Stockpiling:
What is stockpiling? Stockpiling is getting multiple items when they are free and/or cheap and then not having to buy them at full price. This is important when it comes to couponing. It gives you the ability to pick and choose what you need to buy. As a couponer the stockpile is key and is something that you should be very proud of. Your stockpile does not need to be taking over your house and it does not need to fit in 1 cabinet, there is NO right stockpile except the stockpile that is RIGHT for your family whatever size that may be!
Tips:
Storing Stockpile Items
- -Get sturdy shelving units. Spend the extra few bucks on shelving units that will last. You do not want to waste money and have them not able to hold your stockpile or not last.
- – Always have the items closest to expiration at the front of your shelf.
- Use totes (I have 18 gallon sized ones) for things like razors, toothpaste, toothbrushes, make up ect. They are easy to get into if you need something and for items that do not stand up well having them in a tote is much easier.
- Store like items together, keep all pasta together and all peanut butter together. Not only does this make it much easier to see what you have in your stockpile, storing it is easier because things stack nicely on like items.
- Stockpile the items in the rooms you will be using them in(if you can) storing toothbrushes in the kitchen is just wasting your kitchen storage space.
- Make a list of the things your family uses on a regular basis and how often you use it. This way when you see a great deal on an item you use you can know how much you are stocking up on, based on your families needs.
- The best way to not go over your budget when you are starting out stockpiling is to set aside a specific amount of money each week that is just for buying items for your stockpile. Once the money is gone then wait till next week to add to your stockpile
- Keep track of the prices you pay for things, when you first are starting to stockpile items will be cheaper then you are used to paying as your stock up price, but as you get more into learning how to coupon your stock up price may change. Keeping track of what the lowest price you paid for something and knowign what your buy price is for an item will help you determine during sales if it is a good price for you to buy.
- Know your needs- An Example- Knowing how much laundry soap your family goes through in a year makes scoring the deals on it easier. If you know your family goes through 2 bottles a month then you know to have a year supply you need 24 bottles. If you family does not eat mustard then buying 15 of them because they are .10 each is not worth it because it won’t be used and then you just wasted $1.50. (exception to this is if you are going to donate your excess)
My most important tip for stockpiling is remember why you are having a stockpile, so that you can save money. Deals come around often, do not stress if you miss a deal or go overboard. Saving money is fun an allows money in the budget for other things like going out as a family. Stressing out takes the fun out of saving money 🙂
