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
When you're down to the last drop and can't clean your dishes, you know it's a problem. The same goes for dishwasher detergent (if you have a dishwasher, and in which case, I'm jealous).
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
Or any other cooking oil, really. Somehow I always forget to grab a bottle when I'm out, and I only remember when I've made it out the grocery store doors and am too lazy to go back.
Trash Bags
Raise your hand if you've been down to your last trash bag and had filled it to the brim, and it looked like it would overflow at any moment.
Eggs
This is another pantry staple people seem to forget a lot. Hopefully, if you're reading this while grocery shopping, it will help jog your memory.
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
When was the last time you changed your sponge? Yeah, thought so.
Water Filter
Again, when was the last time you changed your water filter? Grab a multi-pack for next time.
Sandwich Bags
Sandwich bags are so versatile. Use them for meal prep, your lunches, travel, etc. We love these reusable ones because you'll never run out, and you can put them in the dishwasher to clean.
Flour, Sugar, Etc.
Or any kind of essential baking ingredient or condiment. For example, honey has been on my grocery list for the past month, but I keep forgetting to grab a bottle.
Bathroom
Toilet Paper
Oh, the struggle of walking into your bathroom and seeing an empty toilet paper roll.
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
They're not exactly a necessity and not necessarily something that you would remember to buy, but they're a nice touch and will protect your surfaces.
Tech Wranglers
We are living in the digital age, which is convenient in so many ways, but with that comes a lot of tangled wires. I'm also always trying to make sense of the wires near my TV, so this is the day I'm going to get them in order.
Miscellaneous
Light Bulbs
You never know when one is going to burn out, and then you could have a dark room for a while before you remember to buy a bulb the next time you're at the store. Here's your ticket out of the darkness.
Batteries
These are just good to have on hand for flashlights or remotes or other random battery-operated things you have in your home.
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
This one is for your next headache (or hangover). I recently went through a painful morning after indulging in some wine that might have been better if I had some ibuprofen on hand, but my medicine cabinet was empty.
Bandages
It's a first-aid must-have, and if you already used up all the ones that were in the emergency kit your mom gave you, it might be time to stock up on some more.
Rubber Gloves
Rubber gloves might not be at the top of your cleaning supplies list, but they should be. You'll protect your hands (from dryness and germs) by using them the next time you're doing a deep clean.
Flashlight
Oh come on, you need one of these in case of an emergency. This is when the batteries we mentioned above will come in handy.
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
Disclaimer
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 on THE/THIRTY andBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , 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.