Nobody likes the feeling of running out of that one thing you really needed. While it may only cause a minor inconvenience in some cases, in others, it might leave you unprepared for a serious emergency. This is why it’s so important to make sure certain household essentials are always stocked and ready to go. Here are some of the most useful household essentials you should always keep on hand.
Toilet Paper
You may think this goes without saying, but you’d be surprised just how many people get caught out. Toilet paper is one of the most basic necessities we all need, but it’s easy to forget to restock until you’re down to the last roll. It’s a good idea to buy in bulk and always keep a backup supply in a cabinet or closet so you’re never caught off guard.
Paper Towels
Similarly, most of us wouldn’t get far without our trusty paper towels. These things come in handy for all sorts of things, like quick clean-ups, spills, and even emergencies like drying wet shoes. If you’re worried about being too wasteful, you could also look for reusable options instead.
Trash Bags
Nothing’s worse than realizing you’ve completely filled up the trash can but don’t have a bag to replace it. That’s why it’s a good idea to keep an extra box of trash bags in multiple sizes, so you have everything you need for the kitchen, bathrooms, and outdoor bins. Strong, durable options can also make taking out the trash much less frustrating.
Batteries
Batteries are essential power sources in almost every American home, as they’re needed for things we use every day, like TV remotes, and emergency must-haves like flashlights. Stocking up on AA, AAA, and 9-volt batteries ensures you’re always ready for that annoying moment when devices unexpectedly die.
Flashlights
Speaking of flashlights, this is another household essential you should always have at hand. Why? Because a flashlight can be a lifesaver during power outages, as you might find yourself lost in the dark and unable to find things you desperately need.
First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen to the best of us, and having a fully stocked first aid kit makes all the difference when disaster strikes. Some things you should always include are bandages, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and over-the-counter pain relievers.
It’s also a good idea to keep extras like tweezers and medical tape on hand for any unexpected injuries.
Cleaning Supplies
You might think cleaning supplies aren’t the biggest priority, but it’s important to consider those moments when you spill a drink on the carpet or the cat throws up in the living room. In situations like these, essentials like all-purpose cleaner, glass spray, disinfectant wipes, and sponges are must-haves.
Light Bulbs
When a light burns out, having extra bulbs nearby can save you from fumbling around in the dark and potentially finding that you don’t have any spares. Stock a variety of bulb types—LED, incandescent, or specialty bulbs—for all the different fixtures in your home.
Hand Soap
Hand soap isn’t just a luxury: it’s an absolute necessity for making sure your family, kitchen, and bathrooms are all kept as hygienic as possible. Whether you prefer liquid soap, foaming options, or bar soap, keeping backup bottles ensures you won’t run out.
Non-Perishable Foods
You really need to stock up on non-perishable items like canned goods, rice, pasta, and peanut butter, not just because they’re nice to have on hand but because this ensures you’re prepared for emergencies. These foods have really long shelf lives and can be lifesavers during power outages or when you can’t get to the store.
Emergency Water Supply
It goes without saying that clean drinking water is absolutely essential during natural disasters or unexpected water line issues. It’s recommended to store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days. Bottled water or refillable jugs are great options that can provide peace of mind when the unexpected happens.
Basic Tools
Even if you’re not much of a DIY person, a toolbox with essentials like screwdrivers, a hammer, pliers, and a wrench can help you or someone in your family tackle minor home repairs without much hassle. Having these tools within reach also makes it easy to tighten screws, hang pictures, or assemble furniture.
Matches or Lighters
Matches and lighters may be small, but they’re mighty useful little firestarters. Maybe you’ll need to light candles during a power outage or start a campfire out in the woods. It’s best to keep a stash in your kitchen drawer, emergency kit, and outdoor supplies so they’re ready whenever you need them.
Dish Soap
It’s important to keep both ourselves and our things clean at all times, so dish soap is just as important as hand soap. Even if you don’t hand-wash your dishes, you’ll find yourself needing it to tackle something like that particularly greasy baking tray.
Laundry Detergent
As you may know from experience, running out of laundry detergent in the middle of a load can be a real headache. To avoid this issue, we recommend keeping an extra bottle or box on hand to make sure your laundry routine stays on track.
If you’re short on space, consider detergent pods, which are wonderfully easy to store and measure.
Personal Hygiene Products
It’s easy to take things like toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, and shampoo for granted, until you run out when you need them most. This can really throw off your day and leave you in a foul mood. Buying in bulk or keeping a few spares ensures you’re always prepared, even for surprise guests.
Pet Supplies
If you have pets, keeping their essentials stocked is just as important as your own. You should always have plenty of food, treats, litter, and waste bags on hand. If you get caught out without something they need on a daily basis, this can be stressful for both you and your furry friends, so plan ahead to make sure you keep them happy and healthy.
Candles
Candles aren’t just for bubble baths and ambiance—they’re also incredibly useful during emergencies like power outages. Keeping a stash of unscented emergency candles along with a lighter or matches ensures you’ll have light when you need it most.
Ziploc Bags and Food Storage Containers
Reusable food storage containers and Ziploc bags can be lifesavers when it comes to meal prep, leftovers, and organization. Having a variety of sizes available makes life a lot easier for things like packing lunches or freezing meals for later.
Toilet Plunger
We might not want to admit it, but situations calling for a toilet plunger happen for the best of us. It might not be glamorous, but it’s one tool every home definitely needs. When clogs happen—and they will—having a plunger ready can save you time, stress, and an embarrassing call to the plumber.