We’ve been talking about National Preparedness Month and all of the different ways we can be prepared. We talked a lot last week about food storage and now we should talk about other items to include. I still remember a funny conversation I had with a neighbor a few years ago. We were moving to a new home and he was helping load the boxes containing my food storage into the truck. Suddenly he stopped moving the boxes and looked at me with total shock on his face. He said he had never thought of having so many non-food items in his food storage. He said he and his wife had never even thought to have something as basic as toilet paper in his food storage. I was surprised because this all seemed so natural to me. I wouldn’t want to be without these items for long so I included them in my food storage. It just made sense to me.

We all know the basic ideas behind having food storage. One of the biggest reasons is that it helps us be prepared for times when shopping might be impossible, too hard or too expensive. We all seem to focus on food and water. Those are some of the most important things. Yet, I think there are quite a few other non-food things that we all would agree are almost as important as food.

Toilet Paper
I think this is one of the top non-food items that I need to have in my food storage. I knew it topped my list even before my neighbor’s reaction of surprise and awe. I can’t imagine being stuck without toilet paper. I know there may be other things you could use but seriously, do you want to use leaves or newspaper or something else? I sure don’t!

Diapers and Wipes
If you have a little person in diapers in your house, be sure to include diapers and wipes in your food storage.  Again there are other things that can be used in a pinch, but do you really want to?

Soap and Shampoo
Make sure you have some of this in your food storage as well.  Even if money is tight or there is a disaster or emergency you will be able to be clean. That’s a huge comfort.

Feminine Supplies
Another must have in the food storage. There are some things that will be needed no matter what, don’t forget these supplies. I’m not sure I want to try any of the other things that could be used, I’ll just keep a supply of the norm.

Laundry Detergent
Another non-food item that I think is critical to have on hand is laundry soap. This goes with the same idea of being clean is a must. I store liquid detergent because it seems to be easier to use if I need to do laundry by hand.

Dish Soap
I store both liquid dish soap and dishwasher soap. I really hate paying full price for expensive dishwasher detergent. I stock up when it hits a price I like. Again, keeping things clean is a big plus.

Toothbrushes/Toothpaste
Another personal hygiene plus, no one wants to be without these items. There isn’t a need for a huge amount of these in your food storage. I try to keep an extra toothbrush or two for everyone and an extra two or three tubes of toothpaste. It is a good idea.

I know there are lots of other options for non-food items to keep in your food storage. Have any great suggestions or tips? We’d love to hear them!