When you go to the store, there are always a few things you buy more of. We call this process “stocking up” because it gives you a longer supply of the item. The funny thing is everyone seems to stock up on different things, but there are key items everyone agrees you should always stock up on when you’re at the store. Wondering what you should always have on hand? Check out these best products to always stock up on: 

Cleaning Supplies

Cleaning supplies are a necessity if you want to remove dust, germs, and dirt from your home or outdoor kitchen. However, buying single bottles of products can be more costly in the long run. Unfortunately, most people don’t think about stocking up on cleaning products until they run out, and even then, they still might wait weeks until they decide to purchase them.

You can actually save money by purchasing cleaning supplies in bulk ahead of time. Instead of continuing to buy single bottles, consider purchasing larger containers of chemicals you can use to refill the bottles you already have.  You can also view Willard Power Vac website to learn more.

If you have pets, it’s also best to stock up on supplies to clean up after your pet’s mess, especially if you live in a rental property that allows pets.

Toilet Paper and Paper Towel

Everyone needs toilet paper, so don’t wait until you run out to purchase more. Toilet paper is an urgent purchase when you run out, which means running to the nearest store as soon as you notice the roll is empty, which can happen quite a lot if you have a family that doesn’t inform you when you’re out. However, stocking up on toilet paper is always a good idea because it means never running out. So next time you’re at the store, always buy toilet paper, even if you already have some at home. 

Paper towel is a less urgent purchase, but it’s still nice to have when you need it. Of course, you may also choose to try reusable sponges to clean up spills instead of paper towels to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Soap

Everyone needs soap in their home to wash their hands after using the bathroom, touching raw meat, or cleaning up after their pets. However, you can easily run out of soap if you’re not careful, so it’s a good idea to always have some extra on hand. While you don’t need to buy every bar of soap in the grocery store, you should always aim to buy at least one more bar or refill your soap dispenser whenever you go to the store. 

Prescriptions

Prescriptions can be expensive, so buy them in bulk when you can. In addition, it’s always best to have at least a week’s worth of medication at all times, so you never run out. Since going to the pharmacy to pick up your prescription can be a hassle on a weekday, you should always plan to keep your prescriptions on hand and refill them as soon as possible to prevent issues that can impact your health from arising. 

Chocolate and Candy

While weight loss experts say you should never keep candy or sweets in your home, we disagree. You never know when you’ll be craving something sweet. If you don’t normally buy candy at the grocery store, you should stock up on it for rainy days when you just want some chocolate. 

Non-Perishable Foods

Everyone should stock their pantries with non-perishable foods, even if they don’t plan to eat them in the near future. These foods don’t go bad, or they expire in many years, so you won’t have to worry about gobbling them up like you do things in your refrigerator. Instead, they’re good to have on hand if the power goes out or in case of an emergency. 

Pet Products

Pet food and medication are essential for pet parents who want to keep their dogs healthy. However, there can sometimes be shortages due to supply chain issues, leaving your dog eating lower-quality food or not having access to medication because you didn’t refill their prescription quickly enough. You should always have at least one month of dog food and prescriptions available in case issues arise. 

Both kibble and canned food can be stored for a long time, but check the expiration dates on your dog food before feeding it to them to ensure they won’t get sick.

Baking Soda & Vinegar

Baking soda and vinegar both have many uses, but they’re great supplies to have on hand if you didn’t take our advice about stocking up on cleaning supplies. Vinegar can be used to clean everything from your toilets and showers to your coffee pot and kitchen counter. Meanwhile, baking soda can help you clean grime off of virtually anything, and it can be used to whiten your teeth. 

Rice and Beans

Stocking up on filling food can come in handy when you cook dinner and need something easy and nutritious. Beans and rice are both fairly healthy food items you can use in almost any dish, and they last a long time in storage. 

Toothpaste

Personal hygiene items like toothpaste are necessary if you want to take care of your health and appearance. However, many people don’t stock up on toothpaste, leaving them squeezing the tube every day until they finally remember to grab it at the store. You use toothpaste every day, so it’s a good idea to keep an extra tube in your home in case you forget to pick more up at the store. 

Bedding

Whether you sleep with a weighted blanket or layers of sheets and comforters, you should always have a few additional pieces of bedding for when you don’t feel like doing laundry. Always have extra fitted sheets, duvets, blankets, and pillowcases stored away just in case you have a visitor or need to quickly change your bedding if you spill on it or your child has an accident.

Sneakers

If you have a sneaker model that you love, stocking up when they go on sale can help you save money and keep your feet comfortable. Many people may love to ride their shoes until the wheels fall off, but you’re out of luck when those well-worn sneakers finally kick the bucket. And with the holidays coming up, you can find lots of great deals on shoes so gift running shoes to yourself and stock up while you can.

Final Thoughts

What you stock up at the store may differ from everyone else, depending on the products you use most frequently. However, most people should stock up on the items listed above to prevent panic when they run out. Try to always have cleaning supplies, personal hygiene items, and medications in your home to prevent the need for an emergency grocery store trip. 

Megan Isola

Megan Isola holds a Bachelor of Science in Hospitality and a minor in Business Marketing from Cal State University Chico. She enjoys going to concerts, trying new restaurants, and hanging out with friends.