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With the coronavirus spreading, some of you, my dear readers have shared how worried you are. I know how you feel. Never in my lifetime did I think I would experience a crisis like this.
Hubby and I have hunkered down for the time being. We are only venturing out for walks around our neighborhood, to check the mail, him to chip and putt, and an occasional trip to the grocery store for meat and produce. I know some of you work in industries where staying home is not an option, and I want to thank you for what you do.
We can only do our best to prevent the virus from spreading; a lot of hand washing, not touching our faces, disinfecting surfaces, social distancing and talking to the Doctor if we are sick. But a few of you have mentioned how difficult it has been to find basics like toilet paper and hand sanitizer which makes it even worse. What do you do if you can’t find supplies to ride out the coronavirus epidemic?
Recently I was at the grocery store and though I kept my distance from the women in front of me, I couldn’t help but overhear her ask the check-out clerk in a shy voice when they would be getting toilet paper in. And just minutes before in the toilet paper aisle a woman had shook her head at the empty shelves and told me she was using paper towels as she’d run out of toilet paper!
This pic is of my grocery store paper towel/toilet paper shelves on 3/22/20.
It’s sad but true that many people are running low or are out of everyday essentials during this crisis. I have been able to get the supplies hubby and I need and more to send to my adult kids in other states with persistence. So, I thought I would share some ideas on how to get needed items. It’s a good idea to get extra supplies for the coronavirus crisis. You may have to self-quarantine. You may just want to hunker down like hubby and I have.
You will want to have non-perishable food, household items and other products you use. If you have little ones you will want to make sure you have plenty of diapers, formula and other items your child will need.
You should also try to have at least a 30-day supply of medication. Keep in mind that the active ingredient in many medications is made overseas, so you want to be prepared if that supply chain is disrupted or you can’t get to the store.
Here are some ideas that have worked for me.
Get on the notification list at Amazon for what you want. When you are notified it’s in stock – you must grab it immediately with the swipe to ‘buy it now’ or it will be gone. Just make sure the price is reasonable. The notifications list shows on the product page if they are sold out. However, if Amazon is having trouble getting stock you may not see it.
Notifications are becoming less frequent as Amazon is running out before they can send out a notification. Continue to check stock. The other day I saw paper towels were in stock at Amazon several times throughout the day, but sold out quickly.
– Just to note I have checked other online stores multiple times for items but have had better luck at Amazon. But some online stores to consider are Walgreens.com, CVS.com, Target.com, Boxed.com and Jet.com. Also warehouse stores if you are a member Sam’s Club and Costco ship. And Boxed has bulk grocery shopping without the membership fee.
For fresh meat and produce check Freshdirect.com (produce), HarryandDavid.com (fruit), and OmahaSteaks.com (meat). You may have to pay a premium but it may be worth it to avoid going to the stores.
Amazon sometimes shows a ‘see all buyers’ notice or ‘more buyers’ option on products. Don’t assume that is a third-party seller. It may be Amazon itself but they don’t have it in stock but they are listing it for purchase. You can order it and it will ship at a later date.
Think outside the box for supplies. Grocery and drug stores carry toilet paper, sanitizer, paper towels etc. but so do many office supply and hardware stores. Also sporting good and camping supply stores may have some of the products you are looking for. For example. Dicks Sporting Goods carries disinfectant sprays, first aid kits and other health items.
If you are looking for a specific item Google the item name and a store i.e. Face Masks. Walmart. If you have locations enabled on your computer the closest store to you with it in stock should pop up.
RV toilet paper may be an option. People don’t think to look for that when regular toilet paper is out.
If you can’t find regular chicken or burger – look in the frozen section for pre-packaged strips and ready-made patties. Look in the deli for rotisseries chicken, wings and other pre-cooked meats.
Can’t find bread? There are a lot of easy boxed bread and muffin mixes on the shelves.
I have not used Instacart or other delivery services but that seems to be working well for many. Google grocery delivery and the town you live for delivery options in your area. Some delivery companies are; Instacart, Peapod, Walmart Grocey, Amazon Fresh and Shipt.
Important – there is a lot of price gouging going on during this coronavirus pandemic. The other day I saw an 8 oz bottle of a brand name sanitizer selling for $68 on eBay. And there are plenty of listings on other sites with inflated prices. Companies like Amazon are suspending accounts of sellers that are inflating their prices. I read that they have removed over 1 million items due to inflated prices. Of course, new sellers attempting to take advantage of customers pop up all the time, so you must act fast to buy items that come in stock, but be sure to quickly check the price.
* It’s a good idea to have Amazon Prime. Prime will get it to you faster and also has other benefits like special entertainment. You can get Prime for a discount here – Amazon Prime
Keep some extra items on hand. With persistence I have found plenty of toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant wipes, hand sanitizer etc. on Amazon. These items go in and out of stock quickly.
I personally am buying most non-perishables at Amazon and only produce and meat at the grocery store so I am in and out of the store quickly.
I have posted some direct links to the category so you can see what is available. If you don’t see what you like – keep checking. I have gotten everything I need doing this.
Also Amazon’s prices direct from them are often less than the grocery store. Having the items delivered to your door is pretty sweet to.
Here is what I bought over the past few weeks (as mentioned I linked to the category as items go out of stock often). I bought everything at Amazon using Amazon Prime
HOUSEHOLD
FOOD
And every household should have a FIRST AID KIT
Stay strong and safe dear readers. We will get through this!
~ Kate
Hi, you can make your own hand sanitizer by combining a 1/2 cup of at least 60% isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) with a 3/4. to a cup of aloe vera gel, mix well, and keep in an airtight container. You may need to add a little more aloe vera gel to get the right consistency. I hope this helps. Take care everyone and stay safe.