1. Allocate some money from your grocery budget each week to purchase items at rock bottom prices for your stockpile.
This does not have to be a lot of money. It can be as little as $1.00 because the stockpile items should be at their rock bottom price or maybe even FREE after sale & coupon. Never pay full price for a stockpile item & do not go over budget to purchase stockpile items. You are not saving money if you are over budget!
2. Take advantage of seasonal sales and stock-up!
I like to budget extra money for stockpiling on major holidays when there are lots of great sales.
For example, Labor Day is coming soon and this is a great time to stock-up on hot dogs, brats, ground beef, buns (for the freezer), ketchup, mustard, BBQ sauce, pickles, soda, etc. All of these items will be on sale at great prices over the next couple of weeks.
Here are some Seasonal Sale Examples:
- Thanksgiving & Christmas (The BEST stockpiling holidays!): Turkey, Ham, Stuffing, Potatoes, Cool Whip, Canned & Frozen Veggies, Butter, Gelatin, Pudding Baking Supplies, Cake Mix
- Lent: Fish/Seafood
- Easter: Baking Supplies, Cake Mixes, Ham, Stuffing, Potaotes, Cool Whip, Gelatin, Pudding, Canned & Frozen Veggies
- Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day & Super Bowl: Soda, Ground Beef & other Grilling Meats, Hot Dogs, Brats, Chips, Condiments, Ice Cream, Popsicles
3. Do not buy more than your family can consume by the expiration date.
Food is not a bargain if it ends up in the trash! I use a sharpie and write the expiration date on the top of the package so it is easy to find. I also put the oldest items in front & newer items in the back.
4. Do not buy more than you have room to store.
I have a large freezer and lots of storage in our basement so I have a fairly large stockpile. I have also purchased under the bed storage boxes to take advantage of unused (except by the cat) space. If you live in a small home, have limited storage or move frequently, take this into account when deciding on a size for your stockpile. It is a good idea to determine how much storage space you have first and take a break from stockpiling when it is full.
5. Always think ahead!
When I was pregnant with my son, I knew that we would need lots of diapers when he was born so I spent 9 months stocking-up.
Look for the items that you use on a regular basis at rock bottom prices & stock-up!
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