Night shift is hard enough. Now, add in the mental load of running a household—remembering to grab toothpaste or refill the coffee supply is just one more thing on your to-do list. And let’s face it, the night shift life is not compatible with a 9-to-5 world where the stores close right when you’re waking up.

But what if I told you there’s a magic button you can press to have all your essentials delivered right to your door, on a schedule that works for you?

Meet your new BFF: auto-delivery services.

Amazon’s Subscribe & Save is a classic, but there are tons of options out there to make sure you never run out of the essentials—no more scrambling for toilet paper or coffee creamer after a shift. Regardless of which service you choose, auto-delivery takes care of all those “Oh no, I’m out of insert essential item here” moments. While you’re resting after a tough shift, your essentials are showing up right at your door.

Best Items to Put on Auto-Delivery

Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick list of essentials that make auto-delivery a game-changer:

• Coffee/Tea: Trust me, you don’t want to be on the verge of a night shift and realize you’re out of caffeine.
• Toilet Paper/Paper Towels: These are items you never want to run out of. Ever.
• Protein Bars/Snacks: Ideal for quick bites before or during your shift.
• Laundry Detergent: Because those scrubs aren’t going to wash themselves.
• Toothpaste/Deodorant: You don’t have to think about it, just stock up on autopilot.
• Dog/Cat Food: If you’ve got fur babies, this is a lifesaver.
• Vitamins/Supplements: Take care of yourself by making sure your vitamins are always on hand.

Benefits of Using an Auto-Delivery Service

Now let’s get into the real reasons auto-delivery is basically your new favorite life hack:

• Save Time: No more emergency grocery runs. With your essentials coming straight to your door, you can skip the store and use that time to catch up on sleep or finally watch that Netflix show you’ve been meaning to.
• Reduced Stress: Constantly remembering to pick up household supplies is just another mental burden. Auto-delivery takes care of that for you, lightening the load and giving you peace of mind.
• Consistency: With auto-delivery, you’ll always have what you need when you need it. No more running out of crucial items like coffee or snacks right before your shift starts. (Yes, that’s a mini crisis for a night shifter.)
• Money Savings: Many services, like Amazon’s Subscribe & Save, offer discounts on items you subscribe to. Small savings can really add up, especially if you’re consistently restocking.
• Better Habits: By having healthy snacks, vitamins, and even skincare products delivered regularly, you’re setting yourself up for success. It’s a small way to build better habits without even trying!

Subscription service options

The classic: Amazon Subscribe & Save

I use Amazon Subscribe & Save (affiliate link) since it lets me order from many life categories at once.

What it offers: Amazon Subscribe & Save allows you to schedule regular deliveries of items like household supplies, groceries, and personal care products at customized intervals that suit your lifestyle.

Why it’s great: One of the standout features is the discount—subscribers save 5% on individual items, and if you subscribe to five or more products, that discount jumps to 15%. Plus, there’s no commitment, so you can modify, skip, or cancel deliveries at any time. With free shipping included, Amazon Subscribe & Save is a convenient, budget-friendly way to ensure you never run out of your must-haves, giving you more time and energy for the things that matter most.

There are several great options for auto-delivery services besides Amazon’s Subscribe & Save that can make life easier for night shifters in both the U.S. and Canada. Here’s a breakdown of some alternatives:

For the U.S.:

1. Walmart Subscription
   What it offers: Walmart offers a subscription service similar to Amazon, where you can set up auto-delivery for groceries, household items, and personal care products.
   Why it’s great: It’s easy to find a Walmart, and their delivery service is known for being budget-friendly with a huge selection of items, often at lower prices than competitors.
2. Target’s Subscribe to Save
   What it offers: Target’s subscription service lets you auto-reorder essentials like toiletries, pantry staples, and pet supplies.
   Why it’s great: You can save 5% on every subscription order, and if you’re a Target RedCard holder, you get free shipping on all deliveries.
3. Instacart Subscription
   What it offers: Instacart offers auto-delivery from a variety of local stores. This includes grocery stores, pharmacies, and even stores like Costco and CVS.
   Why it’s great: The flexibility to choose from multiple stores means you can get a variety of products delivered on a schedule that works for you.
4. Chewy Autoship (for pet owners)
   What it offers: Chewy’s autoship service is a game-changer for pet parents, offering scheduled deliveries of pet food, litter, and supplies.
   Why it’s great: They offer a 5-10% discount on most autoship orders, making it convenient and affordable for keeping your pets happy while you’re working those long night shifts.

For Canada:

1. Well.ca Subscription
   What it offers: Well.ca is Canada’s go-to for health and wellness products, and their subscription service allows for auto-delivery on everyday essentials like vitamins, skincare, and cleaning supplies.
   Why it’s great: They focus on eco-friendly and wellness-related products, so it’s perfect for nurses who want to take better care of themselves and their environment. Plus, free shipping over a certain amount!
2. PC Express Subscription
   What it offers: Offered by President’s Choice, this service allows you to set up auto-delivery for groceries and household items from major Canadian chains like Loblaws, Real Canadian Superstore, and Shoppers Drug Mart.
   Why it’s great: PC Express is widely available across Canada, and you can use PC Optimum points to save even more. Great for grocery hauls on autopilot.
3. Save-On-Foods Delivery
   What it offers: Western Canadians, this one’s for you! Save-On-Foods provides an auto-delivery service for groceries and household items, tailored to your schedule.
   Why it’s great: They often have local products and the ability to pick your specific items, making it a great choice for those who value variety and customization in their grocery orders.
4. Bulk Barn Subscription (for bulk items)
   What it offers: If you buy in bulk, Bulk Barn’s subscription service is a great way to automatically restock pantry staples, baking supplies, and snacks.
   Why it’s great: Bulk buying can save you money, and you can set delivery intervals that match your needs—especially useful if you do meal prep and need large quantities on hand.

Bonus Options (Available in Both the U.S. and Canada):

1. HelloFresh Meal Kits
   What it offers: HelloFresh delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes straight to your door, on a subscription basis.
   Why it’s great: Meal kits are perfect for anyone who loves fresh, home-cooked meals but doesn’t have the time or energy to plan and shop for ingredients after a long shift.
2. Dollar Shave Club
   What it offers: This subscription provides auto-delivery of high-quality razors, skincare products, and grooming essentials.
   Why it’s great: You’ll always have razors and toiletries on hand—because we all know trying to remember to grab razors after a 12-hour shift is a struggle.

Self-Care, but Make It Practical

At the end of the day, setting up an auto-delivery service is more than just convenience—it’s a form of self-care. It’s one less thing for you to worry about when you’re already juggling a demanding job and a sleep schedule that feels upside down.

So, go ahead, treat yourself to this stress-relieving, time-saving magic. Hit that subscribe button and let the deliveries roll in while you focus on what matters—your health, your rest, and living your best night shift life. You’ve earned it!