Early on in the pandemic—at a time when we were all still hesitant to walk into grocery and big box stores—I booked an Airbnb near my relatives’ home outside of Washington, D.C., in order to strike the balance of getting face time while still safely distancing. Out of an abundance of caution, I pre-ordered and packed every single item I might need during the weeklong stay so that I never had to step into a store, no matter what situation arose.
From filling a small bottle with Spray ‘n Wash in case of stained laundry to bringing an extra all-purpose towel, a few bags of frozen stir-fry P.F. Changs for quick but fresh(ish) meals, and a laptop stand for more comfortable remote work, I felt fully equipped to take on any situation.
What I didn’t anticipate was that once I hauled in all my bags and unpacked, a wave of calm would immediately sweep over me. No more of that settling-in chaos that involves finding a local market for food and essentials. My vacation clock had started and I could focus on the joy of being away from home.
Stocking up in advance may seem like a tedious part of trip pre-planning, especially now that the grocery story feels less scary for most, but whether you’re going to a remote location—like a secluded treehouse or A-frame cabin—or simply don’t want to waste valuable vacation time dealing with rote tasks, all it takes is a bit of strategizing to ensure your focus can be completely dedicated to your vacation the moment you unlock the door.
The kitchen
When it comes to food supplies, start with the basics. A relaxing getaway can quickly go awry if hydration falls to the wayside, especially if you're spending time in the sun or going on adrenaline adventures. Wary about the tap water? Keep hydrated by stocking up on the bottled stuff: Smartwater Alkaline, for example, serves as post-workout fuel, Smartwater Antioxidants elicits extra balance, Smartwater Flavors add just a dash of fruitiness, and the Smartwater+ drinks focus on everything from tranquility to clarity. (In case your rental doesn't have recycling bins, bring along a bag to store empty bottles in until you get home.)
Depending on the length of your stay, you'll want to mix it up when it comes to produce. For stays of three or four nights, a mix of fresh fruits and veggies should do the trick, while adding in some frozen products will help if you’ll be there longer. Prepackaged family-sized frozen stir-fry meals may seem like a cheat at home, but here, it means all the ingredients are already put together—all you have to do is stir and serve. Transport groceries in a Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler or for extra portability, opt for an Otterbox Backpack Cooler.
Favorite cereals and other dry foods can be packaged up and organized in food-grade reusable Stasher Bags, and your favorite condiments can come along in Whiskware Dressing Shakers.