I've received a few emails about stockpiling, so I thought I would do a 101 post to help everyone out.
What is a stockpile?A stockpile is basically "extras" that you have on hand. When an item that you use is at a rock bottom price or free, you buy larger
quantities that you will need and keep it in storage. Stockpiles can be freezer items, non perishables,
toiletries, etc.
Once you have a good stockpile your weekly food budget will go down significantly as you will be well stocked on shampoo, toothpaste, rice, etc. Some weeks we only have to buy perishables.Building your stockpileCreating a stockpile is easy! If you have been
couponing for a while, you know you can get lots of great deals at
rock bottom prices. Use these items to create your stock pile with items that you regularly use. I wouldn't recommend going to Costco and getting a huge jug of ketchup at full price. That doesn't make much sense. When a commonly used item is at a deep discount or free, you want to stock up on it!
The cost of a stockpileIt really shouldn't cost you much or anything at all out of your weekly grocery budget to create a stockpile. Going out and getting a bunch of groceries with a few coupons just to create a stockpile isn't worth your time and money. It may take several months to create a stockpile depending what is on sale and what coupons you have. Some weeks I will come home with one or two free items for our stockpile, other weeks it will be several bags worth.
Do your regular grocery shopping and stay within your budget and add to your stockpile when you can.Organizing your stockpileOnce you start getting items for a stockpile, you'll want to set aside space designated just for those items. You'll want a cool and dry area. Depending on your living situation you can turn a drawer or closet into stockpile storage. Personally, I like to keep ours in the basement on a 4 tier rack(which we are quickly outgrowing.)
Other helpful hints*You will want to keep it fairly organized so you can see what you have, what you need and
expiration dates. Every 2-3 months I go through mine and rotate stock. If I know we have way too much of something, I will donate it rather then let it go to waste.
*In case of leakage, keep food
separate from
toiletries, cleaning supplies, etc.
*Stockpiling is a process. Each week we consume from the stockpile and I add to the stockpile. Some weeks we eat
alot from it, other weeks not at all.
*Stockpiling makes good financial sense but it can also be good for emergencies.
Just a heads up that the Fulton Street Farmers Market in Grand Rapids opens up tomorrow, May 1st. The market runs Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from now until Christmas! Check it out for lots of fresh locally grown fruits and veggies. More info HERE.
So sorry for the lack of posts this week. With a part time job, toddler, meetings, walking every night and relatives in town its been busy at Grand Rapids Thrifty Mom's house. Stay tuned for more posts this weekend.
Coupons.com has released a bunch of high value coupons for pets. Remember, you can print 2 coupons per computer. Pair them up with sale items at Petsmart and get them for free!!
Its a great week of deal shopping at Meijer, but I just realized today how good of a deal the Green Works products are this week at Meijer as well.
In honor of Earth Day, Walgreens is offering print ink cartridge refills for $1 each (regular price $12.99 each) on Thursday April 22. You must bring in the in-ad coupon to get it for this price or print out the coupon HERE. To find a list of participating stores and cartridge models go HERE. Coupon does not state a limit on cartridges, so you should be able to do more than one.
Vaseline Sheer Infusion Lotion 6.8 oz $4.99
