Simplify Your Family's Emergency Preparedness

Non-food storage essentials you need to consider for your family

toilet paper for emergency storage

Things you might not consider for emergency storage

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If COVID taught this country one thing, it is to not be caught with a low stock of toilet paper. AMIRIGHT?!

There are lots of things like toilet paper that we should be paying attention to.

We’re going to explore a few more “outside the box” things that you may not have considered storing.

Everyone is different

Not every single thing I choose to store for my family is going to be a priority for you to store for yours, and that’s okay.

 

For example:

  • Maybe you have bidets in every bathroom and don’t use toilet paper, where my family hates bidets and goes through rolls of it each week 
  • Where I store lots of wheat and flour, you may have a gluten allergy and so that would be a pretty silly thing for you to store

I firmly believe we can learn so much from each other, get ideas and inspiration from others, and then tailor it to fit our own family’s needs.

 

So read through these items, add the ones you use on a regular basis to your list, and maybe you’ll think of a few things I didn’t include!

Cleaning Supplies

non-food storage cleaning supplies

This is a biggie! Maybe not as important as food, but it’s pretty darn important.

I’m a bit of a germaphobe, so the thought of running out of cleaning supplies makes me a little woozy and literally kept me up at night for awhile in the early Covid months.

I have since become a huge fan of Force of Nature for my storage, because it is so much easier to store than a ton of containers of something like Clorox disinfecting wipes.

Think through what cleaning supplies you use, and start collecting a backstock of those items.  

Don’t forget things like:

These things typically go on sale, so be smart about when you stock up.

Wait for a rollback at Walmart, or a “Spend $50, get a $10 gift card” promo at Target.

Feminine Hygiene Products

non food storage feminine hygiene products

Ladies, you know you do NOT want to be caught without these. That would be fun for no one, especially if there are teenage girls involved. Or better yet, a tween who could start her period at such an inconvenient time as when there is a shortage of pads.

 

Stock up!

 

Some things to consider:

 

  • If you have (a) daughter(s) who haven’t started their period yet, consider storing pads, even if you don’t use them personally
  • If you can do it, making the switch to a reusable menstrual cup would make storing feminine hygiene a breeze!
  • If Costco sells the products you use, wait for a sale  – pads and tampons go on sale every few months at Costco

Kleenex

non food storage kleenex

Runny noses anyone?

 

I realize toilet paper or paper towels could work in a pinch, but who wants to use those when your nose is a faucet?

 

I always try to have a couple Costco packs of Kleenex in my storage.  Again, these go on sale at Costco frequently, so wait for a sale!

Dental Hygiene

Can you imagine having to live with morning breath for an extended period of time? Oh man, not good.

 

Don’t forget dental hygiene in your storage – everyone will be grateful you did!

 

LIght Bulbs

non food storage light bulbs

Let there be light! If you’ve ever tried to entertain a kid during a power outage – you know the dark gets old really quick.

Go around your home and make a list of all the different types of light bulbs that you find, and then stock up!

Personal Hygiene

Anyone who goes without deodorant or body wash and doesn’t get stinky within 24 hours, please tell me your ways. (I’ll probably still think you’re lying)

And if you have teenagers?  Ew.  No thanks.

 

Be sure you have some backups of these essentials:

 

  • Shampoo/Conditioner
  • Soap/Body Wash
  • Deodorant
  • Shaving Supplies (replacement blades, shaving cream)

Baby Items

Remember the diaper shortage?  I literally had a friend who ended up potty training her son early because she couldn’t find diapers and wipes at one point during the Covid fiasco.

If you have a baby, make sure you have plenty of these items:

  • Diapers
  • Wipes
  • Diaper Rash Ointment
  • Formula
  • Infant’s Tylenol/Ibuprofen
  • Baby Wash

Laundry Detergent

Don’t forget the laundry!
Not only the laundry detergent, but also fabric softener, dryer sheets, dryer balls, or whatever you use!

Dish Detergent

non food storage dish detergent

While we’re on detergent, can you image not being able to wash your dishes? Me either – I’ve got too many kids for that.

Also on this list:

  • Dish brushes/sponges
  • Rinse aid
  • Dish soap for handwashing dishes

Medicine

non food storage items medicine

Medicine is so.dang.important.

Not only over the counter, but also prescriptions and topical stuff too! Here is a list of things to get you thinking:

 

  • Tylenol
  • Children’s Tylenol
  • Infant’s Tylenol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Children’s Ibuprofen
  • Infant’s Ibuprofen
  • Advil
  • Cough Drops
  • Cold Medicine
  • Antacid
  • Vitamins/Supplements

Batteries

non food storage batteries

Always keep batteries, but definitely don’t keep them all tossed together in a big basket. That’s a fire hazard. Do yourself a favor a grab a battery caddy – it’s a great way to easily see what sizes you’re running low on.

Pet Supplies

non food storage pet supplies

Don’t forget your furry, scaley or swimming family members!  Not only is it important to have some backup food, but any other necessary supplies to keep them alive and comfortable.

  • Is there a special type of lightbulb that is needed for a heating lamp for a reptile?
  • Certain chemicals that are needed for your fish tank?
  • Flea/tick medication for your dog?

CONCLUSION

Does anything stick out to you that you want to pick up a few extras of the next time you’re at the store?  I hope this list has been helpful.  If it has, I’d love it if you’d share it with a friend!

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