Coronavirus: How To Avoid Empty Store Shelves

Coronavirus: How to avoid empty store shelves

Coronavirus: How to avoid empty store shelves. I went to the store last night because my previous shopping trip had been interrupted and I needed to finish. These two trips were about 48 hours apart, and there was a very big difference in them. 

This post contains affiliate links

When I went a couple days ago, nothing was really out of the ordinary. It was a pretty normal shopping trip, although very busy at the store. Yesterday shelves were empty and there were signs in many places saying there was a limit on the number of items each customer could purchase. It was crazy how much had changed in a mere 48 hours. 

Panic Buying Instead of Prepping

I have noticed quite a few friends posting pictures on social media of empty store shelves and people buying copious amounts of supplies. Apparently my first shopping trip was when the hoarding and panic buying was getting into full swing. This made me think a lot, because I had no need to buy out the store myself. It made me start thinking about how this can be avoided in the future for others. 

Buy one extra thing every shopping trip. This can be a case of water, or a bag of flour, cans of vegetables. Or it can even be non-food items like toilet paper or batteries. Buying an extra item or two during each shopping trip will not break the bank. 

Organization

Know your space and keep things organized. Having dedicated places to prepping supplies is a big deal. I’m a stickler for organization. If I buy too much, there’s no room in my cabinets and it spills over onto any available flat surface. For me, this means that not only is it taking up valuable space, but it is easily forgotten. Easily forgotten things end up being wasted. Which is basically throwing money in the trash. The last time I checked, I don’t have the same bank account that Bill Gates does, so throwing money away is a big deal. 

Long-Term Food Options

Keep more long term storage options. Freeze dried foods are an excellent example of this. Unopened, they have a shelf life of 25 years. Once they’ve been opened, the shelf life is 5 years. Blue Can Water is a perfect water option for long term storage as well. These items are not used or opened unless it is a real emergency and all other options have been exhausted. 

Alternatives

I also keep alternative options. If I ran out of toilet paper, I have baby wipes and even old washcloths that aren’t fit to use for anything else besides cleaning rags or an alternative to toilet paper. I’m currently learning how to make almond milk so that I have a viable option to traditional milk if I can’t go to the grocery store. 

Storage Space

Do you need more storage space? Me too! Storage space is the one mortal enemy for preppers. Here is my favorite free-standing cabinet. I have three of these in my house, that I use for cleaning supplies, food, and bathroom supplies. These are perfect for a garage, bedroom, or anywhere else that you have some available space and they look beautiful. 

By buying an item or two extra every shopping trip, I am increasing my stock of food and household goods slowly and without destroying my bank account. Then when something like the Coronavirus comes along, I’m not fighting other people to buy out the stores. I have confidence knowing that I’m pretty set on food and household supplies if I am stuck at home. This can also be true for any situation such as a massive snowstorm, public health emergencies, or even simply having a short paycheck one month. 

Being able to buy things and stock up also saves me a ton of money. When demand for products skyrockets, so does the price while the quantity available goes down. If I’m preparing prior to an emergency, I can watch sales on things that I need. Saving money means that I can save that money or put it toward other prepping supplies. 

Discussion

Planning ahead makes a world of difference, and that is exactly what prepping means. It is really easy to avoid empty store shelves and panic by planning ahead and having the items you need on hand already. Have you experienced a shortage of items in your grocery store? What are you doing to prepare? Tell me about it in the comments! 

The Prepping Wife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, at no added cost to you.