Building a Pantry Stockpile!

This is another thing to get done on my list so I have set up a plan to get it done!

There are lot's of different reason's to start a stockpile in your pantry. It isn't only to prepare for a natural disaster. Keeping non-perishable stuff can cut your grocery bill. It is also good for the unexpected things that may come up, like getting layed off from a job.

It can save you money if your smart about it and only buy things your family will eat and use. If your family doesn't like Tuna Fish don't buy 50 cans of Tuna because it is on sale. If you shop smart and buy things when they are on sale and have a coupon to match up with it you can get your pantry stocked, and then spend less at the grocery store.

Don't excpect to do it all at once that is a quick way to go broke!! Do it a little at a time it may take you a whole year before you can get it to where you wan't it. So be patient.

Step 1:
Look at what your family eats on a normal bases!

~What non-perishable items do you buy frequently and use in recipes alot. Look at your recipes and shoppign recipts.

~Look for canned goods, dried staples, dairy items (taht can be frozen) and meat.

~Think outside the kitchen what other items like toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper etc. can you stock up on.

~Create a list of items you need to purchase.

Step 2:
Get prepared!

~Start clipping coupons and printing them out online for items on your list!

~Clear a space! Find a space where you are going to put the items as you purchase them. Do not store any of the food items in the garage where the temperature will flucuate.

~Meal Plan!! This way you will use up items from your stock, you can restock items as they go on sale with coupons to get great deals!

Step 3:
Work on building it up!

~Wait for sale's to buy items and even better when you can match them with a coupon.

~You can make a price book if you like so you know when you are getting a good deal. I have started mine, I pretty much have my Aldi's price list done and need to work on Walmart and Kroger (the main grocery stores here). If something is on sale at Walmart or Kroger it may still be cheaper at Aldi's so whatch out for this. Also check the sale price with coupon versus the store brand price it may also be cheaper in some instances!

~Buy multiples if it is a really good deal. If you have 6 coupons for a great deal buy 6. Then you wont have to buy more for that much longer and save on it the next few weeks. Only do this if it is something your family will eat though.

Step 4:
Keep your pile fresh!

~Use the FIFO method first in first out, and as you bring new items home put them behind the older ones! You can write the experation date bigger on the front to help you with this. Make sure your are meal plannign to use the items before they go beyond the experation date.

Step 5:
Keep it organized

~I suggest organinzing it by categories, canned goods, dried goods, drinks, snacks, etc etc.

~If you have bins for spaghetti etc. utilize them!

Be patient it will take time and may cost a little more at first while you are building. It may cost about $100-150 more per month while you are building depending on how quick you build it up. THis may be a shocker for alot of you, but once you get it done you will cut your grocery bill in hlaf or more!


One site I LOVE is MommySavers.com!! I got this list from there! This is a list of "When to buy what"! When certain things go on sale! Now this may differ a little by region but it is a good thing to have so you know when the things you need will be on the best sale!


January
Fruits: oranges, lemons, limes, grapefruit
Pre-Superbowl: Snacks like chips, salsa, pretzels, and soda

February
Valentines’ Day: Candy

March
St. Patrick’s Day – Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, carrots
Frozen foods

April
Easter – Ham, potatoes, etc.
Kosher foods
Eggs

May
Cinco de Mayo: Mexican foods
Pre-Memorial Day Sales: Buns, hot dogs, meats for grilling, ketchup, mustard, pickle relish, sodas
Fruit: cherries, pineapples, apricots

June
Meats for Grilling, soda, other “summer” theme items like ice cream
Dairy products
Fruit: Berries like raspberries, strawberries, blueberries
Veggies: corn, lettuce

July
Meats for grilling
Ice Cream (National Ice Cream Month)
Fruit: watermelon, strawberries, blueberries, peaches, apricots, kiwi, raspberries, plums, tomatoes
Veggies: cucumbers, summer squash, corn, green beans, lettuce

August
Back to School: Lunchables, drink boxes, snacks, etc.
Fresh fish
Fruit: Watermelon, strawberries, cantaloupe, peaches, tomatoes
Veggies: cucumbers, corn, tomatoes, summer squash, green beans, lettuce

September
Fruit: apples
Veggies: pumpkins, tomatoes

October
Candy
Fruit: cranberries, apples, pomegranates, grapes
Vegetables: sweet potatoes, pumpkins, winter squash, broccoli, spinach, lettuce

November
Leftover candy from Halloween (freeze to use in holiday baking)
Thanksgiving: Turkey, stuffing, cranberries, green beans, jell-o, etc.
Baking supplies: sugar, flour, frosting, nuts, etc.

December
Baking supplies: sugar, flour, frosting, nuts, etc.
Holiday Meats: Turkey, ham, beef brisket
Veggies: sweet potatoes, mushrooms, potatoes, canned veggies

Check out this post on MommySavers.com and check out the site for more ideas and tips!!

http://mommysavers.com/boards/grocery-bargains/85265-when-buy-what-grocery-sales-calendar.html