drops.
Prescriptions
Make sure you have 1-2 months worth of your prescriptions on hand, especially for medications you must take daily.
How to Get It: CVS is currently offering free 1-2 day shipping for prescriptions so you don’t even have to leave the house if your prescription is with them. Otherwise, call your pharmacy and see if they can get your medication to you early, then swing by to pick it up.
Other Medications You Use Regularly
Thinking outside of the flu-like symptoms, you may have medications that you need on a regular basis. This is a good time to make sure you have at least a month’s supply in case you aren’t able to get more.
Think about your entire medicine cabinet and anything you might need or that a family member might need. Sleep aids, allergy medication, heartburn medicine, inhalers, etc.
How to Get It: Depending on what you need, you can likely find these non-flu-related items still on store shelves or at the very least, online. Try finding them on Amazon or on the website of your favorite pharmacy.
Groceries
Bottled water
This may vary by household- we did not opt to purchase any bottled water as we don’t use it anyway. But if you rely on bottled water for drinking, stock up now.
That said, this might be a good time to reassess why you’re using bottled water. If your fridge doesn’t have a filtration system, consider buying a filter for your faucet if you can. It’s more sustainable and eco-friendly than water bottles anyway- and if you’re stuck at home, you can definitely just keep filling up.
How to Get It: Stores are limiting the amount of bottled water you can purchase at this time, but they are working hard to restock shelves. Try to find some at the store, place a pickup or delivery order, or try Postmates/Instacart.
You can also buy a water filter for your faucet on Amazon, and in the event you do go out you’ll need a reusable water bottle. I love HydroFlask and Yeti, and Thermos makes great water bottles for kids with favorite characters.
Meal Essentials {and Meal Ideas}
Since stores may have issues restocking for a bit, and more importantly you may not be able to get out to the store for awhile, pick up some foods that will last awhile. Here are some of my picks- and keep in mind we’re going for longevity and affordability for stocking up, not necessarily health at this time.
Breakfast:
Cereal and shelf-stable milk, like almond milk
Pop-tarts
Frozen waffles
Granola bars/Protein bars
Lunches:
PB&J Sandwiches {Bread freezes}
Frozen Burritos
Frozen Chicken: Nuggets, Patties, Wings
Smoothies {Frozen fruit}
Canned fruit
Dinners:
Pasta- get a variety of shapes and sauces to keep it interesting
Canned or Boxed Soup
Quesadillas {tortillas and cheese}
Sloppy Joes {freeze the buns and meat until you’re ready for them}
Use rice and canned or frozen veggies for sides
How to Get It: You can try a grocery pick-up order, or if you have to go into the grocery store I recommend doing it sooner vs. later. Stores are already running out of many items, and lines are getting longer all the time. I also recommend trying Instacart/Postmates for this.
PLEASE ONLY PURCHASE WHAT YOU WILL REASONABLY NEED FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS TO A MONTH. There is NO need to purchase 75 bags of beans unless you are running a soup kitchen.
Meal Kits
As of now, meal kits are still able to be delivered to your home. These kits include fresh produce and meats to make dinner with, so you can still make fresh and healthy meals for your family.
How to Get It: These kits are all ordered online and delivered right to your door. I’ve tried a few different brands and my favorites are Home Chef and Hello Fresh. Sign up for Home Chef today using this link to get $35 off your first order! Just click here.
Other Odds and Ends
Other Toiletries
Don’t forget to check your stock on things like shampoo, conditioner, body wash, razors, and toothpaste! If you run out later in the month, it might take a couple of days before you can get it and I don’t know about you but I’d rather not go two days without brushing my teeth.
How to Get It: These items are still on store shelves, or you can add it to your grocery pick-up or delivery, order through Postmates or Instacart, or buy on Amazon.
Pet Food and Necessities
Make sure you have enough food for all of your pets for at least a month. If your pet requires additional items, like hamster bedding or cat litter, stock up on those as well.
How to Get It: Pet stores are still currently operating, and while they have seen an increase in lines it’s still not bad. Either head to your pet store soon or order from Chewy or Amazon. Or if you’re interested in trying fresh dog food, sign up for The Farmer’s Dog here for 50% off your first order.
Things to Do
If you’re stuck at home- especially with kids and even your partner- for a long time, you’ll need some things to do. I will be sharing a post with ideas soon but in the meantime, pick up some boredom busters, like books, activity kits, movies, coloring books, and even outdoor items like chalk and bubbles.
How to Get It: You should be able to buy these things in stores and can definitely find a wide assortment on Amazon.com
You can also sign up for the I Can Read book club and get 2 free books right here.
I also recommend signing up for Disney+ if you don’t already have it- this is a great time to introduce your kids to your favorite Disney movies, or to check out their originals together. Get a free trial here.
What other items have you been picking up as you prepare for some time at home?
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