The Nurse + Mom's Guide to Organizing Home Medical Supplies
- Amber Elle
- Apr 25
- 8 min read
As both a registered nurse and a self-reliant mom, I've learned that having organized medical supplies at home isn't just convenient—it can be life-saving. While I may not practice nursing anymore, that hospital-grade organization never leaves you! Today, I'm sharing my system for creating your own mini medical station at home.
Why Organization Matters
In an emergency, seconds count. The last thing you want is to waste precious time rummaging through drawers looking for supplies. A well-organized home medical system means:
Quick access to exactly what you need
Better inventory management (no more expired medications)
Peace of mind knowing you're prepared
Ability to respond confidently during stressful situations
Let's break down what you need in each category and how to organize it all.
Adult Medications
What to Stock
Pain relievers/fever reducers: Acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve)
Stomach remedies: Antacids, anti-diarrheal medication, laxatives
Allergy medications: Antihistamines, decongestants
Sleep aids: Non-habit-forming options (I use my essential oils for this option!)
Topicals: Hydrocortisone cream, anti-fungal cream, antibacterial ointment
Organization Tips
Use a lazy susan in your cabinet for smaller medication bottles
Sort by purpose (pain relief, digestive, respiratory) rather than alphabetically
Keep a running inventory and note expiration dates (use your phone notes app!)
Store medications in their original containers with instructions intact
Keep a digital photo inventory of prescription labels in your phone
Children's Medications
What to Stock
Pain relievers/fever reducers: Children's acetaminophen, children's ibuprofen DYE FREE
Allergy medications: Children's antihistamines, Children's Benadryl DYE FREE
Stomach remedies: Pediatric electrolyte solution, children's anti-nausea medication
Cold/cough remedies: Children's versions appropriate for age
Topicals: Child-safe antibacterial ointment, diaper rash cream
Organization Tips
Label all children's medications clearly and separately from adult versions
Keep a medication dosing chart with current weights written on it
Store children's medicine with appropriate measuring devices
Keep higher-risk medications on higher shelves out of reach
Consider color-coding by child if you have multiple children
Basic Wound Care
What to Stock
Adhesive bandages in various sizes
Sterile gauze pads (2x2, 3x3, 4x4)
Medical tape (paper, cloth, waterproof)
Elastic bandages/wraps
Butterfly closures/Steri-strips
Non-stick pads (Telfa)
Sterile saline solution for wound cleaning
Antibiotic ointment
Antiseptic solution (something other than hydrogen peroxide)
Hydrocolloid bandages for blisters
Hydrogen Peroxide
Alcohol
Iodine swabs
Organization Tips
Use clear containers with dividers
Keep frequently used items (like bandages) in easily accessible locations
Consider a small grab-and-go kit for minor injuries
Replace items as they're used to maintain inventory
Medical Tools
What to Stock
Digital thermometer (plus backup)
Tweezers (regular and splinter)
Scissors/trauma shears
Penlight or small flashlight
Blood pressure monitor
Pulse oximeter
Nail clippers
Hemostats
Magnifying glass for splinter removal
Sharpie marker (for marking injection sites, writing times, etc.)
Otoscope (to look in ears and nose)
Organization Tips
Keep all tools in a single container for easy access
Clean tools after each use and before returning to storage (alcohol is an easy sterilizer)
Consider a small case with loops or pockets to secure items
Store batteries separately but nearby for devices that need them
Emergency Medical Supplies
What to Stock
Tourniquet
Hemostatic gauze
Chest seals
Israeli bandages
De-choking device
EpiPen (if prescribed)
Narcan (in high-risk situations)
Emergency thermal blanket
CPR mask/barrier
Emergency contact information
Organization Tips
Store all emergency supplies together in a highly visible, accessible location
Consider using red containers or labels for these critical items
Review how to use these items regularly with household members
Check expiration dates quarterly
Respiratory Care
What to Stock
Peak flow meter (for asthma sufferers)
Nebulizer with extra medication cups (if needed)
Saline nasal spray
Humidifier (store separately, but have accessible)
Inhalers (as prescribed)
Nasal aspirator (for infants)
Organization Tips
Keep respiratory devices clean and in zippered bags when not in use
Store medications for these devices nearby
Label each person's devices if multiple family members use them
Eye Care
What to Stock
Saline eye wash
Eye wash cup
Sterile eye pads
Lubricating eye drops
Eye patch
Organization Tips
Keep eye care items together in a dust-free container
Ensure eye wash solution is sterile and unexpired
Store away from chemicals that could cause fumes
Ear Care
What to Stock
Ear drops (swimmer's ear prevention)
Ear wax removal kit
Cotton balls
Digital ear thermometer
Ear Wax (for protecting ears in water when needed)
Organization Tips
Keep ear care items together
Store thermometer in its case to protect the sensor
Natural Alternatives & Homeopathic Remedies
As a nurse who appreciates integrative approaches to healthcare, I also maintain a collection of natural remedies. These are usually my first line of defense, aside from emergencies, and can be used alone for minor issues or as complementary support alongside conventional treatments.
What to Stock
Herbal Remedies
Elderberry Syrup/Tincture: For immune support during cold and flu season
Echinacea: Supports immune function at the first sign of a cold
Coconut Oil: Multi-purpose for skin, diaper cream, and antifungal treatment
Chamomile: For relaxation, sleep, and soothing teething gums
Calendula: For treating cuts, abrasions, and minor wounds
Arnica: For bruises, sprains, and muscle soreness (topical only on unbroken skin)
Aloe Vera: For burns, sunburns, and skin irritations
Witch Hazel: As an astringent for skin irritations and mild inflammation
Ginger: For nausea, motion sickness, and digestive issues
Slippery Elm: For sore throats and digestive discomfort
Essential Oils
Lavender: For relaxation, minor burns, and insect bites
Tea Tree: Antimicrobial for minor cuts and fungal issues
Peppermint: For headaches, concentration, and digestive issues. Great for all forms of respiratory issues. Avoid applying topically on infants without proper dilution.
Oregano: For its potent antimicrobial properties (dilute well)
Eucalyptus: For respiratory congestion (never ingest)
Here's a bundle of these oils that I made for y'all!
Supplements & Natural Remedies
D-Mannose: For urinary tract support
Activated Charcoal: For digestive distress and toxin absorption
Colloidal Silver: For pink eye and other external applications
Probiotics: For digestive and immune support
Cell Salts/Tissue Salts: Basic set of 12 Schuessler remedies
Honey (Raw, Local): For coughs and immune support (not for infants)
Epsom Salts: For muscle soaking and magnesium support
Bentonite Clay: For drawing out toxins from skin
Apple Cider Vinegar: For various uses including skin and digestion
Garlic (fermented is best!): For immune support and as a natural antibiotic
Olive Leaf Extract: For immune support
Vitamin C: For immune support during illness
Homeopathic Remedies
Arnica 30C: For bruising and trauma
Ledum 30C: For insect bites and puncture wounds
Hypericum 30C: For nerve pain and injuries
Aconite 30C: For sudden onset of symptoms with fear
Belladonna 30C: For high fevers with red face
Nux Vomica 30C: For digestive issues
Organization Tips
Keep remedies in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
Store homeopathic remedies away from strong smells
Keep essential oils in dark glass bottles
Label clearly with usage instructions
Maintain a small reference guide with your supplies
Check expiration dates regularly
Usage Notes
Remember that natural remedies can be powerful - always research proper dosing.
For homeopathy, avoid touching the remedies directly; tip into the cap and then into your mouth.
When using homeopathic remedies, avoid strong-smelling substances like coffee, mint, and camphor at the same time.
Natural alternatives work best when used at the first sign of symptoms rather than waiting until an issue becomes severe.
Seasonal Kits
Create specialized kits that you can rotate to the front of your storage area when relevant:
Allergy Season Kit
Antihistamines
Decongestants
Nasal sprays (saline!)
Eye drops for allergies
Homeopathic allergy remedies (like Histaminum)
Cell salts (especially Nat Mur 6X)
Cold/Flu Season Kit
Thermometer
Fever reducers
Cough suppressants
Throat lozenges
Cold medications
Humidifier supplies
Elderberry syrup
Homeopathic cold/flu remedies
Cell salts (Ferrum Phos 6X for early stages, Kali Sulph 6X for later stages)
Summer First Aid Kit
Hydration packet
Tweezers for splinters/ticks
Calendula for minor wounds
Arnica for bruises and sprains
Reference Materials
What to Include
Laminated medication conversion charts (teaspoons to mL)
Weight-based dosing guides for children's medications
Basic first aid instructions
CPR reference card
Emergency phone numbers
List of family allergies and conditions
List of current medications for each family member
Organization Tips
Laminate all reference materials so they're wipeable
Hang the most critical ones inside cabinet doors
Keep digital copies on your phone
Storage Systems
Cabinet Organization (My System)
I use a dedicated cabinet with acrylic organizers and containers. This works well for families with the space to dedicate to medical supplies. Consider:
Clear bins with labels
Drawer dividers
Lazy susans for small bottles
Door-mounted organizers
Labels on shelves
My Recommendation: I use these clear acrylic organizers from Walmart for my cabinet system. They're affordable, durable, and come in various sizes to fit different cabinet configurations. The clear design makes it easy to see what's inside without opening every container.
Portable Organization with VTAC Storage System
For those with limited space, frequent travelers, or anyone who wants the flexibility to grab-and-go, the Vertx VTAC storage system offers an excellent solution. I want to highlight this system because it's perfect for modern, self-reliant families.
Why Choose VTAC for Medical Storage:
Space-Saving Design The VTAC stackable storage cubes are perfect for homes with limited space. Rather than dedicating an entire cabinet, you can neatly stack these cubes in a closet, or under a bed.
Modular and Customizable The cubes come in multiple sizes (XS, S, MD, MD Flat, LG, and XL), allowing you to build a custom system that perfectly fits your family's needs. The XS (1L) and S (5L) sizes are ideal for medication and small medical supplies, while the larger sizes can hold bulkier items.
Interlocking System for Security The VTAC system features a patent-pending Hidden Interlocking Tab System (H.I.T.S.) that secures cubes together, preventing them from shifting during transport. This means your carefully organized supplies stay in place, even when moved.
Portable for Travel and Emergencies One of the biggest advantages of the VTAC system is mobility. If you're traveling, heading to a family vacation, or need to evacuate quickly, you can grab your medical kits and go. The cubes have convenient grab handles for quick deployment.
Durable Construction for Protection Made from ripstop nylon with polycarbonate exterior coating, these cubes are water-resistant and built to withstand rough handling. Your medical supplies remain protected from moisture, dust, and physical damage.
Visibility and Quick Access Each cube features write bars on the sides for labeling contents, allowing for rapid identification. The tops open with a wide 270° zipper, making it easy to see and access everything inside.
Versatile Organization Options The interior can be customized with modular dividers, and the top flap is lined with VELCRO® loop that's compatible with additional organizers. You can create a highly specific organization system within each cube.
Compact Storage When Not In Use The cubes can be pressed flat when empty, making them easy to store when not needed. This is especially handy for seasonal kits that aren't used year-round.
You can find the complete VTAC storage system line at Vertx.com's VTAC collection. Use my discount code AMBERELLE for savings on your order!
Maintenance Tips
Check expiration dates quarterly
Restock used items promptly
Update weight charts for children as they grow (make a quarterly reminder in your phone calendar!)
Replace digital inventory photos when prescriptions change
Review and update your organization system annually
Final Thoughts
Whether you choose a dedicated cabinet like mine or a portable system like VTAC, the most important thing is having a consistent, logical organization system that everyone in your household understands.
For my family, the cabinet system works perfectly in our day-to-day life, but I also maintain a VTAC stack for travel and emergency situations. The peace of mind that comes from knowing we're prepared—whether at home or on the go—is invaluable to me as both a nurse and a mom.
I encourage you to assess your family's specific needs and living situation to determine which approach works best for you. Remember that the goal isn't perfect organization; it's being able to find what you need quickly when it matters most.
What organization system do you use for your medical supplies? Share in the comments below!
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