Stockpiling Can Be Healthy For Your Budget
You have probably seen the television shows about hoarders. When they get done, they find that they have 87 tubes of toothpaste, 120 rolls of toilet paper and 24 toothbrushes. I will admit that in my house you will fine 8 tubes of toothpaste, 30 rolls of toilet paper and 5 toothbrushes (other than those we are using). I have even more than that......but won't bore you with those details.
Stockpiling isn't a bad thing. It is so good to plan for the unexpected -- a job loss, natural disasters, fluctuating gas and food prices. Here are a few things to keep in mind if you want to create your own stockpile.
1. What is considered a good deal? If I can get my item for at least 75% off or more, then it is a good deal for me. I actually found toothbrushes on clearance at Walgreens last January for only $1.09. I happened to have several $1.00/1 coupons. So, I picked up 9 toothbrushes for only $0.81 or $0.09 each! I didn't sacrifice the brand I wanted to use -- these were Reach toothbrushes, which is what we use regularly.
I actually stockpile when I can get household items and toiletries for $1.00 or less each. When I find toothpaste marked down and through coupons and deals I can get it for free - or close to it - I'll pick up several at a time.
2. Where is the best place to shop for a stockpile? Many times you can find toothpaste and other toiletries for free, or nearly free, when you shop at CVS or Walgreens. Yes - your local drug store can be less expensive than even Walmart when all is said and done! How? Through the Extra Bucks and Register Rewards programs they offer -- which is basically a coupon to save you $x.xx off of your next purchase. You can of course find great deals at your local grocery store or retail chain stores, just always keep your eyes peeled.
3. How much is a good amount to have on hand? Obviously you can't stockpile items that will expire soon.However, you can stockpile canned and boxed goods, toiletries, laundry needs, paper supplies, cleaning supplies and anything else that won't "go bad." You can even stockpile meat products -- as long as you have the freezer space. The quantity of items to keep on hand varies from person to person, but for me anything that is non-food related I like to have at least 2 year and food items anywhere from 6 months to 1 year.
4. Doesn't this take up a lot of space? Sure, it can -- if you try to buy everything under the sun. You have to determine what space you have to give up to your stockpile. Obviously if you live in an apartment, what you stockpile will probably be less than someone in a large home.
5. Does this include travel size items? It sure does! Many times, you can get travel size items free after coupon (unless the coupon specifically excludes that size). So, you can pick up several and have paid absolutely nothing for them. They may be smaller sizes, but they are still free. And, in my book - free is free!
One of the most wonderful aspects of a stock pile (besides saving money, of course), is not having to run right to the store when you are out of something. For us, it seems that my daughter eats toilet paper as I am forever changing the roll. So, it is great to just run to the basement and grab a new roll and be on my way. Otherwise, my husband has to make a pit-stop on the way home from work for me.
Another great thing is meal planning. I almost always have something to throw together for a great meal as I have a completely stocked pantry. Then, when I plan my weekly shopping list (based upon menus created from my stash), I rarely need many items to actually cook my meals. My list is made up of incidentals and items to add to the pantry.
While my friends and family may chuckle when the see those 30 rolls of toilet paper on the shelf, I actually feel like I get the last laugh. After all -- I am not the one flushing my money down the toilet ---- literally!