You Always Forget to Buy These Things, so We Made You a List
You know those times when you tell yourself you're going to get toilet paper and toothpaste at the store, and then you finally make it to the store, fill your cart, pay, leave, and make it home only to realize you FORGOT the toilet paper and toothpaste? This happens to me more often than not, and it's one of the greatest frustrations in life for me. Anyone with me?
With that in mind, and to keep you from encountering this misfortune (and save you time), we made a list of common household and grocery items that seem to always be on your shopping to-dos but never seem to make it into your cart. See below, room by room.
Kitchen
Dish Soap
Paper Towels
Kitchen towels are eco-friendlier (and technically, since they're reusable, you can never run out of those), but sometimes you need some paper towels on hand.
Olive Oil
Trash Bags
Eggs
Milk
What's with the dairy aisle? Eggs and milk are always top of my grocery list but at the bottom of my memory.
Sponges
Water Filter
Sandwich Bags
Flour, Sugar, Etc.
Bathroom
Toilet Paper
Toothpaste
When your dental hygiene is at stake, you've got to buy that value pack of toothpaste so you have a backup when you run out.
Razors
Okay, again, when was the last time you changed your razor blade? That stuff can get rusty and grimy!
Hand Soap
Want to keep a germ-free (or close to it) household? Make sure you've got enough hand soap to wash your hands frequently.
Nail Polish Remover
It's always good to keep a bottle on hand for when your manicure has seen better days and you need to start fresh.
Shampoo
I've been guilty of being at the very last drop of shampoo and trying desperately to squeeze the bottle with all my strength.
Conditioner
The above rings true for conditioner, too. Best to buy both at the same time.
Toothbrushes
At this point, I feel like a broken record, but when was the last time you swapped your toothbrush? The American Dental Association recommends you change your toothbrush every three to four months, or when the bristles are frayed, as they won't be as effective at cleaning your teeth.
Bedroom
Pillows
If you've been meaning to change out your flat pillows but haven't gotten around to it, you might want to think twice—for the sake of your sleep (and hygiene). The National Sleep Foundation recommends you change your pillow every one to two years because they absorb body oil, dead skin cells, and hair, and when flat, they won't support your head or neck properly.
Hangers
Listen, if you want to use the hangers you get from the dry cleaners, I'm not here to judge. But I'm always putting away my clothes after doing laundry and wishing I had more hangers but forgetting to add them to my running checklist of things I need to buy for my apartment.
Living Room
Coasters
Tech Wranglers
Miscellaneous
Light Bulbs
Batteries
Laundry Detergent
When you've got zero clean underwear left, the last thing you want to encounter when you've finally mustered the energy and time to do laundry is an empty laundry detergent bottle.
Pain Medications
Bandages
Rubber Gloves
Flashlight
Stamps
You might not be into snail mail as much now, but it's always good to keep a couple of stamps on hand, for mailing out your rent check or birthday cards.
Next up: 45 Wellness Products That Have a Cult Following
This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used in the place of advice of your physician or other medical professionals. You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider first with any health-related questions.
Sarah is lifestyle writer and editor with over 10 years of experience covering health and wellness, interior design, food, beauty, and tech. Born and raised in Los Angeles, she attended New York University and lived in New York for 12 years before returning to L.A. in 2019. In addition to her work at Who What Wear, she held editor roles at Apartment Therapy, Real Simple, House Beautiful, Elle Decor, and The Bump (sister site of The Knot). She has a passion for health and wellness, but she especially loves writing about mental health. Her self-care routine consists of five things: a good workout, “me” time on the regular, an intriguing book/podcast/playlist to unwind after a long day, naps, and decorating her home.
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