How To Not Run Out Of Essential Supplies Without Hoarding

We were really shocked during the first weeks of the pandemic – no meats, no food on the shelves. Today I’m going to share my secret on how to not run out of essential supplies without hoarding.

Hubby and I were surprised and wondering: what were people thinking?

We continued to shop the same way we always did, just making a few adjustments on “popular items” like toilet paper, to make sure we never ran out of it, since it was always off the shelves.

How To Not Run Out Of Essential Supplies Without Hoarding

Plan Ahead

I know it seems obvious, but we make a list which plans for 7-10 days of supplies.

The 7-10 day range, helps make sure we’re not unnecessarily going to the store every two days. Besides, the packaging of perishable items and food supplies is often done to ensure they can be stored safely for a while-using child proof astm bags, for example. This usually helps us store packaged food easily, and as for vegetables, the fridge remains stocked up. A week’s worth of groceries and no stepping out without purpose. That would go against the stay at home guidelines and ensures that we’re not shopping just to hoard supplies, while leaving others empty handed.

We don’t want that, right?

I will never forget the image of the elderly lady staring at the empty shelf with an empty basket with a super sad face!

We’re in this quarantine together, so let’s be mindful and think of others, when shopping.

So, making a list, keeping the 7-10 day supplies in mind, will help you plan ahead without having to hoard.

Grab Some Recipes & Try Something New

I’ve shared a super easy Brazilian Beans Crock-pot recipe, you check it out HERE.

You can browse our recipes here or shop for recipes your family loves!

Don’t Forget Your Pets

I don’t add my pet’s food and cat litter on the list, because what they eat is always the same, so I just add it when it’s needed on the back of my list. For those house owners who already have Overhead Garage Storage Racks in place, they can use that space to store pet food and other supplies. This could come in handy as pet supplies usually tend to have longer shelf life.

Don’t Go Crazy on Cleaning Supplies

PLEASE, we’ve had so many weeks with cleaning supplies empty!

People finally started to realize that there’s plenty for all!

Just buy what you need for 7-10 days and my rule for Toilet Paper is to always have an unopened package of 4 rolls extra in my bathroom closet. This is in addition to the package that is open and being used. While toilet papers are the norm, it may also be a cause for cutting more trees. One way to reduce this might be by making use of an alternative, like bidet fixtures in the bathroom. You could know more about this by checking out sites like https://www.trvst.world/.

However, if you’re not thinking about these sustainable options as of now, just buy or order it online.

Be Smart About Your Budget

If you go crazy and buy everything in the supermarket without rhyme or reason, eventually, with the budget cuts from clients and businesses closed, you’ll end up with no money to spend and having to pull your credit card out, right?

You won’t need it, if you just follow my plan!

TRUST ME!

Make Sure Your Vehicle Has The Space You Need

I’m not suggesting you should change your vehicle, but I’m here to show you how a spacious vehicle like the Toyota Highlander will help you go shopping worry free, because you have an awesome spacious vehicle ready for anything!

As an extra measure of precaution, you might want to get a thorough car wash done (exterior and interior), so that the vehicle remains disinfected and clean, after your weekly shopping trips. Instead of visiting a car maintenance shop, you could consider reaching out to the likes of Soap Opera Mobile Detail, whose experts can come to your doorstep and get the job done.

Make a List

I always come with a list which is divided into 6 categories. You can download the printable version of my list here:

PRINTABLE STAY AT HOME GROCERY LIST

I divide my list into 6 categories:

Bread and Baked Goods

Vegetables

Meat/Fish

Canned Goods

Snacks

Fruits

I separate the produce, to make sure we keep a clear map of perishables. Fruits and veggies should be chosen with the expectation of lasting a week or less.

I usually pair my meats/fish/seafood with vegetables and I add some veggies to snacks too, since I snack on carrots, raw broccoli and avocado – solo or with fresh guac.

I have decided to drop some pounds for good, with the gym closed, my diet is my best ally.

You can read more tips on what I’m doing to live a healthier life, for example, by drinking more water.

I’m coming live today at noon, EST on our Trendy Latina Facebook Page to share more tips and how the Toyota Highlander has helped us stay on track even more, plus share an awesome walk through!

You can check the recap video here:

What are your shopping tips??

Can’t wait to hear what you think!

As usual, give us a Trendy Shout!