If you or your family are in quarantine or on a stay-at-home order, you may want to consider procuring the following essentials for your home. Remember, most things can be delivered through the mail, bought online, and dropped off to your home via a local delivery service.
Top 10 Items You Really Need for Quarantine
Laundry Detergent
Washing clothes kills germs and leaves your clothes, linens, and household fabrics fresh and clean. As a mom of two toddlers, I often go through two or more outfits per child per day. And my clothes get dirty, too, taking care of them!). As they play, explore, and eat, their clothes get dirty from grass, mud, dust, food, paint, etc. It’s also important to have detergent on hand if you stop using paper goods and start to rely on towels to clean up messes. You will be washing more items than usual. Choose a brand your family is used to, and consider buying an extra bottle for back-up.
Cellphone/Laptop/iPad
During social distancing, stay-at-home orders, or quarantine, it is especially important to have a device that enables you and your family to connect with the outside world. It’s essential to have one of these devices for texting, video-conferencing, and calling friends and family. It’s also important to be able to browse the Internet to stay up-to-date on news and topics you are interested in. Devices also come in handy for online tutorials, digital books and magazines, educational and spiritual resources, and other important information.
Robust Wi-Fi
Having a strong Internet connection is a very important tool to have on hand during quarantine. Whether it’s you, your partner, or your children using the Internet, everyone can benefit from the various ways Wi-Fi will make your life enjoyable and easier. Securing a strong connection will enable you to stay connected to friends and family via text and video. It will also give you a means to watch movies, read the news, stay connected to schools, churches and places of worship, and other communities you are a part of. Staying connected is essential to maintaining you and your family’s emotional health and Wi-Fi is your partner in making this happen during quarantine.
Shelf Stable and Freezer-Friendly Food
Select foods that you and your family eat regularly, and prepare batch recipes in advance that you can freeze. You can also buy meat and fresh produce, then cut them up and freeze them in zip lock bags. You may want to stock up on a few extra pantry and shelf stable foods like canned beans, canned soup, and pasta that can last awhile. Avoid hoarding any food or supplies. However, having an extra bit of food at home can help you cut down on the number of grocery trips you have to make. That helps limit the amount of physical interaction you have with others, and keeps you and your community safer during this time of coronavirus.
Journal
Whether you prefer writing in a journal, on a computer, jotting thoughts into your notes app on a phone, or video journaling, try and make a point to get your thoughts and feelings out. It can be particularly valuable during this unprecedented time to record your experiences. Journaling can help you process the feelings you are having. It is also a great way to make a historical record of what you are living through, which you can share at later times with your children, grandchildren, and friends. When you take time to raise your own level of awareness and to process and manage your emotions in a healthy way, it benefits you and your family. In your journal, you may want to make a list of 5 friends or family members that you can call if you need someone to talk to when times get tough.
Baby Food, Formula, Diapers
If you have a baby or young children, be sure to stock up on baby food, formula and diapers. Take a moment to think about your child’s basic needs and make sure you have those items on hand. You may extend this list to include important medications, vitamins, supplements, over-the-counter pain relievers, or other personal items that your child requires to stay healthy and well.
Over-The-Counter Medicine, Vitamins, Immune-Boosting Supplements
You’ll want to have basic over-the-counter medications for fever and pain reduction on hand. You may also want to stock up on vitamins such as Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, or a multi-vitamin to cover all your bases. Supplements such as Echinacea and elderberry syrup help with strengthening the immune system. You can also get these benefits simply by eating lots of fruits and veggies. If you do get COVID-19, symptoms include fever, body aches, and coughing, OTC meds like acetaminophen (Tylenol and generic) can help treat fevers and aches. Remember to reduce your stress and get as much sleep as you can, as these help your immune system to stay strong and healthy.
Soap, Hand Sanitizer, Disinfectants
It goes without saying that during a quarantine you want to cut off all physical contact with the outside world. However, that doesn’t mean you don’t have to wash your hands or disinfect surfaces and objects. It is still important to kill germs and clean even if you’re not actively coming into contact with others. Good old soap and warm water will keep your hands clean and clear of germs, but consider using disinfectants approved by the CDC or EPA to kill the virus on the surface, children’s toys, or other items that may have been exposed to the virus.
Thermometer
This is an important tool for monitoring your health and the health of your loved ones. If you are quarantined or if you suspect someone is getting sick, you’ll need to be able to take their temperature. If you already have a thermometer, check to make sure it’s still working. Or if you need one, order one online or from a local pharmacy.
Pharmaceuticals
If you or one of your family members requires regular medication, you may want to order a three-month supply of your pharmaceuticals. These can be delivered to you through the mail. Contact your pharmacy and request a 90-day supply. The pharmacy will check whether your prescription has enough refills for that amount, or whether they need to call your doctor to ask for more. That way, you don’t have to worry about running out of essential medication while you quarantine.
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