This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc., Kleenex, Lipton, and Theraflu. All options are mine alone. #FluSeasonHacks #collectiveBias
Without fail each and every year I get the flu or whatever else is ‘going around’ several times a year. Maybe it’s a bad immune system or maybe I’m just unlucky, but I’m one of those people who gets sick often. Now with a little toddler at home who’s picking up all sorts of germs and colds, I’m going to be more diligent about taking care of myself when I get sick this year (because I know it’s going to happen).
Step by step guide to organizing & storing medicine
Before cold season is in full swing, I’m getting our medicine cabinet cleaned out and organized. It might not seem like a fun task right now, but you’ll be thanking me when you come down with your first winter cold and have all the remedies right at your fingertips.
Step 1
The very first step is to pull out all the medicine stored throughout your home. Previously I had been keeping our medications in various locations within our house, which really wasn’t working. Instead, I decided to store all medication in ONE location (plus a couple handy on-the-go kits).
This makes it easier to find the medication I need once a cold hits (and I’m already feeling a little groggy). It also helps to ensure that I have everything that I know I’ll need this cold & flu season already at our home. It goes without saying that I like to be prepared.
Step 2
Now take a look at your pile and do an inventory of what you’ve got. A couple favorite products I keep stocked at my house are:
- Lipton Soothe Your Tummy – It’s a delicious herbal beverage for those times your tummy feels less than its best.* Botanicals such as ginger and peppermint are blended with natural essential oils.
- Kleenex® Germ Removal Wet Wipes – These safely wipe away 99% of germs from skin with no harsh chemicals. I worry about getting the rest of my family sick when one of us gets a cold. These wipes are a great way to prevent the spread of germs!
- Theraflu Power Pods Daytime Severe Cold – This hot beverage is powerful relief by treating the symptoms of cold & flu without a prescription!
If your supply is running low, make a list of medications that you typically use during the cold & flu season (including my favorites listed above) and head to your local Kroger store BEFORE that cold starts (you’ll thank me). I made a quick trip to our location Fred Meyer.
Look for the $1.50 coupon on 4-pack Kleenex Facial Tissues, for Kleenex Germ Removal Wet Wipes. And, 11/4-11/24 you can get .50¢ off Kleenex 4-pack bundles and Kleenex Wet Wipes via this digital offer. You can save $2.00 on any ONE (1) Theraflu Power Pods through 12/8, via this digital offer.
Step 3
Decide where you want to store your medications. Contrary to popular opinion, the bathroom is actually the WORST locations to store medications (the heat and moisture are BAD for meds). If you’ve got young kids at home, find a place that has a safety lock or is out of reach for those little hands! A linen closet, kitchen cabinets or bedroom are all good choices.
Step 4
I categorized our medicine cabinet into 3 areas:
- Medicine
- First Aid (stay tuned next week, as I organize all our first aid supplies!)
- Children’s Medicine
You could organize these all together, but in a pinch (think- middle of the night toddler wake ups), I like to have these crucial items sorted.
It’s also, of course, another excuse for me to make some labels. You can download my medicine label container templates here.
Step 5
It’s no surprise that I’m smitten over the perfect storage solution, so I was ecstatic to find these stackable containers with lids. These easily fit in our kitchen cabinets and are portable enough to grab-and-go as needed.
Before you run out to the store to buy your containers, make sure to:
- Measure the space where you’re planning to store your medications
- Estimate how much space your medicine will take up. Creating a storage system that isn’t large enough to hold all your items …. well, it pretty much defeats the point!
- Bring that measuring tape to the store with you!
I often ‘test out’ several different sized containers to find the perfect fit. Then I return the ones that didn’t fit.
Step 6
In addition to a well-stocked cabinet, I like to have on-the-go medicine kits to take with me while I’m recovering from my cold. It’s nice to toss these in my computer bag or diaper bag. It’s also REALLY convenient to have one on the top floor of our townhouse so I don’t have to walk all the way downstairs to the kitchen when I’m sick. #justbeinghonest. Here’s what I stocked my kits with:
– Lipton Soothe Your Tummy
– Kleenex Germ Removal Wet Wipes
– Theraflu Power Pods (Powerful relief without a prescription)
This entire project of organizing & storing medicine only took around 30 minutes (in addition to purchasing the containers) and will pay HUGE dividends when I inevitably get sick this season!
Extra tips to organizing & storing medicine:
- Every 6 months you should look at the labels on your medications and get rid of everything that is expired. (I do this each Fall and Spring.)
- Don’t repackage medication as you would food, even to save on space. It’s important that you have the original label so you can check dosages, expiration dates, and other safety information.
- Ditch any items that have changed color, smell or taste. This includes any colors that have faded, because they may have been exposed to too much light.
- Remember …. Keep medications OUT of the bathroom! The kitchen, linen closet or bedroom are good locations.
- If you want to take my tutorial to a whole other level, you could separate your medication by categories, so it’s easier to find, such as flu & cold, pain, allergies, etc.
- Make sure your storage containers are tall enough to allow different shaped bottles to be stored upright, especially liquid medications, to prevent any spillage.
Place newer unopened medications at the back of your container so you can rotate through it easier and prevent any medicines from expiring before you’re able to use them.
Are you ready for flu season?! Head to your local Kroger store to stock up on the cold & flu essentials this season!
I really love when one organizing project leads to another! Next week I’ll be sharing our first aid kit storage.
Kleenex – ©KCWW, Lipton – © 2018 Unilever Theraflu – ©2018 the GSK group of companies or its licensor. Read and follow label directions. Theraflu is for use in adults 12 years and older. Use products only as directed.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, cure or prevent disease.
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