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How to Build a Stockpile You'll Actually Use

​Whether you're a seasoned stockpiler or a completely newbie, the most important thing to do is build a stockpile you will actually use.

We all love a bargain, and seeing a full pantry, but if it's full of stuff we have bought and paid for, but don't use, then it's wasted money (and time, and energy).

That tin of smoked oysters in tomato sauce may have been a bargain at 20c, but buying a case of them, when you only use on tin a year on New Year's Eve, isn't a bargain - the money tied up in the tins on your shelf could be better spent on things you'll actually use. 

To build a stockpile you use you'll need to put some effort in. Yes, you! I can't do it for you, nor can your best friend or your mother or anyone else.

That's because your stockpile needs to be built for your family's needs, to your budget and your timeframe

So go get a pen and paper and start by writing up this week's shopping list. Put down all the things you need. Go back over it to see if there is anything missing. IF so, put them on the list. 

Then get the sales flyers or jump online and check to see if there is anything on your shopping list that is on half-price sale. If there is, make a note to pick up two of them. You'll be spending the same amount of money, and adding a "free" item to your stockpile. 

No half-price items? Look for any that are discounted and make a note, and a note of the amount of the discount. When you've finished you'll have an amount you won't be spending. Allocate that amount to items for your stockpile - more free items!

Continue to shop this way and you'll gradually build up a stockpile of grocery items you actually use.

One last word - how much to stockpile.

I suggest, if you are beginning or have a stockpile of things you don't use, that you aim to have one pay period of groceries in your stockpile i.e. if you get paid weekly, aim to get one week ahead; if you get paid fortnightly aim to get one fortnight ahead and if you get paid monthly you aim to be one month ahead.

This gives you wiggle room if for some reason you don't get paid.

Of course, once you've reached that goal, you can keep going.

A comfortable buffer for most city-based households is one month of everything. If you are country, or remote, you'll need more - 3 - 6 months at the least to allow hiccups in the supply chain (the current flooding comes to mind) and not having access to bigger supermarkets, butchers, green grocers etc. 

Building a stockpile takes time and money, but more importantly it takes a plan. Make your plan, work your plan and build the stockpile you'll actually use.

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  • Home
  • Join the Club!
    • Twenty Reasons to Join the Cheapskates Club
    • Gift Memberships
  • About Us
    • Cath's Story
    • Ask Cath
    • Glossary of Cheapskating Terms
  • Forum
    • Current Forum Discussions
    • How to Use the Member Forum
  • Inspiration
    • Getting Started
    • Handmade Christmas Central >
      • Handmade Christmas 2025 is about to start
    • 31 Days of MOO Index
    • Articles
    • Back to Basics >
      • Back to Basics
      • Back to Basics Index
    • Housekeeping Routines
    • Budget Renovations
    • Saving Stories
  • SAVING REVOLUTION
    • 2025 Saving Revolution Index
    • Saving Revolution Resources
  • Recipes
    • Recipe File Index
    • Meal Plans
    • Add a Recipe
    • $300 a Month Food Challenge >
      • $300 a Month Food Challenge
      • The $300 a Month Food Challenge Forum
  • Newsletters
    • Newsletters 2025
  • Saving Money
    • Bill Paying System
    • Cheapskates Tip Store
    • Tip Sheets
    • Top Tip Competition
  • Contact
    • Changing Details
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