This post is by Bernie Carr, apartmentprepper.com
Five gallon buckets that are commonly used for food storage can be used to organize and store other non food items. They are very convenient and portable, and they stack well if you get the same types. I find they are great storage containers for small spaces.
In an emergency, hygiene and personal care still need to be maintained for health reasons as well as morale. Even if you never have an emergency, extra supplies means you never have to run to the store when it’s inconvenient – just use your stash and replace them the next time you go shopping.
I have already made a health supplies bucket but this time I wanted to cover how to make the Personal Care bucket.
1. Obtain a five gallon bucket with a lid. See this article on how to get five gallon buckets for free.
2. Wash the bucket well with soap and water, and dry thoroughly.
3. You do not need oxygen absorbers for most personal care items.
4. Buy your items with a coupon or on sale, for the biggest savings.
What goes into a Personal Care Bucket?
- Shampoo
- Conditioner (not essential but nice to have)
- Soaps
- Toothpaste and/or Baking Soda
- Antibacterial gel
- Sanitary napkins/tampons
- Razors
- Nail/toenail clippers, tweezers
- Deodorant
- Lotions
- Alcohol
- Mouthwash
- Cotton balls and Q-tips
- Essential oils: peppermint, lavender and tea tree oil are good ones to have.
If you are so inclined, stash your backup makeup bag in there as well. Toilet paper rolls with the middle cardboard removed would make good space fillers. You can take soap out of packaging if you live in a dry climate. I left the soaps in boxes, as the humidity tends to make soap get soft and slimy, and I don’t want it to get into the other items.
Tailor the contents of the bucket according to who would be using the contents-if you have a baby in the family, then pack baby supplies such as tear free baby shampoo, baby oil, lotion, cloth diapers (disposables may just be too bulky, but you can throw in a few as space fillers if you use them). Pay attention to the weight and do not overstuff the bucket, as the handle may not hold up or the lid may not shut if you overfill it.
Type up a list of contents and tape it to the inside of the lid. Label the bucket and date. I usually note the date I packed the bucket, so I have an idea how long it’s been in storage. As with other goods, rotate your items to avoid waste.
Never a bad idea to include “waterless” soap in your supplies …. commonly referred to as mechanics goop …. not intended for the entire body but in an emergency situation keep those hands clean and sanitized before eating …. it’s especially formulated to take out the heavy grit & grime ….
Waterless soap is a great addition to the personal care bucket. Thanks Illini Warrior!
Unscented baby wipes come handy if you need to clean yourself and there is no water available. As long as they haven’t been opened. Rotate as needed.
Hi Aida, Unscented wipes are a good addition! Thanks!
I like to put anything that may leak in a Ziplock type bag. If the item leaks, some stuff may be protected, if it doesn’t I have an extra baggie.
SmOakley, that is a good tip. And you can reuse them too. Thanks for the comment.