12 Bathroom Essentials Smart Homeowners Should Stock Up On Before Winter

While the winter season comes with its own joys and delights, such as ice skating, holiday breaks, and family time, this period can also be perilous, particularly for those who live in areas prone to heavy snowfall or widespread ice. In fact, according to the National Weather Service, about 70% of winter-time fatalities are in cars, and 25% are people who have been caught out in storms. It is, therefore, important to not only be aware of the upcoming winter weather in your area, but to make sure that your home is prepped with all the necessary essentials, including bathroom must-haves.

Having these commonly used items at home will reduce the amount you need to drive on dangerous winter road conditions, keeping you safer. In addition, if you happen to get snowed in, prepping your home for cold weather by being stocked up on these useful products can help you pass the time much more comfortably until you are able to get out again. Filling your bathroom with personal products, such as wet wipes and lotion, as well as safety essentials, like medications and a first aid kit, is key for helping sustain your family over the winter. So, what items might you need to restock in your own bathroom this winter? We've put together a list of 12 bathroom essentials.

This item is a classic on any prep list for a reason. Running out of toilet paper is uncomfortable, and you are likely to run out of similar items you can use as a replacement, such as paper towels, pretty quickly, too. In addition, toilet paper is important for keeping you and your family healthy by preventing the spread of infection and promoting cleanliness, even in the depths of winter. So, unless you already have a bidet or another alternative installed, it may be a good idea to grab some extra rolls before the cold weather sets in.

Another bathroom item that is essential for hygiene, especially during the winter flu season, is soap. However, this product is often taken for granted and left off winter-time stock-up lists. Whether you use bars or liquid soap, with every member of the household using it multiple times a day, it can run out quickly. Therefore, you may wish to pick up additional soap, which can be stored in a cabinet until needed. To save extra space, you could also opt for a refillable kind, which reduces the need to keep multiple dispensers in your bathroom.

Many people struggle with dry skin in the winter due to a lack of moisture in the cold air. Therefore, it is a good idea to stock up on lotion designed for dehydrated skin to save you from making unnecessary trips to the store or in the event of being snowed in. This is particularly important if you or someone in your household suffers from eczema, as any special lotions required may be harder to access on icy roads. Plus, lotion can be a comfort when you're stuck inside for days at a time.

This may sound like a surprising suggestion for winter, but sunscreen is very important for protecting your skin from the sun, even in cold temperatures — especially since snow reflects UV rays, so you could get an extra dose of exposure. Many people assume that they won't be needing their sunscreen until spring and neglect to buy enough to last them through the winter. However, if you need to be out on your property but can't get into a store, grabbing enough sunscreen ahead of time can help save you from unwanted results, such as sunburn and even skin cancer.

From picking up your prescriptions to everyday over-the-counter items, such as cold medicine or pain reliever, your routine can be disrupted in the winter. If the roads are too dangerous or you can't leave the house due to weather, having enough of your pharmaceutical items can be vital and potentially even life-saving. You can ask at your pharmacy to find out how much you are able to pick up in advance, but always make sure to always store extra medicine out of reach of children and pets.

Also found at the pharmacy or grocery store are contacts, contact solution, and glasses. For many people, these are certainly essentials for everyday life. However, winter can make it hard to get a refill on contacts or a new pair of glasses. Getting your prescription tested and buying the necessary supplies before winter is a good idea. It also ensures you have corrected vision to avoid accidents in the winter months. Always check the expiration date on your contact solution before using, though unopened bottles do typically last around two years.

Many homes are dirtier in the winter because doors and windows remain sealed for long periods, causing dust, pet fur, and other particles to settle indoors. Bathrooms can get extra grimy because many people like to take baths in the colder months to warm up, relax, and get clean. As a result, you may need to pick up more cleaning products than you do in summer. And, like hand soap, there are plenty of cleaning supplies you should be buying refills for, which can save you space in your bathroom and keep your home hygienic throughout winter.

If you've got old towels that are starting to get thin or develop holes, the last thing you'll want to do in freezing temperatures is go out to buy some more. So, to avoid that frigid and potentially icy shopping trip, it may be a good idea to grab some brand new towels before the winter weather begins. For extra comfort and warmth, look for thick, high-absorbing towels that can wick the water off your skin and prevent you from getting too cold as you step out of the shower or bath.

One possible result of a harsh winter storm is the chance of losing power and, therefore, hot water. In that case, stocking up on wet wipes can serve as a backup. They are handy for a variety of situations, from tiding you over until your shower is running hot again or as a backup if your toilet paper does run out. You can even opt for biodegradable wipes, which are better for the environment and typically use fewer chemicals.

If you find yourself without power for a few days this winter, you may have to skip the shower altogether instead of taking a frigid cold shower. Dry shampoo is a great purchase for times when your boiler suddenly breaks or the electricity is down — it can stop your hair from getting as greasy and uncomfortable while you wait for hot water to return. Even if your hot water works all winter, you may not want to wash your hair every day as it can dry it out. Dry shampoo between washings freshens your hair.

While winter may seem like a relatively safe time due to many people spending more time at home, it can actually be the cause of various accidents, including injuries from shoveling or slipping on the ice. Check your first aid kit and restock any items that are running low to prepare for those situations. You may even want to winterize your kit by adding cold-specific products, such as hand warmers and lip balm for dry and chapped skin.

Finally, if you've taken the time to stock up on all of these important bathroom supplies to help you through winter, you may find yourself running low on space. Well, there are actually a variety of items you can use to organize your bathroom which not only save space but make things easier to find, too. By stocking up on shelves, containers, baskets, and trays, you can prep your bathroom for the months when you'll probably be spending more time at home.