 |
 So, why should you stockpile? There are several reasons. One – you could lose your job and not have a bunch of money to throw around at the grocery store. It would be a huge relief to you, should that happen, if you knew that you had a good stock of things at home so you didn’t have to go buy them any time soon. Two – there could be a natural disaster. I am not a doomsayer……but it could happen. Just look at Hurricane Katrina. If you weren’t able to get to the grocery store, would you go hungry? We wouldn’t…..I’ve taken care of that. We wouldn’t even stink because I’ve got plenty of deodorant. Now, if we couldn’t take a bath, it would take LOTS of deo to control that stank. And think, if you have extra things that people need, you might be able to trade with them for something they have that you need – goods OR services. I like being prepared. I was a girl scout. Three – the aliens could bomb the capital like in the movies and then we’d all be holed up in our homes, afraid to leave. Should that happen, we could live off cereal for quite a while. Have you ever seen a movie where the aliens were coming after cereal? You’re safe. |
 Generally the easiest thing to stockpile first is toiletry items. Start clipping those coupons and matching them up to a sale. It’s a good idea to keep two, three, or four deodorants per person in the closet. Also, stock up on shampoo, conditioner, razors, and shaving cream. These sales are cyclical, so when the items are on sale, get how many you need to last for several months. I’ve found that toothpaste is on sale throughout the year, so I’m kinda picky with it and only get it when I can get it for $.25 per tube or less. Some of you just laughed……but come to my workshop and you won’t be laughing any more – just nodding your head.  Throughout the year, stock up on different items as they become available. For example, stock up on cough drops in the winter when they are on sale……then you’ll have them this year and next. Just because you’re not sick now, doesn’t mean you won’t be later. Be prepared. Have I mentioned that I was a girl scout? Find a good place in your house to keep all your stocked toiletry items. I use my linen closet in the hall. I have one shelf for towels and one for bedding. The rest is dedicated to toiletry items. This is also where I store my toilet paper. If you don’t have such a closet, just attempt to find some empty space. Use an extra closet in ANY room…..or store things under the bed in boxes. If you can get it for cheap, you can find a place to put it. Now, don’t go overboard. We’ve all seen those crazy people on Extreme Couponing. Honey, you don’t need 23,429,834,203,498 shaving gels. You just don’t. Don’t get a room in your house insured to store all your loot in – don’t you remember that story in the Bible about the man who tore down his barns to build bigger ones (Luke 12:18)??? That’s a good enough hint for me! |
 It’s a good idea to always keep meat and vegetables stocked. For this, you’re going to have to invest in a deep freezer. I see them for sale used all the time. Call a used appliance store…..ask around. You can probably get one for a great price. Ours was a wedding gift, maybe the best gift we got. Stock up on meat when it’s marked down. Bring it home and freeze it immediately if you’re not going to use it for dinner. Wait until MOST meat is $1.99 or less per pound. I always wait to get chicken until it’s at least $1.79/lb. Don’t forget fish! It freezes great. As far as vegetables go, it’s nice to buy them fresh but most of the time they are cheaper in the frozen section……however, you can get them for a good price fresh at your farmer’s market. You can eat them fresh and then freeze them yourself. I like to buy my bagged vegetables at $1 or less per bag/box. If they are more than that, I usually pass. I try to wait for bagged potato products to be $2 or less. And while I’m on the subject – is it just me, or do you encounter the weirdest people in the frozen section? It’s like that’s where they congregate. Carry mace. |
 A majority of my stockpile is canned stuff – vegetables, tomatoes, soups, etc. Soup is on its best sale in the winter, so stock up for all year – “cream of” soups AND ready to eat soups. I usually stock up on canned tomatoes during Kroger Mega Events. These days it seems that 2/$1 is a good sale for canned vegetables, so when I find it cheaper than that I really stock up. Most canned food will keep for ages. Again, only buy what you’re going to use. If you can get beets at $.25/can but you hate them……leave them at the store. Unless you’re going to donate them, then go ahead. Beets = yuckiness, unless you’re my husband. |
 We love cereal…..so I keep a stock on hand – usually around 20 boxes. Some of you are laughing again, aren’t you? I get all of them for less than $1 a box…..who’s laughing now? BOOYA! Most cereal is good for at least a year. Check the date. I love cereal as a snack, and we even eat it for dessert! Cinnamon Toast Crunch makes a lovely after dinner dessert. I also keep oatmeal stocked…..and things like syrup and muffin mixes. |
 Now, let’s talk refrigerator. What’s in mine? I stock biscuits, cinnamon rolls, cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, eggs, fruit, and butter. Sometimes there are other things in there, but those things are ALWAYS in there. Why? Because I use them a lot…..and when I can get them cheap, I buy them. That allows me to NOT buy them later when they’re on sale. Barry got me a refrigerator for my birthday one year to keep my extra stock in. It is in the garage…that’s also where my stocked shelves are. It has really saved us a lot of money. We bought it used and it has paid for itself by giving me a place to store things when I get them super cheap. I really should advertise for a used appliance store. |
 Now, how do you get started? Slowly. Start shopping sales with your coupons. Instead of buying one at a good price, buy 3 or 4 for Pete’s sake! “I found this really great sale on canned soup! It was only $.75!” That’s great….but if you buy only 1 can, you really shot yourself in the foot. Don’t try to stock your house in one month. It will probably take two or three. When your stock is built, you’ll buy less at the grocery store – picking and choosing over what’s the best sale. You have the power now….you’re not at the mercy of the Kix. Now, if you’ll excuse me I need to run to the kitchen and fashion a hat out of aluminum foil to keep myself safe from the alien gamma rays. Come on, people, that was a joke! Now get stocking! |
|
About Stacy
Hi, I'm Stacy! Welcome to Stacy Makes Cents! I'm a naturally-minded, frugal living mama, who likes to blog about living debt free in everyday life. Delicious (and healthy) recipes, money tips, and frugal living posts abound here! Enjoy your stay. Romans 13:8 
