7 Devices You Need to Survive During Shelter in Place

Six months ago, I would have sworn that I would not need another device in my house….ever.  We are busting at the seams and there just isn’t room for anything else.  Now, here I am, at home 24/7 (or rather 23.5/7 since I take a walk every day), with my sanity hanging on a handful of devices that play a critical role in keeping me and my family afloat while we work from home and homeschool simultaneously.  What are these magical devices??!?

Well, here they are (in no particular order):

(Note: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase)

1. Braava 240

iRobot Braava jet 240 Superior Robot Mop

So many crumbs on the floor…I just can’t take it.  The floor gets so visibly cruddy and then sticky.  Every time I go in the kitchen, it just drives me crazy.  I’ve used this Braava robot mop quite consistently for about a year now, but in the past six weeks have really stepped up the use (it’s at least 2x/day now).

What is the Braava 240?

It’s a robot mop made by the company that makes the Roomba vacuum (which is also essential, see below).  It’s a tiny little thing but has some serious cleaning power.  Just look at this cleaning pad!  So gross!  All that dirt was on my kitchen floor.  And this was the SECOND time I’ve used this mop today.  I used it this morning and — just a few hours later — all this dirt!!!

I’m sorry if you just ate.

This is so gross.

With everyone in and out of the kitchen all day, eating every meal and snack at home, I guess I shouldn’t be surprised.  But I don’t have the time between work and homeschooling to get a mop out and clean.

Enter this Braava 240.  I set it and forget it.  Last month, I even bought a second battery so I don’t need to wait for it to recharge.  I can literally use the Braava all day long.

I didn’t even talk about the bathrooms…likely because it’s too depressing to think about what my childrens’ bathroom looks like right now.  All I can say is….the Braava works in there too.  It’s one of my favorite household devices!

2.  Roomba Vacuum

iRobot Roomba s9+

I allude to it above, but the Roomba robot vacuum is also essential while working and homeschooling.  I have a very old model.  It may have been the first one that came out 8+ years ago.  It’s honestly on it’s last leg and I tend to sweep more than use it now.  That said, Roomba has new vacuums that are very impressive.  I’m sad to say that — top of my birthday wishlist — is the new Roomba s9+.  I haven’t used it yet, but from reading about it, I think it may change my life (especially my shelter-in-place life!).

The feature I like the most is the self-emptying bin.  Once Roomba vacuums, it goes back to the base and then empties the dirt into a bag in the base.  Then you need to toss that bag out every month or so.  Easy peasy.

I cannot wait to get this device.  I look forward to sharing how it goes!

3.  Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid

Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid with Roast, Bake, Broil, Reheat & Dehydrate

Y’All know what the Instant Pot is, right?  I think you’d have to live in a hole not to (which, these days, isn’t too far from the truth for any of us!).

What’s the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid?

Well, it’s simply a different lid to the Instant Pot that turns it into an air fryer (along with a few other functions).  To be honest, in practice, it’s not 100% “simple.”  You have to unplug your Instant Pot and plug in the top.  When you take the top off to turn food, you have to set it on a special “plate” so you don’t burn your counter (the plate is provided in the box).  It was cheaper and less space than a completely new air fryer, so I’m happy with it.  But it’s a bit cumbersome.

But, I digress.

Why, then, is the Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid an essential device while we are working from home and homeschooling?

It makes cooking healthy, great tasting food very easy.  I mentioned last week, my kids love zucchini turkey burgers.  Yes, actual zucchini!  I make them in this air fryer and it’s much less time consuming than standing over a hot stove or grill.

Also, as a mom of young — and wild — kids, I take comfort knowing that I can leave the kitchen and my children won’t be harmed by the open flame of the stovetop (or hot food falling on them).  I can turn on the Instant Pot / IP Air Fryer and leave the room to tend to my work (or other household duties).

4.  Kindle

Kindle Paperwhite

Another device that needs no introduction!  We are reading a bit more these days.  I mean, there’s only so much TV one can watch to pass the time!

Since going to the library is a big no-no right now, we are downloading a lot of ebooks from the library.  This device makes reading them so easy!  You don’t need a Kindle per se, just the Kindle app on any device, really.

5.  Headphones for Kids

LilGadgets Kids Premium Volume Limited Wired Headphones

I’m sure all schools are approaching homeschooling differently.  We have a lot of Zoom meetings.  And it’s really distracting to be on work video conferences while I can hear 20 elementary kids talking at the same time.  I’m not sure at what age they learn to take their turn or regulate their speaking volume, but that can’t come soon enough.

Anyway, my kids plug in these headphones into their iPads or (yes each kid has one, we are awful parents) other devices.  They block out all that noise so I can focus!

6.  Hand Sanitizer Keychain Carrier

XIDAJIE 5Pack Cartoon Dinosaur Silicone Hand Sanitizer Holder

Hand Sanitizer is my new best friend when we go out!  Never leaves my side right now.  I dislike rummaging through my purse to get it though.  I worry about what else I’m touching when I do that.  These carriers make it easy to access the hand santizer so I don’t unnecessarily touch things.  Very helpful during these times!  Onew of the few “low tech” devices!

7.  No Touch Hand Soap Dispenser

Similar to the convenience of the hand sanitizer carrier, a no-touch hand soap dispenser is key right now.  This way you don’t need to touch a lot of things to wash your hands right when you (and your family) get home!  It’s one of the prettier devices you can add to your home!

simplehuman 9 oz. Touch-Free Sensor Liquid Soap Pump Dispenser

I’d love to hear what you all are doing to stay safe and sane right now.  Please add in the comments below!

If you liked this post, be sure to check these out:

• 3 Tips for Making Easy, Healthy School Lunches
• How to Survive Homeschooling and Working
• Non-toxic household items that can actually save you money

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