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Right Before You Quit

Sure, you could set out on a hike with just the clothes you have on right now and an empty backpack. But you’re more likely to enjoy the trail if you’re prepared for it.

So it's time now to go through your house, your car and your workplace and get ready for your tobacco-free trek..

  • Toss the easy-to-spot stuff like ashtrays and lighters but also do things like have the interior of your car cleaned to get rid of the tobacco stink. And while you're in the car, why not take out that dashboard lighter and ashtray and store them on a shelf somewhere?

  • If you have a favorite smoking chair or seat where you vape, consider cleaning it or moving it to a new spot. Look around your life, and you'll find plenty of things that are going to remind you of your old flame. Move them, hide them or toss them.

  • Throw your clothes in the washer. There's a smell to a smoker's clothes, one you will not miss once you've quit.

  • You might also want to visit your dentist. Your tobacco use has slowly made your teeth a lot yellower. A good cleaning can give an immediate boost to your self-esteem, as well as give you another reason to stay quit.

  • Take your dip, chew, snus or chewing tobacco out of your hunting, fishing, hiking, or other outdoor gear. Check your vest and pants pockets, tackle boxes, or backpacks to make sure they are temptation-free.

  • Survey your workbench, garage, shop, or tool box. Clear out dip, chew, snus or chewing tobacco to minimize urges while you’re tinkering, working on the car, doing chores or clearing the yard.

  • Look for any empty pods, bottles of juice, spare batteries or other vaping parts around your room, backpack, purse, or pockets. Throw them away! You don’t need these reminders or temptations in your space.

Gather supplies for your quit date.

  • Have your nicotine replacements or other quitting medications ready. And remember, some of the non-nicotine medications require you to start taking them up to two weeks before your quit date.
  • Keep a water bottle around that you can refill. It makes getting a cleansing drink easier. It'll also help keep your stomach full. An empty stomach can sometimes set off cravings. We recommend you carry a bottle of water with you for most of the first week after you've quit.
  • Buy things you can chew on: Carrot sticks, celery, toothpicks, cinnamon sticks, sugarless candy, sugarless gum. Stock the fridge with healthy snacks and sprinkle the candy throughout your house, in the car and at work. Keep it all as handy as you did your tobacco–right in your pocket is best.
  • Get something for your hands to do. Get a squeeze toy or a handball.
  • Make a list of your “Reasons I Want To Quit.” Post copies of it around your house, car and workplace, or keep it as an easy-to-access note on your phone.
  • Do one last double-check to ensure that you haven't overlooked any tobacco or vape stuff in the glove compartment or the pocket of an old coat.

All this stuff is important. Remember, the more things you do to help you stop smoking, vaping, dipping or chewing, the better off you'll be on the day you quit.

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