The Why and the How-To of Stockpiling

Stockpiling – To accumulate a large stock of goods or materials. Unlike hoarding, when a person fills their pantry and freezer with goods, it has a goal and purpose. The two reasons I stockpile are:

1. To be prepared ahead of time for certain meals or needs.
2. To Save both money and time!

The method of stockpiling is simply done when grocery items are at their lowest price.  Different seasons provide a variety of goods.  For instance, during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, baking goods are usually marked way down.  In May and July, typical picnic/grlling months, you’ll find hot dogs, ketchup and such at super great prices.  It’s at these seasons that I buy what I’m sure I’ll use.  It’s not a savings if you buy more than you’ll need, or things that you really won’t use, but you bought it because it was on sale.  It’s obviously not a deal if it goes to waste.

Some things I try to always keep on hand in my stockpiling efforts would be:

Freezer

• Chicken breasts – I look to buy them when they’re down to .99 a pound.
• Hamburger
• Ground Turkey
• Butter
• Bread dough
• Ice cream for entertaining in summer months
• Any marked down meat I find!
• Frozen vegetables and fruits

Pantry:

• Sugar
• Powdered Sugar
• Brown Sugar
• Oatmeal
• Flour – Bread and All-Purpose
• Chocolate Chips
• Dried fruit
• Canned Vegetables and fruits
• Nuts
• Cake Mixes
• Brownie Mixes
• Pie Filling
• Salad Dressings/Marinades
• Oils
• Tuna
• Canned Salmon
• Bread crumbs – Plain and Panko
• Peanut Butter

I watch for these things to go on sale, and then I buy enough to get me to the next sale cycle.  For the most part it keeps me from having to run out last minute and buy something for a recipe!  I live 15 minutes from a store, so I don’t want to waste the time to make those trips.

If I can keep these items on hand, I can make a supper or a dessert and even sides or entertaining recipes at a moment’s notice! There were many years I couldn’t do this, due to being able to buy only what we needed for that week.  If that’s your case, use the sale cycles to help you plan your menu; that will bring great savings to your grocery budget!

If you need to see the sale cycle, here’s a great list! Use it to find when the best times are to stockpile your pantry and freezer. Whitney has lots and lots of great tips on her blog about saving money and stocking up.  Here’s one great post that will lead you to others.

Anyone else into stockpiling?  What are your top three items to keep on hand (other than chocolate – because we all know that is a necessity!!) ?