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10 Quarantine Essentials That Aren’t Toilet Paper

Shelter in place? Here's some quarantine essentials to get you through surviving on your own or with loved ones with your sanity intact. No TP required.
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    Chances are, wherever you are, you’re watching the news anxiously and preparing to shelter in place.

    When your coworker has a cough that they swear is “just allergies!”

    Quarantine” is a scary word, even for the most well prepared.

    The news and social media are reporting runs on everything from bottled water to toilet paper (uhh yea…it’s bidet time) and it’s only natural to want to be prepared for when your shelter in place orders come through.

    Pew Pew Tactical Shooting with MIRA Safety Gas Masks
    Pew Pew Tactical Shooting with MIRA Safety Gas Masks

    That being said, if you don’t know what you need to stay at home for two weeks, let’s talk. We’re sharing our top essentials to stay sane, healthy, and safe under isolation.

    Bunker Door
    These bunker doors only open for Postmates drivers!

    1. Cold Medications

    Whether you’re working from home or just staying home, you’ll want to make sure that you have a little extra cold meds on hand to keep you comfortable. It’s still cold and flu season, and if you’re still venturing out, you still have a chance to catch something, even if it’s not The Boogaflu.

    Just a TV Doctor
    Wait… Alan Alda can’t save us all?!

    We’re stocking up on daytime and nighttime cold medications, including cough suppressants, anti-inflammatories, cough drops, and the like.

    Don’t forget to refill your prescription medications, too!

    2. Food

    “Duh, we know!” 

    Okay, yes, but do you have two weeks of food on standby? We’re talking a mix of canned goods, dried goods, frozen foods, and fresh foods. You’re still going to have your refrigerator and freezer, so there’s no reason to exist solely on MREs… yet.

    MRE-Chili-Prep
    Yum?

    (If you do, though, check out our taste-test of popular survival foods, or watch the video!)

    Besides, if you didn’t stock up on toilet paper, you probably don’t want to experiment with a big change in your diet, y’know?

    For the tastiest camping food… try out Mountain House.

    Want to go bigger and longer (heh)?

    $104
    at Amazon

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    3. Caffeine

    Look, we know you don’t have to interact with others if you’re in isolation, but you also don’t want a caffeine headache either.

    latte
    Starbucks, I miss you so…

    Stock up on your coffee necessities, including filters, beans or grounds, sweetener, creamer, or anything else you’ll need if you can’t make it to a Starbucks. 

    It’s going to be tough, but we all gotta make sacrifices.

    4. Treats

    Just ‘cause you’re stuck under quarantine doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy it a little. Go ahead and splurge a little–stock your bunker with cookies, chips, sodas, pickles… whatever floats your boat.

    You know what to do.

    After all, times are tough and scary. If ice cream eases your soul a little, then you deserve ice cream. Just remember, all things in moderation.

    5. Hygiene Supplies

    We know you stocked up on TP and hand soap, but we’re talking the kind of soap you wash the rest of you with, as well as face wash, dish soap, laundry detergent, softener, and plain ol’ cleaning supplies.

    Old wash tub with soap on rustic bench
    This stuff. Right here.

    If you’re stuck in the house, what’s a better time to catch up on laundry and scrub the shower? It’ll help you feel more comfortable if you’re stuck in the house to be stuck in a clean house.

    Not to mention, a nice warm bath is a great way to unwind and relax a bit after all the stress of the news.

    6. WiFi and a Streaming Service

    While you can’t run out to the store and buy this, it’s still important to have.

    You’re going to want to have access to the outside world, anyways, and this is a pretty dang good excuse to binge-watch the latest season of whatever is hottest on your streaming service of choice.

    netflix mug
    Just… one… more…

    You’ll also want to get familiar (and familiarize others in your life, like your parents) with services such as Skype and Zoom, so you can keep in touch and see some others face to, well… screen.

    7. Hobby Supplies

    What’s your choice of fix? Video games? Cross-stitch? Board games? Nerd dice? Whatever it is, why not splurge a little and get something new for your stash?

    Confused
    There are… other hobbies? Besides guns?

    You can even try something you’ve been meaning to learn, but haven’t had the time to pick up. YouTube can be a great source of instruction, so pick up those knitting needles or leather awl and get to it.

    Start a campaign on Discord with your buddies–everyone is going to have more time for a DnD game when everything is canceled! Now it’s your time to shine.

    Matthew Mercer Murder Hobos
    Fight on, there are no scheduling conflicts to stop you now!

    The Pew Pew Editors would like to note that some great games are releasing today.

    David is looking forward to Doom Eternal, while Allison’s very much excited about Animal Crossing: New Horizons!

    8. Exercise

    It’s an essential, we swear. 

    Do You Even Lift
    Do You Even Lift

    While you can’t go buy fitness, you can get some new kettlebells or free weights. You can start that yoga for shooters course you wanted to try. You can try out stretches or bodyweight exercises to keep you limber and in shape for your post-quarantine life.

    We’re particular to the TRX style system that you can easily rig up in most homes and can give you a decent full-body workout.

    Whether you’re running up and down your stairs or taking a walk (and keeping plenty of distance from others), raising your heart rate will help raise your spirits.

    Check out our very own YouTube Dude John’s tutorial for a great workout you can do from home, too!

    9. Pet Supplies

    Four-legged, feathered, or finned, you want to keep your pets safe and healthy too. Don’t forget to buy extra food and treats for them.

    Derp Cat with Ozark
    That look you get when you’re still working from home.

    They’re going to love all the extra attention they’re going to get, and you’re going to want to spoil them, so make sure you have things on hand that are good for your fur-babies to eat and don’t risk too much people-food.

    10. Medical Records

    Time to make a copy of your records!

    Your medical records contain vital info, but they aren’t shared widely. If you find yourself getting care from anyone who isn’t your doctor, you’ll want a copy of your medical history to fill them in about prior conditions or anything else they need to know.

    Blackhawk medical chopper
    Blackhawk medical chopper

    Keep a copy of the records for every person in your household or anyone you’re responsible for. While you’re at it, don’t forget to get a copy of your pets’ vet records, too!

    Wanna really get set? Check out our hands-on review of Surviveware First-Aid Kits–they have everything you need to protect your loved ones!

    And, as a bonus, our readers get 10% from Surviveware! Use code PEWPEW at check out.

    $129
    at Surviveware

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Prices accurate at time of writing

    Available Coupons

    Conclusion

    We know this is a tense time. You want to be prepared for the worst, but we’re all in this together. So, don’t hoard, check in on your neighbors, be polite to your cashiers and delivery drivers, and let’s get through this.

    Prepping 101 with Allison
    Prepping 101 with Allison

    Keep checking back here at Pew Pew Tactical, too! We’re stuck at home, and cooking up plenty of articles to keep you entertained while we ride this thing out. We’re glad you’re here, and we’ll see you around!

    Gang, how are you getting prepared in case you get the shelter-in-place orders? What are you most looking forward to about getting stuck at home? Follow me over to Prepping 101, where I’ll walk you through all the basics.

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    20 Leave a Reply

    • Ethan S

      I read this a little late, but no joke I spent most of quarantine either playing Tarkov (luckily had the set up pre-Covid) or plinking the ol' 22 rifle and handgun.

      October 21, 2020 2:04 pm
    • Peggy

      Beer, and make a will please.

      March 24, 2020 7:37 am
    • James Neil

      What is the safe hes hidingnin in the first picture at the top ??

      March 23, 2020 5:25 pm
    • Beth

      Oo I'm a natural at this. I got all those things right before the madness. Cookies, candy, pickles, baking supplies, a giant thing of powdered coffee creamer. I'm trying not to break into the giant summer sausage and jug of four roses quite yet. Thanks and be safe all!

      March 22, 2020 4:01 pm
      • Allison Goodwin

        Yaaas, gurl! *germ-free internet high-five* I'm still gloating that I bought a mega pack of TP right before things got nuts, despite much teasing from my boyfriend. Enjoy that summer sausage! You deserve it!

        March 23, 2020 10:46 am
    • O

      Great post! Thanks for always bringing useful info along with a healthy dose of light-heartedness.

      March 22, 2020 10:14 am
    • Windy

      I guess those of us that have been quietly prepping all along are not as 'nutty' as the leftist media makes us out to be hmm!? Learned early on that the scouts motto of 'Be Prepared' pays off.

      March 22, 2020 9:21 am
    • Josh

      Not only should you have an extra pair of prescription glasses and sunglass, you should also have a copy of the prescription as a backup. It maybe faster to get a new pair than get to the spare.

      March 21, 2020 6:49 pm
      • Allison Goodwin

        Great tip! Thank you for adding that!

        March 23, 2020 11:17 am
    • BryGuy

      I wouldn't be recommending anti-inflammatory medications atm. They're making the virus multiply faster in the body. So, no ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.

      March 21, 2020 7:22 am
      • Allison Goodwin

        Thanks for noting that! Personally, I keep a collection of anti-inflammatories and painkillers on hand because well... they come in handy (and in any other shelter-in-place situation, they'd be useful). Currently, the WHO isn't not recommending anti-inflammatories, but honestly, it's hard to keep up from day-to-day. All I can say is be mindful that they've been indicated to worsen COVID-19 infections, so... talk to your doctor if you're worried! Either way, thank you for looking out for your fellow readers!

        March 21, 2020 4:00 pm
      • ArmchairOutdoorsman

        False. - The W.H.O.

        March 22, 2020 8:27 am
    • Ryan

      Can’t help but notice what looks like a bullet hole in the kitchen countertop (picture “prepping with Allison”). I understand the frustration having the gun ranges shutdown, but using your kitchen?
      Thanks for making some great and fun reading.

      March 21, 2020 7:15 am
      • Allison Goodwin

        *whistles innocently* Not sure the real story behind that broken tile is any better than what you've come up with so... yeah... let's go with that! I'm glad you enjoyed it. Looking forward to bringing you more articles like it!

        March 21, 2020 4:02 pm
    • mauro

      Ok. Thank you very much for the information. Greetings from Argentina.

      March 20, 2020 5:27 pm
    • D Santos

      Thanks Pew Pew Team! Nothing like some quality PPT time to keep me sane through this unprecedented time.

      BTW, don't forget a stash of ammo lol

      March 20, 2020 4:30 pm
      • Allison Goodwin

        Glad to have you along for the ride! And I mean, we'd mention ammo, but with this crowd, do we really need to? ;)

        March 21, 2020 4:03 pm
    • Gary Crown

      Great job! I always appreciate humor and we all need that these days. Thanks.

      March 20, 2020 1:15 pm
    • Louis Ignarro

      Actually a basic and practical list. Thanks

      March 20, 2020 12:46 pm
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