5 Essential Products Every Home Should Always Have in Stock
After years of helping Decatur families stock their homes, we've identified the five products you should never run out of.
Nothing's worse than running out of toilet paper at 10 PM or realizing you're out of dish soap right before dinner. We've all been there—that moment of panic when you realize you're completely out of something essential and the stores are closed.
After years of helping Decatur families stock their homes, we've identified the five essential products you should always keep on hand. These aren't luxury items—they're the basics that keep your home running smoothly.
1. Toilet Paper
This might seem obvious, but you'd be surprised how many people wait until they're down to the last roll before buying more. The general rule of thumb: when you open your last pack, it's time to buy more. For a family of four, we recommend keeping at least two 12-packs on hand.
Pro tip: Stock up when you find a good deal. Toilet paper doesn't expire, and having an extra pack or two in the closet is worth avoiding that late-night store run.
2. Paper Towels
Paper towels are the Swiss Army knife of household products. From cleaning up spills to handling raw meat in the kitchen, they're indispensable. Keep at least one extra roll on hand beyond what you're currently using.
When to stock up: Before hosting guests, holidays, or any time you know you'll be cooking or cleaning more than usual.
3. All-Purpose Cleaner
Whether it's a spill on the counter, fingerprints on the walls, or a quick bathroom cleanup, all-purpose cleaner is your go-to solution. We recommend keeping at least one full bottle as backup.
Our recommendation: Look for a cleaner that works on multiple surfaces (wood, tile, countertops) so you don't need a different product for every surface in your home.
4. Dish Soap
You might think you have plenty of dish soap until you're doing dishes and realize you're squeezing the last drops out of the bottle. Keep a backup bottle under the sink—trust us, you'll thank yourself later.
Bonus tip: Dish soap isn't just for dishes. It's great for hand-washing delicates, removing grease stains, and even as a gentle cleaner for some surfaces.
5. Laundry Detergent
Running out of laundry detergent when you have a full hamper is frustrating. Unlike some products, you can't really improvise with laundry detergent. Keep at least one bottle ahead of what you're using.
Storage tip: Store your backup detergent in a cool, dry place. Don't open it until you need it to preserve its effectiveness.
Bonus: Baby Products (If You Have Little Ones)
If you have babies or toddlers, add diapers and baby wipes to this list. Running out of diapers is a true emergency situation. We recommend keeping at least one full package ahead—more if you have multiple children in diapers.
Creating Your Stock System
The key to never running out is creating a simple system:
- Check your supply weekly. Make it part of your routine, maybe when you write your grocery list.
- Buy when you open your last backup. Don't wait until you're completely out.
- Stock up during sales. These products don't expire, so buying extras when they're on sale makes sense.
- Keep a designated storage area. Whether it's a closet, basement, or spare shelf, having a dedicated space helps you see what you have.
At Neighborhood Necessities, we keep these essentials in stock so you can quickly grab what you need. Call ahead at (470) 366-0836 and we'll have your order ready for same-day pickup.
What products are always in your backup stash? Share your essentials with us next time you're in the store!