Step 10: Non-Food Items

Purchase non-food items such as toothpaste, deodorant, female products, diapers, Paper plates, plastic utensils, etc. are helpful to avoid wasting water washing dishes.

Key Points

Store a year’s supply of all household items that you normally buy at the grocery store
Build up your supply by buying these items in large quantities when they are on sale, then only replace your stores when they go on sale again
Make sure you store the things particular to your family’s needs, our list might not include everything that YOU normally use
Don’t be afraid to use creative storage ideas for these items. A huge supply of toilet paper could go in a garage, attic, etc.

Items to Consider Storing

Personal Hygiene

Toothpaste/Toothbrushes
Shampoo/Conditioner
Deodorant
Facewash/Bodywash/Soap
Shaving/Aftershave

Paper Products

Toilet Paper (see bottom of this section for a great tips from a reader on how much to store)
Paper Towels
Feminine Products
Diapers/Wet Wipes
Kleenex
Paper Plates/Plastic Utensils/Napkins (can save on water in an emergency)

Cleaning Products

Laundry Detergent
Dishwasher Detergent
Bleach
All-Purpose Cleaner
Items to make your own household cleaners

First Aid Items

First Aid Kits (see our post)
Hand Sanitizer
Face Masks
Prescription medications
Cold medicine
Natural Medicines

Pet Care Products

Dog/Cat Food
Extra Water for Pets
Kitty Litter

Miscellaneous Items

Light Bulbs
Board Games/Cards (something to do in case the power is out)
Candles/Kerosene Lamps
Needles/Thread (for basic mending)

*When storing toilet paper: The question of how much do you need is easily answered. When you go to the store to buy because you are out, buy 3 times what you would normally and store 2 of them. When you need it again, repeat. After 6 months you’ve stored a year’s supply (twice what you used in 6 months!) Works for anything. You can shorten or lengthen the time it takes as your budget dictates by changing the multiple you buy. Twice as much as usual will take a year, 4 times as much will take 4 months, etc.