How to Create a Small Stockpile

As a mother of a small toddler, I found that it wasn't easy to get to the grocery store each week. I found that I didn't have too much time to make lists on what I needed. I also found that I was buying the same things each week because we ran out of the item too fast. I wasn't a fan of standing in the Wal-mart line with a huge cart of baby stuff, non-perishables, and toiletries. I would leave realizing I didn't even buy much food because all of the other stuff took up so much room (and also had a frustrated baby in tow!)

Then I ran across another frugal blogger's blog. She had posted pictures of what she called a "stockpile." I thought the idea was a little crazy myself, and inquired a little further. I started asking questions about it. When someone told me what it was and that she was getting all of the items for free or almost free, I inquired even further. I watched videos on Youtube on "stockpiling." This is also the time when I decided that I wanted to use coupons, too, to get items that we needed for next to nothing!

It has taken me a little over a month to create a small stockpile. The best part? When I go to the grocery store, I find that all I have to buy are: fresh produce, milk, bread, meats, frozen foods,and other cold stuff. There are rarely any non-perishables, unless I find them on sale and have coupons to get them really cheap. My shopping time is cut in half and shopping is way less frustrating.

What is a stockpile? A stockpile is a large quantity of items that are stored for future usage.

Take a look at this list. These are things that I do not have to buy for at least two-three months or more.

1. Toilet Paper
2. Cleaning Products
3. Diapers and Wipes, Baby Wash
(I am actually running low on diapers.
When I go to the store soon, I plan to buy
several packages.)
4. Feminine Products
5. Deodorant
6. Toothpaste
7. Razors
8. Soap
9. Cat food/cat litter
10. Coffee
11. Peanut Butter and Jelly
12. Syrup
13. Mustard, Ketchup, Mayo
14. Cereal/Granola Bars
15. Snacks for daughter
16. Spaghetti/Spaghetti Sauce
17. Pancake Mix

When you find something on sale at a much lower price than you usually pay for, buy more than one. Buy 6 or more! I suggest taking a month or so to create your small stockpile. This just means that you are going to the store more throughout the month. You are buying all of the items above when they are on sale and hopefully with coupons. Some people are limited on space. See if there are areas in your house that you could tuck a few items away. If you have a cabinet that you consider full of stuff you never use, donate it for space for your stockpile.

It is a joke in my house now that my wonderful hubby will say "Hey--I think we are running out of toilet paper!" when we have several packages. I don't mind though. I am the one that does the majority of grocery shopping. Every week I found I was picking up more toilet paper! Not anymore, thanks to my stockpile. I found a new way of shopping, and I love it. In my opinion, stockpiling is extremely helpful for mothers. It's not easy loading up the kids and running to the grocery store all of the time! I had company come recently and I enjoyed that I didn't have to go re-stock just for their visit. I had everything for them!

Keys to stockpiling:
1. Wait to buy toiletry and non-perishable items when they are sale.
2. Use coupons with the sale.
3. Instead of buying 1 item that you know you will buy again, buy several to last you a few months. They are on sale! You will be saving money in the end. When you find you are running out, these items will probably be on sale again! Sales always run in cycles.
4. Make sure you have plenty of room to store your stockpile.
5. Enjoy the benefits of not having to run to the store as often!

Happy Stockpiling!

Do you stockpile? Leave a comment below! Thinking of starting one? Come back to tell me if and how it has helped in your life!