Surviving the Chaos - Tips and alternatives when you run out of necessities

The chaos seems to be everywhere today and unfortunately, there isn't any end in sight as of yet.

If you're one of those on the losing end of the massive hoarding situations, here are some tips and alternatives to help you through. It's not much, but it's all I have right now and I hope it does some of you some good.

1. Homemade Baby Wipes - Since adults are hoarding baby wipes to clean their adult behinds...here are a couple alternatives you can use: The first is obvious - a washcloth. I understand it's easier to use a cloth with pee, but if you're out of wipes and can't make your own, use it for the poo too.
   Making your own wipes - IF you can score some paper towels, cut a roll in half, work the cardboard tube out, put in a Tupperware and soak with a bit of baby oil and baby wash. Close the lid and use it as needed.


2. Homemade toilet paper - This one pains me to write because the ridiculousness of the situation just leaves me in a state of awe about having to create one's own toilet tissues. You can soften regular paper to make your own. Newspaper, construction paper, any kind of paper lying around. Google some survival sites and see what options they have.
   You can also use cloth wipes (gross, but it may be necessary) with a bit of baby shampoo on them if you really think you need it.


3. Homemade soap - You can buy glycerine soap bases and goat's milk bases on amazon in bulk and add just about anything to them to customize your bars to your liking: My homemade soap recipe


4. Bottled water alternative - Boil your own. What is distilled water? Water with no additives. Water that is boiled to purification. Drinkable water. If you live out in a rural area with well water, this is a great alternative to buying cases. We used to spend over $2000 a year on water until the lightbulb came on in my head and we began to boil our own. For those of you in the city - if you're that concerned about your tap water - boil it and bottle it. Not only will it save you money - it is better for you.


5. Food - Buy the necessities. Buy what your family eats. You know what you eat in a month - don't stuff your pantry so full that you can't close the door. Other people need to eat too. I was appalled at how empty the shelves were when I stopped in for a head of lettuce. There were only three left.
   If you're an egg eater: contact a rural seller for farm fresh eggs. Not only eggs, but there are farmers that sell meat as well. Don't over-consume. Eat what your body needs, not wants. You will save so much money that way. (And maybe lose those extra holiday pounds)
   AND DON'T THROW OUT YOUR LEFTOVERS. They are good for days in the fridge and most can be frozen for even later consumption. Use them in different ways to create new meals.
   Soups/stews, chilis, casseroles, etc. can all be frozen. You don't need five-course meals every day. You don't need to cook a feast at every meal. Cook what your body needs and avoid the leftovers completely.
   As far as milk is concerned - there is this thing called powdered milk. Many people don't realize that you can use it just as you can use regular milk. Add water and fill up that cereal bowl.
   Foods you can regrow: Lettuce, celery, spinach, carrots, green onion, garlic, cilantro, bok choy, sweet potato and more. Check out - i creative ideas on how to do this.


6. Clothing - This is more for those who are losing money from lost work during the shutdowns. Find yourself a thrift store. You can get a whole new wardrobe for under $20 during their bag sales. They also have kitchen supplies, books, movies, blankets, etc. You don't always have to buy new. Especially for growing children. If you're losing money during this shutdown, find yourself some thrift stores.


7. Diapers - This should have been toward the top, but here it is. I know it sounds gross, but people survived using cloth diapers for so many generations. They are reusable. Wash the poo ones (with gloved hands) in your (clean) toilet and then toss them into the washing machine. Pee cloth diapers can just go right in. To sanitize your washer - a little baking soda and vinegar in a quick wash will do it.


8. Money - For those of you looking for a few extra dollars during this time - check out those survey sites you keep seeing ads for. I make almost $300 a month just on surveys alone. They may not sound like a lot to you - but trust me, that $300 always goes to something we didn't realize we needed.
   Also, check for ISO posts on craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Check out any group for ISO on Facebook for that matter. There are always people looking to buy something that you might have.
   Another tip - take all that change and some of your 1 dollar bills at the end of the day and put it in a jar. You'd be surprised at how much money you have at the end of the month. It's a great emergency fund. (Or thrift store fund, for that matter)


9. Depression - Isolation is hard. I'm used to it where I live, but it still affects me. It's hard on the heartstrings not to be able to be around the people you care about. But, don't forget about the people who are isolated with you.
   This is a perfect time to reconnect with your family - your kids, spouse, dog, cat, etc. Reach out by phone, WRITE A LETTER! People LOVE receiving letters. I don't care who you are - a long handwritten letter always makes me happy.
   Play some games, write a book, read a book, work on your hobby, take those surveys, and enjoy the peace for a while.

I know this isn't much, but I believe that every little bit helps. If one of these can work for you then maybe one of these can work for someone else and so on.

What kinds of tips, tricks, or alternatives do you have that we can add?