Useful Items To Keep Around The House
There is nothing worse than being in a pinch, feeling unprepared for whatever life throws at you. From hosting last-minute guests to treating minor injuries, having the means to cope with the unexpected can significantly improve your quality of life. While maintaining a tidy, clutter-free home is a priority for many, holding onto certain “just in case” items could be a lifesaver. Let’s take a look at just some of the useful items every home should have.
First Aid Kit
It is a well-known fact that the majority of accidents happen in the home. From stovetop burns to slips and falls in the bathroom, the occasional accident is bound to occur, regardless of how rigorous your safety standards are. Tending to minor injuries can lower the chances of developing infections that might necessitate medical attention. As such, it is always a good idea to keep a fully-stocked first aid kit in an accessible location. Your kit should feature plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, sterile dressings, and other helpful items.
Shopping Bags
There are few things more frustrating than having to pay for shopping bags during your weekly shopping trip. If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, switching to reusable, eco-friendly bags is an excellent way to make your daily routine greener. You could opt for recycled cotton tote bags or robust jute bags for your heavier groceries. Alternatively, you could invest in a lightweight shopping trolley, ideal for transporting heavy items long distances if you don’t drive or rely on public transport.
Camping Lantern
If you’ve ever experienced a power outage after dark, you’ll know how troublesome negotiating your home in the pitch black can be. While most smartphones feature powerful torches, they can quickly run your battery down. Keeping a good-quality, battery-powered camping lantern (and plenty of spare batteries) handy is an excellent way to safeguard your well-being during those frustrating periods without power. Moreover, a camping lantern presents a lower fire hazard compared to using multiple candles.
Guest Bedding
Last-minute guests can be a joy or a nightmare if you’re unprepared. If a friend or relative is in a pinch and needs emergency accommodation, you can ensure they’re as happy and comfortable as possible by keeping some clean guest bedding handy. Even if you don't have the luxury of a spare bedroom, some fresh, cosy bedding, including pillows and a duvet, can make the sofa feel like a five-star hotel bed.
Gifting Essentials
Forgetting somebody’s birthday is something everyone experiences at least once in their lives. While you can always nip to the local shop, having the time to do so isn’t always realistic. However, keeping a sneaky supply of cards, gift bags, and wrapping paper will prepare you for the worst. If you enjoy crafting or making edible gifts, you could invest in bespoke boxes or bags, so you always have the means of creating a thoughtful and meaningful gift, even when you’ve secretly forgotten.
Freezer Meals
Getting home after a long day and being absolutely exhausted yet ravenous usually leaves you with two options - fast food or a pre-packaged freezer meal. While there is nothing wrong with either of these options, fast food can be notoriously expensive and ready meals can be decidedly unsatisfying. However, you can ensure you always have access to home-cooked, nutritious meals by batch-cooking your favourite dishes and freezing them in portions. The best family-friendly freezable dishes include hearty chillies, curries, casseroles and pasta bakes.
Toolbox
Every home needs a well-stocked toolbox. Even if you’re a DIY novice, a toolbox containing, amongst other things, a hammer, screwdriver, tape measure, pliers and a drill will give you the means to make minor repairs and maintenance work around the house. Additionally, once you’ve purchased your toolbox, some basic research into how to use your tools safely and correctly will help to keep you safe.
Masks
Although we are arguably over the worst of the global pandemic, masks are still mandatory at some medical facilities. You may also feel safer wearing a mask on public transport or in crowded areas. While many commercial buildings offer free disposable masks, cotton, reusable alternatives are better for the environment. Furthermore, if you’re planning a holiday in the near future, some countries still have mask mandates and restrictions.