A GON Reader Asks

Hi Maria,

I've always enjoyed reading your newsletter! This time I'd like to ask you about the balance of decluttering and stocking up.

Regarding the recent coronavirus outbreak, there is so much 'news' on social media or by word-of-mouth regarding daily essentials that would not be available: toilet paper, boxed tissues, diapers, hand sanitizer, etc. Many people have bought unnecessary amounts of these. As a result, panic caused low stock at the stores. In my case, I always stock up those so I don't need to run to the stores at all, but other people can't get their families the bare essentials.

These days, decluttering is a huge trend and even some experts have recommended NOT to stock up at your house, but rather, to use the stores as your personal warehouse. Those who believed such an idea face problems now. They are seen traveling store to store to look for rolls of toilet paper and other essentials.

In terms of organizing, what are your thoughts for stocking non-perishable food/drinks and essential paper products at your home, if you must stay at your home at least two weeks?

FYI, the industry association has analyzed that each person uses a single roll of toilet paper a week. Accordingly for 4 family members, 16 rolls are enough for a month.

This Reader Question was submitted by:

--A.S. from Japan


Maria Gracia responds...

Hi A.S.,

Certainly, the coronavirus has given us a lot to think about lately. I think it is good to be prepared, but not to go overboard or into a panic. Most of us don't have room to stockpile an enormous amount, nor does hoarding really seem the ethical thing to do. I have always kept at least two week's worth of food in my pantry. You don't know when you might get felled by an illness, a car stops working, or weather is so bad that you cannot get to the store. I have food in the freezer too, casseroles and soups I have made ahead. I do not keep too many, however, because if there is a weather issue, and the power goes out, a lot could be lost.

With the coronavirus, however, I have bought some extra to store. I have at least THREE weeks worth of food we could eat if we suddenly had to self-quarantine. I have beans, rice, quinoa, barley, oatmeal, canned tomatoes and vegetables, broth, and pasta. I always have plenty of peanut butter and tuna around because we eat those regularly. I have some frozen fruits and vegetables too.

I like the 'mega' rolls of toilet paper because I have to change them less frequently, and I usually stock two 12-packs...even before the current coronavirus scare. I don't over-stock paper towels...we have a 6-pack and if we run out, we'll just use reusable clothes...which we use most of the time anyway.

I have not bought anything that will not be eaten or used once the virus thing gets past. I would hate to be without fresh fruits and vegetables, but the world would not end if we ate canned and frozen ones for a couple of weeks.

I know it has become hard to get some things because people are buying large quantities. Hopefully we'll soon get to the point that even those hoarding will run out of space in their homes and can't stock anymore, and the stores will be able to restock for the rest of us.

One issue to consider, of course, is how far you are away from the grocery store. In addition, if you, or someone in your household, are older or have health issues that would be compromised by the virus, there may be more reason to have some extra supplies stored. But for most of us, two to three weeks' worth is probably a good rule of thumb to have in mind...and it's better to buy non-perishables versus groceries that are going to go bad before you have a chance to use them up.

Here are some final thoughts that just crossed my mind:

* If you'd like to have some fresh fruits and veggies around as long as possible, opt for 'long-lasting' ones, like apples, oranges, potatoes, spaghetti squash, carrots, garlic, onions, lemons, and limes. Drid fruits are good options as well, like figs and such.

* Frozen veggies are preferred to canned due to lower-sodium, but having some canned veggies stocked is a good idea.

* Proteins like canned tuna or salmon, eggs, hummus, beans (lentils, chick peas, navy beans, etc.) are always good to have stocked.

* If you drink milk, you may want to pick up the canned variety, or switch to plant-based milk (like almond milk).

* If you take prescription medications, having a 30-day supply is a good idea.

* As far as beverages, I mainly drink water...which I'm getting from the refrigerator dispenser, tea, and coffee. BUT, I can live without tea and coffee so I don't overstock those...and we always have one 24-pack of bottled water stocked just for emergencies.

* Don't forget about your pet...be sure he or she (or they) have two to three- weeks worth of food as well.

Be well...stay well,

--Maria

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GON Ask Maria A GON reader writes in, 'My dish towels are spilling out of my kitchen drawer...help!'

Plus...

* March Organizing Checklist
* March Mini Challenges: Fresh Starts
* Sharpen a dull pair of scissors in a flash. Here's how
* Undecided whether you should keep or toss? Do this
* I never forget an appointment because I do this
* 20 tips and tricks for an organized move
* Don't get bit by the clutterbug. Swat it now and take back control!
* Do you spring clean your home every year? Vote in our web poll

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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