It all starts with a few headlines hinting at supply chain disruptions or a looming storm. Suddenly, shelves are bare and people are wrestling over the last pack of toilet paper.
Panic buying toilet paper isn’t logical, but it’s an understandable urge. The thought of running out of toilet rolls in the middle of an everyday #2 — let alone one during a global crisis — is enough to send folks into a tailspin. We get that.
But there’s a better, less stressful way to keep your bathroom stocked.
Why do people panic buy toilet paper?
Toilet paper hoarding usually happens in response to stressful, unpredictable circumstances. But why, exactly, do we ransack the loo roll aisle in trying times?
It comes down to three psychological phenomena.
The first is herd mentality, or the tendency of individuals in groups to act or think alike. When people see others panic buying, they take it as a cue to follow suit.
The second is a fear of scarcity. When a resource seems limited, people act quickly and reactively to avoid missing out — often worsening (or even causing) TP shortages.
The third is our desire for control in uncertain times. When uncertainty strikes and it feels like chaos is calling the shots, buying household goods in bulk offers a comforting sense of security.
Are stores running out of toilet paper again?
There have been several current events and concerning news headlines that have created a stir in toilet paper aisles around the world.
In the US, new tariffs and events like the 2024 port dockworkers’ strike have driven up costs and led to panic buying.
The lingering effects of Brexit continue to disrupt UK supply chains, leading to empty supermarket aisles.
In March 2025, Australians stripped loo rolls from shelves in preparation for Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
And these are just from the past few years. So yes, stores (sometimes) still run out of toilet paper. But that doesn’t mean you need to hustle to your local supermarket and start stockpiling.
5 tips to make sure you never run out of toilet rolls
Here are five easy strategies for alleviating the fear of running out once and for all.
1. Keep a secret stash
Running out of toilet paper mid-wipe is an experience you wouldn’t wish on your worst enemy. A secret stash is a personal insurance policy against those “oh crap” moments, guaranteeing that you’ll never be stranded with no toilet tissue.
Determine how many extra rolls your household needs and store them in a secure location. Just make sure they don’t get mixed up with your everyday supply.
2. Figure out how much TP you actually need
Knowing how much toilet paper your household needs helps you stock up without overdoing it.
To calculate TP consumption, track how many rolls your household uses in a month. Divide that number by four, and bam, you’ve got a baseline weekly average. Bonus points if you roll in additional factors that may impact usage, like school holidays, guest visits or that Love Island watch party you host annually.
Want to get extra precise? Track your family’s bathroom trip frequency and sheet usage per trip, then crunch the numbers with this TP usage calculator.
3. Set a calendar reminder
The trusty calendar reminder helps even the most forgetful of us. And there are far more important things that we have on our minds…until there isn’t, and nature calls.
Using a simple, low-tech event notification or task reminder app is perfect for busy mums (and anyone else whose brain is already juggling a million things at once).
Stay ahead of your last roll by setting a recurring alert to check on your TP stock — then bask in the satisfaction of being prepared.
4. Have toilet paper alternatives on hand
Fingers crossed that your preferred toilet paper stays in stock and your emergency stash keeps you covered in those unpredictable moments.
But the future is uncertain, so having a few backup options is always a smart move to prevent your household from going back to the days before TP existed.
The good news is, there are practical alternatives to clean your bum and bits even when the roll is empty. We know not everyone has a bidet, but you don’t have to travel far to rinse off in the shower.
Tissues (or even paper towels) also work in a pinch. We know they’re not as cushy as soft, premium sheets, but it’s only temporary. Just please don’t flush them!
5. Get your rolls delivered automatically
With supply chain issues and supermarket scrambles still making headlines, why add TP to your list of worries? The best way to avoid panic buying is by setting up a toilet paper subscription.
Skipping the store and buying your rolls online on a regular schedule means you're never caught empty-handed. It reduces your carbon footprint, saves you time and keeps your stress levels low.
Once you make the switch, you’ll wonder how you ever lived life any other way.
The easiest way to stay stocked (and uncrap the world)
A subscription for your favourite premium bathroom tissue is a totally hassle free strategy to keep your bathroom stocked. But now we’re talking about much more than convenience.
Who Gives a Crap toilet paper is good for your bum. It’s super strong, soft on even the most sensitive skin and comes in extra long rolls.
Our loo rolls respect the planet. They’re made with either 100% bamboo or 100% recycled fibres, and they’ll arrive at your door via carbon neutral shipping.
Our toilet paper is impact driven. Half of all profits support hygiene and sanitation initiatives in communities that need it most, meaning that every roll makes a difference.
A Who Gives A Crap subscription suits any schedule. In-laws coming into town? Easily add extra rolls to your usual order and get your shipment a week sooner. Heading out for an extended holiday? Skip a delivery and pick up where you left off when you get back.
Conclusion – Lock down a toilet paper subscription and never worry again
Panic buying and hoarding are responses to stressful and uncertain circumstances, so it’s no surprise that stores still run out of loo rolls.
You can avoid an empty roll, even amidst shortages, with simple strategies like:
keeping a secret stash
setting recurrent purchase reminders
preparing alternative options
calculating your usage ahead of time
But the absolute best way to make sure your bum never goes without is by using a toilet paper subscription. Going with an eco-friendly toilet paper company solves your problem and supports the planet.
Forget scrambling for rolls and stressing over shortages. Start your Who Gives A Crap subscription today to stay stocked and make a difference with every wipe.