Tips to Create a Stockpile

One of the tools that I use to save money on groceries and household goods is to create a stockpile. Basically, I’ll purchase non-perishable items when they are at rock bottom prices even if I don’t necessarily need them at that very moment and store them in my “pantry”. Then, when I am making my menu plan and grocery list I can “shop” myself first.

How do I do this?

The key is to match store sales with my coupons. I actually have several tools that I use to achieve this:

• I check out the CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid deals on various blogs to get the best prices on household items like toothpaste, deodorant, razors, etc. Many times, I can get these items for free or almost free.
• I personally use The Grocery Game for my grocery purchases, because I don’t feel like maintaining my own price book, and I’m not very good at remembering what is a good price for an item. The Grocery Game gives me a list each week for my grocery store (although you can pick multiple stores) for items along with the coupon that matches the item, and whether the item is at a price good enough to stock up or only to get if you really need it. Lately, I’ve been saving about 50% off my grocery bill by matching sales and coupons. There is a cost to the Grocery Game, though. It’s about $1.25 a week for one store. If you want to try it out, you can get a free 4 week tria.
• Another free method is through the Coupon Mom. She lists the sales at many different stores along with the matching coupons. You can sort the list by item, OOP price, or % savings to come up with different items to purchase.

Some things to watch out for:

• Make sure your “pantry” is organized so you can see what items you are currently well stocked in. I am currently way overstocked in feminine products, just because they got hidden.
• You’ll want to organize a system of first in, first out so that you are using the oldest items first so nothing expires. It’s not saving money if you have to throw it away.
• You don’t need to create a stockpile all at once and ruin your budget. Work within your current grocery budget to add a few items at a time to your stockpile.
• You don’t need to have a pantry in your kitchen to store your items. Use whatever works for you. I use shelves down in the basement. Of course, you need to pay attention to the storage conditions for your items (like a garage in FL in the summer might not be the best idea).
• Don’t let your stockpile get out of control (I know…mine almost is). If you have extra items that you purchased because they were free or almost free, you can donate them to charity.