Shopping for household necessities is not the most exciting thing, but that new pair of shoes may not come in handy when the toothpaste suddenly runs out without any replacements in the house. This is why we have compiled a list of 10 things that you may not think is the top item on the shopping list, but when you’ve run out, things can get a bit hairy.
Especially when it comes to the necessities, it is always better to stock up ahead of time instead of having to run out to the convenience store and pay twice the price for a roll of TP.
Speaking of
- Toilet Paper
If you have ever had to go pee in the woods during a camping trip, you know that toilet paper is a must to have on hand. Running out is simply not a possibility, lets just make that clear from the get go. For home use, bio-graded toilet paper is a must have if you flush a lot daily. Here is a collection of the best toilet paper for septic systems you may consider to buy.
- Light bulbs
We can guess that this is definitely not the most exciting purchase, but it is really important to have light at night, unless you are a cat that is, which we are guessing youre not. When you choose to stock up, a good suggestion would be to go for the LED light bulbs. Though they could cost a bit more than traditional kinds, but they feature many more benefits such as they are longer lasting and much more efficient.
- Flashlights and batteries
If you have established you are indeed a cat in the point above, feel free to also disregard this one because you wont have an issue when the power suddenly goes out. Always keep strategically placed flashlights around the house to ensure that you wont get caught fumbling around in the dark, as well as stocked with spare batteries. Speaking of batteries, having to get up from the couch to change the channel is simply barbaric! But really, having a stock of batteries in the house is very important. Sometimes we don’t even think that something that is used every day, for example, the TV remote or an alarm clock requires batteries until they run out. Its best to always have a few sizes in stock.
- Razors
Remember when we mentioned before that things could get a bit hairy if you don’t stock up on some certain necessities? This was what we were talking about. Sometimes it is important to look your best, and in a professional manner, which can mean clean cut (no 5 o’clock shadow please!). Always having at least a few extra cartridges of razor blades on hand is a must, especially since you can usually find discounts on razors and razor blades in the weekly saver sections of magazines and newspapers, so there are no excuses.
- Toiletries
Speaking of those moments when you need to look your best, it is always important to smell your best as well. Things like toothpaste, soap, shampoo and deodorant simply do not have sufficient substitutes, unless you really get creative.
- Office Supplies
If you have ever had to mail something in a rush, then you can attest to the importance of having things like quality paper, envelopes and postage stamps in supply. Companies like Envelopes24 offer bulk purchases of envelopes and other office supplies so essentially you don’t have to leave the house to stock up on this must have household item. Also important to always have at home: scissors, glue, tape, pens, pencils, etc.
- Non-Perishable Foods
Do you remember a time when there was a storm warning out and everyone flocked to their local grocer to stock up on every canned item possible, leaving shelves empty (except for the lonely items that no one would consider eating even if left to choose between that or starvation)? Why not beat the rush and stock up on non-perishable items when they are on sale, before the storm warnings are out. Also important: some extra bottles of water.
- Basic Cooking Ingredients
Not quite as necessary as toilet paper, but having the basic cooking ingredients such as flour, baking soda, baking powder, sugar, salt, pepper, butter and eggs always stocked in the kitchen will definitely come in handy when guests are due in 20 minutes and you’ve run out eggs to make your batch of brownies.
- Cleaning supplies
Running out of things like dish soap or laundry detergent, unless you live in a cave, or a mens university dorm room (potentially the same thing), is never good. To save extra money, and have the peace of mind to know that you are not inhaling toxic chemicals, you could also try making your own home cleaning supplies.
- Basic First Aid Kit
You should always try to have a basic first aid kit at home, equipped with things like bandages, pain killers, gauze, ice packs, basic medicines, etc. Nothing is worse than having to go out to the store for the medicine you need when all you want to do it lay in bed!
There you have it, 10 things that you should always have in stock at home. Did we miss something?