what should i stock up on for winter

What to Stock Up on for Winter

1. Packages of Bottled Water. Be sure to buy packages of bottled water while it’s on sale so that you can have a lot of...
2. Non-Perishable Food to Save and Eat in an Emergency. Always stock up on some non-perishable food. You’re going to...
3. Pet Food. If you have a pet at home, make sure you’re thinking about the animal when stocking up...

Full Answer

What should you stock your pantry with before a snowstorm?

But if you stock your pantry with filling, shelf-stable foods, you won’t go hungry while you’re waiting for the snow to be cleared. Here are some of the smartest essentials to purchase well in advance of an impending storm: Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days)

Is it time to stock up for a winter storm?

But stocking up for a winter storm doesn't need to be a disorganized, last-minute frenzy -- it’s safe to buy most of the things on your winter food stock-up list now, while the weather is still good. And if you live in an area that sees heavy snow most winters, getting an early start is a smart idea.

What household items do you still need when summer turns to fall?

Get out your wallet and get ready to save on some summer staples and some other household goodies you’ll still need when summer turns to fall. 1. Bottled Water 2. Bug Spray 3. Camping Gear 4. Condiments 5. Hair Styling Products 6. Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns 7. Ice Cream and Frozen Treats 8. Indoor Furniture 9. Lunch Snacks 10.

What fresh produce should you buy before a winter storm?

Fresh Produce You Should Buy Before a Winter Storm 1 Apples 2 Bananas 3 Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruit, and clementines 4 Tomatoes 5 Avocados More ...

What should I stock up for 2021?

You don't need a year's supply of toilet paper to survive an outbreak, but consider stocking up on these items....Following are some of the best options if you're looking to add to your stockpile.Cleaning supplies. ... Soap. ... Peanut butter. ... White rice. ... Prescription medications. ... Dried beans and lentils. ... Candy. ... Pasta.More items...

What groceries should I stock up on?

What to Always Keep in Your PantryWhole-wheat crackers. Crackers are a good replacement for bread and make a fine substitute when making sandwiches. ... Granola bars and power bars. ... Dried fruits, such as apricots and raisins. ... Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, or turkey. ... Bottled water.

What should I buy before an ice storm?

Create an emergency car kit.Cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries.Items to stay warm such as extra hats, coats, mittens, and blankets.Windshield scraper.Shovel.Battery-powered radio with extra batteries.Flashlight with extra batteries.Water and snack food.More items...

How do I stock up on food for a year?

A quick and easy list to keep on hand is the following:Ready-to-eat canned meats, fruits, vegetables, and a manual can opener.Protein or fruit bars.Dry cereal or granola.Peanut butter or Almond butter.Dried fruit and nuts.Canned juices and bottled water.Non-perishable pasteurized milk.High-energy foods.More items...•

What will be scarce in 2022?

Meat shortages, especially beef and poultry, will plague us again in 2022. Daniels says that meat and poultry are in short supply in many supermarkets. This is due to several factors, with manufacturing plant labor shortages causing most of the issues.

What should I stockpile for food shortages?

Here's a basic food list of the things you will want to consider buying to stockpile in case a survival food shortage really does happen:Flour (white, wholemeal, self-raising)Rice.Noodles.Beans (dried and canned different varieties)Lentils. ... Oats.Pasta (different shapes, white & wholewheat)More items...•

What are winter foods?

The following 17 winter superfoods are all in-season during the winter months, just ready and waiting on grocery shelves to share their nutritional benefits.Winter Squash.Ginger.Kale.Citrus Fruits.Apples.Brussels Sprouts.Fennel.Sweet Potatoes.More items...•

Why does everyone buy bread and milk when it snows?

Buying milk or eggs, though, means you unconsciously believe you will be back at the store soon enough to restock. Alan Stewart, a researcher at the University of Georgia, believes the need to load up on bread, milk, and other essentials before a storm is driven by childhood experiences or weather-related trauma.

How do I prepare my house for a winter storm?

How to Prepare Your Home for a Blizzard or Extreme ColdStock Up on Food & Water. ... Consider Cooking & Easy Food Prep. ... Stock Up on Supplies. ... Purchase an Emergency Sump Pump. ... Install a Freeze Alarm. ... Consider Portable Power. ... Stay Safe From Carbon Monoxide. ... Clean Your Chimneys.More items...

How do I build a 3 month food supply?

A three month supply would require 90 breakfast bags, 90 lunch bags (if desired), and 90 dinner bags. It's that easy. Gather your favorite quick and simple recipes and make copies of them. One copy for each time you would like to eat that meal.

Will there be food shortages in 2022?

It looks like food shortages have continued into 2022. This is what might be causing the issue. After some signs of a slow and cautious return to pre-pandemic normalcy last year, 2022 is looking remarkably like fall 2020—and that means supply issues at grocery stores.

What food can you survive on forever?

Honey is known to be one of the only foods that can last forever. This is largely due to the fact that it is made up of sugar, which makes it hard for bacteria or microorganisms to affect the honey.

What to do if you get stuck in your house?

Just in case you get stuck in your house — and can't make it to a hospital in case of an accident — make sure you have one of these safety kits that contains all of the essentials.

Can you put metal shovels on your car?

And stick with plastic at home, too — metal shovels can deposit tiny metal filings on the surface of your drive or walks. And always make sure your car's tank is filled in case you don't get a chance to hit up the gas station — often in weather emergencies gas gets tapped out quickly at local stations.

Can you use a flashlight during a winter storm?

When winter storms are at their worst, they sometimes knock out your electricity. So invest in a flashlight (or several!) to hold onto at all times. A few candles won't hurt either (and give a nice ambiance post-sunset), but flashlights or portable lanterns are definitely safer.

How to prepare for a snowstorm?

Snowstorm Prep Pantry Staples. Stock your pantry with healthy, high-energy foods. Keeping a running list of items, and check expiration dates every six months. Bottled water: You'll need it for drinking, cooking, and washing up.

What to keep on hand during a blizzard?

Comfort Foods to Keep on Hand During a Blizzard. They don't call it cabin fever for nothing. Keep treats on hand for when all you can do is hunker down and watch the snow (or Netflix, if you're lucky enough to have power!). Dark chocolate: It has more heart-healthy nutrients than milk chocolate.

How long does a whole grain pouch last?

Canned tuna, salmon, chicken, and turkey: They provide protein and will last for two to three years in your pantry. Vacuum-sealed pouches are another good choice, but they have a shorter shelf life.

What to cook with electricity?

Stock up on just-add-water mixes for pancakes and biscuits. Rice, oats, and other grains: They're easy to cook and can stretch other foods into a whole meal. Peanut and other nut butters: They fuel you up with healthy fats and protein. ...

What are some ways to make yourself thirsty?

Alcohol is dehydrating, and too much could impair your judgement when you need to make quick decisions. Salty or spicy foods: They can make you extra thirsty. Junk foods: Filling up on sweets and sodas adds empty calories, makes your energy crash, and wears down your resistance to cold and flu bugs.

How to be blizzard ready?

To be blizzard-ready, you need to stock up on the right foods. A sudden snowstorm could leave you stranded for days, sometimes without power. And trust me, it's no fun to be stuck in the cold and dark and suddenly realize you're all out of cat food.

How long can you keep fresh fruit and vegetables?

The fruits and veggies below will stay fresh for days or even weeks without refrigeration . Stock up when you know snow is on the way, and wash them ahead of time.

Seasonal Shortages

The pandemic has caused supply chain issues and shortages in a number of different industries, from air conditioners and kitchen appliances to cars, computer chips and lumber. Due to worker shortages, overwhelmed ports, and resource demands, many products that are typically readily available have become hard to find.

Snow Blowers

If you plan to invest in a snow blower this year, it would be prudent to make your purchase before the first snowfall of the season.

Air Purifiers

Over the summer, we’ve been able to move gatherings and events outdoors to prevent the spread of COVID-19. In the colder months, however, air purifiers will be a key component in keeping indoor spaces—like classrooms and offices—safe.

Turkey

Turkey is a holiday staple in many homes for both Thanksgiving and Christmas, but retailers and distributors foresee an upcoming shortage for the 2021 season. It’s expected to impact smaller, fresh turkeys, which were popular last year as many celebrated with just their immediate families.

Patio Heaters

Last winter, patio heaters were hard to come by since so many people wanted to extend their outdoor entertaining season. If you plan to host outdoors this winter, buy an outdoor heater now before the seasonal rush.

Ice Melt

Ice melt is a winter essential for preventing slips and falls on driveways, patios, and walkways, but there’s a chance it will be sold out by the time the first snowstorm hits your area. Luckily, some of our top picks, including Branch Creek’s nontoxic, pet-friendly ice melt (available on Amazon) are still in stock.

Popular Toys

CNN sounded the alarm in August of 2021, saying that some of the country’s biggest toymakers were forecasting price increases and product shortages in the lead-up to the holiday season. Hasbro and Mattel said shoppers can expect to see 5 to 10-percent price increases on popular toys because of the higher cost of shipping and distribution.

What to stock up on

Try to have these essentials on hand in case anyone in your family falls ill or needs to quarantine for two weeks in this upcoming season.

Other helpful tips

Make a plan ahead of time in case you need to quarantine in the future. Connect with your neighbors or people who live near you about how to best reach them if you are quarantining and need some help with errands or supplies.

Bottom Line

The idea of having to quarantine in the winter should not be a cause for panic (we don't need another toilet paper shortage). We are all trying to find the best way to manage the risk associated with the coronavirus pandemic, and it will likely be a moving target in the holiday season.

The start of my stocking journey

I kind of floundered a little in the beginning of my stocking up. I had placed several irons in the fire without having a true idea of what I was doing. YouTube was really new and I am not one that jumps on the latest and greatest. It took me three years before I even got on there and thought of it as an entertainment source more than a resource.

Guide to stocking up

Clear an area to start stocking up. Whether it be a cabinet, a shelving unit, a closet, or even under a bed, the place (s) needs to be ready to accept the goods that you will be bringing in.

Other items to consider

In general, when people speak of stocking up their pantries they are referring to food. I would like to point out that if we can we should stock up on items to keep our bodies and environments cleaned. You could use vinegar to clean your surfaces, but what about cleaning the rest of everything else? Here is a sample of items I stock:

Conclusion

Stocking up is truly never ending, as the items that you stock will be used as you go; however, the effort is so worth it in the end. There are other measures that you can do to make things more cost effective like growing your foods, home canning, dehydrating and cooking from scratch.

What to pack for winter weather?

Staying safe throughout a winter weather event involves more than filling your belly. As long as you’re stocking up on things, make sure your emergency preparedness kit is topped off with the following: 1 Flashlights 2 Batteries 3 Battery operated radio 4 Back-up energy sources like portable power banks and solar chargers 5 Can opener 6 First aid kit 7 Thermal emergency blankets 8 A propane or kerosene space heater rated for indoor use

What to buy in advance of a storm?

Here are some of the smartest essentials to purchase well in advance of an impending storm: Bottled water (at least one gallon per person per day, for at least three days) Canned goods, especially cozy, warming foods like soups and stews. Snack foods like chips, crackers and cookies in sealed packages. Cereal and granola.

How long can you keep dry ice in a refrigerator?

The FDA recommends 50 pounds of dry ice to keep a fully stocked 18-foot cubic freezer frozen for two days; to fine-tune the temperature of your fridge and freezer with dry ice, it will help to have a couple of refrigerator thermometers.

What temperature should dry ice be?

Another option is to use dry ice, which maintains a temperature of -109 degrees Fahrenheit. If you can obtain dry ice locally right before or after a power outage, you can use it to save your perishables as long as you replace it as needed.

Is it safe to stock up for a winter storm?

But stocking up for a winter storm doesn't need to be a disorganized, last-minute frenzy -- it’s safe to buy most of the things on your winter food stock-up list now, while the weather is still good. And if you live in an area that sees heavy snow most winters, getting an early start is a smart idea.

2. Any and all kinds of cheese

Eat it plain, eat it on a sandwich, or melted over pasta — just make sure you have cheese. Lots and lots of cheese.

5. Honey... on everything

In drinks! On toast! On veggies! In sauces! Honey is the queen bee of kitchen ingredients.

6. Veggies to roast

Roasted veggies are the easiest thing to make (drizzle with olive oil and herbs and bake at 400 degrees until slightly burned), and they last for days.

7. Cauliflower

Cauliflower is the new kale, you guys. Didn't you hear? It's the primo supremo carb substitute and can be made into rice or a potato-like mash. And because it's kind of a plain veggie, it can be thrown into really any dish without completely destroying the taste.

8. Ginger ale, for the flu you are bound to get

Most likely, we'll all have at least one bout of endless vomits, and when you're feeling like you're about to die next to the toilet, there's probably nothing as welcome or as settling as ginger ale. I prefer the flat version when I'm feelin' all flu-zy, but that's just me.

9. An overflowing bucket of potatoes

For when the cauliflower runs out and you refuse to venture out to the store, your fall back will be potatoes. And they will be your everything after eating cauliflower mash, so make sure you have enough to enjoy for multiple eats.

10. A source of protein

Chicken, tofu, beans, or steak with a side of bacon to celebrate your inner Ron Swanson — just make sure you have something to check that nutrition box.

How to prepare for a winter storm?

Staying warm is a priority when it comes to winter storm preparation. Keep a few fleece blankets on hand for your family. Each person should have at least one blanket, but more is better.

How much water do you need for a winter storm?

Water. First and foremost on almost any stockpile list, you need to have water. A human body can last days without food, but you won’t survive long without water. The general rule for stockpiling water is that you need one gallon of water per person per day.

What fuel do you need for a camping stove?

Also, make sure you stockpile the fuel for the cooking method. Most camping stoves use propane, and a grill will need charcoal or propane as well. 5. Matches or Lighter. If you need to light your gas stove or grill, then you need to have matches or a lighter. You’ll need this for wood stoves, fireplaces, or candles.

What to do if you are stuck in the house for a few days?

If you’re stuck in the house for several days, you don’t want to dip into your food of meat for your pets. So, stash a few bags of dog or cat food (or both). 7.

What to put in first aid kit?

I highly recommend having a fully stocked first aid kit that is capable of having a majority of situations at home. At the least, make sure you have a kit stocked with these items: 1 Bandages and gauze 2 Antibiotic ointment 3 Painkillers 4 Cold medicine 5 Allergy medication 6 Medical Tape 7 Tweezers 8 Daily medication

Why are wool socks good for you?

You want to have plenty of socks on hand for each person. Wool socks are ideal because they hold in the heat and wick away moisture.

When is the best time to stock up on fruits and vegetables?

Certain fruits and vegetables are in-season toward the end of spring or beginning of summer, which means they’re more readily available in stores and usually less expensive for you. I stock up on strawberries and blueberries in May or June for yummy smoothies on hot days.

How to freeze food when it's at peak freshness?

Some produce isn’t freezable, like peppers, letters, and some dairy products. Choose freezer-ready bags and containers only. Wrap food tightly to avoid freezer burn and loss of flavor. Label and date everything you put in the freezer.

What fruits and vegetables are in season?

The following fruits and veggies are just some of those in-season over the summer, so watch for local sales: 1 Strawberries 2 Blueberries 3 Plums 4 Peaches/Nectarines 5 Lemons 6 Limes 7 Tomatoes 8 Zucchini 9 Carrots 10 Cucumbers 11 Peppers 12 Corn

What is summer season?

Summer is a season for grilling, swimming, tanning, playing, and making new memories. It’s also a season for some serious savings on many of the items you use in your home all year. Since a lot of items get used mostly in the summer, you can typically find some excellent deals on them throughout the season, whereas savings on other products are ...

When is the best time to put indoor furniture on sale?

Furniture stores often see summer as the perfect time to put indoor furniture on sale to entice people to keep buying it. Check your favorite online furniture stores, too, because places like Kohl’s, Overstock, and Wayfair sometimes put out special promotions when it’s about to turn to summer .

When is the best time to buy bug spray?

June and July are the best months to buy bug sprays for all your outdoor summer adventures. Not only do stores start discounting them, but manufacturers also put out bulk packages that can bump your costs down even further.

When is camping gear sales?

Camping gear sales are typically prominent in both the very beginning and the very end of summer. The end-of-summer sales usually are clear-outs for fall-related inventory, though, so you may not have a good selection of items to choose from.