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Things I Wish I Would Have Done Before Our Shelter in Place

shelter in place

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A couple of weeks ago, life seemed pretty normal. I mean, a lot of things were happening and my husband and I talked about us already being in the beginning stages of recession. But we did not see this coming. COVID-19 has completely changed our lives. Here are some things I wish I would have done before our shelter-in-place.

If you haven’t been on a “stay home order”, here’s a few things you should know:

  • You will cook and eat way more than you think
  • You won’t be able to get non-essentials services – hair, nails, lash extensions, etc.
  • Watching TV will get boring after a while
  • You won’t want to go to the store unless absolutely necessary

I’ve been talking with friends and family about things we did and things we wish we would have done.

I am also mindful of the fact that some of us may not have all of the resources or financial stability to do so.

Things To Do Before Your Shelter In Place

For the most part, you may have some indications that a shelter in place is coming, but you may not know exactly when.

Here are some things to take care of before that happens. 

  • Refill any medications you may need for 90 days (for you, your family, your pets)
  • Haircuts for the family
  • Remove your gel or acrylic polish (do your own nails at home!)
  • Massage (totally wish I got mine before!)
  • Work from home set-up (desk, computer, chair, etc)
  • Check out books from the library
  • Pick up anything you need (dry cleaners, shoe repair, etc)
  • Have your housecleaner, landscaping, pest control perform their service

Things To Buy Before Your Shelter In Place

Take this list with a grain of salt. You ONLY need enough supplies to last a couple of weeks. The stores will be restocking each week, but seriously – just take what you need.

Grocery List

And this shouldn’t even have to be said, but leave the baby supplies (wipes, formula, diapers) for those with babies. 

Leave distilled water for those with medical machines or humidifiers. You don’t need 500 bottles of hand sanitizer, soap, or toilet paper rolls. 

Get enough for a couple of weeks and that’s it.

You’ll be able to go to the grocery store as needed and there is always grocery delivery! Avoid tons of processed foods and skip the canned goods filled with preservatives.

  • Eggs (you’ll cook with these more than you think)
  • Milk, Half & Half
  • Bread (you can freeze extra loaves) and/or frozen dough and/or flour, yeast, salt
  • Pet Food (if you are close to running out)
  • Toilet Paper (enough for 1-2 weeks)
  • Paper Towels (enough for 1-2 weeks)
  • Hand Soap
  • Flour (if you like to bake)
  • Meat/Fish (freeze any extras)
  • Butter
  • Feminine Products
  • Produce in various stages of ripeness – freeze berries and bananas for smoothies, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, onions, apples
  • Potatoes
  • Tortillas
  • Cheese
  • Chips
  • OTC Prescriptions (Tylenol not Ibuprofen)
  • Pasta & Sauce
  • Coffee or Tea (if you drink it!)
  • Common seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic salt, etc)
  • Sour Cream/Greek Yogurt
  • Cereal
  • Protein/Granola Bars

Non-Grocery Items

Here are some items you might enjoy that aren’t necessarily essential or grocery related, but make being home and staying safe, much more enjoyable!

Other Things To Consider

Will you be working out from home? Do you need a comfortable desk chair for all of your work?

What do you realistically need? Can you freeze some meat? Pay off a credit card before next month’s payment accrues interest?

In an upcoming post, I’ll also share some ways you can earn extra money. What are something things you purchased or wish you had purchased for a shelter in place?

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