What is stockpiling? When I first heard the term, I immediately thought of those who are hoarders. Collecting mass amounts of "stuff" that they think that they need.
Well, let me tell you that Stockpiling and Hoarding are two entirely different things. Stockpiling is stocking up on items that are at rock bottom prices or free so that you don’t have to buy them at full price ever again.
There are a few concepts to understand in order to really master stockpiling:
1) Sales cycles are typically every 6 – 8 weeks. For some items, the cycles are long, some are shorter, but on average 6-8 weeks is a great time frame. So – when you stockpile, you want to purchase enough of a rock bottom deal to last at least 6-8 weeks. And, if the item is not perishable, you should purchase enough to last 6-9 months if not more! (note: there is no guarantee that you will see that rock bottom price again especially if the item is on sale to clear...never to return)
2) In order to successfully stockpile, you need to match a great sale with a great coupon. Rock bottom prices mean that essentially the item can’t get any cheaper – either the item is FREE, or discounted down to at least 75% off (with your coupon included).
3) In order to buy multiple quantities of one item, you will need multiple coupons. This means buying more than one newspaper,printing out more than one copy of internet coupons, ordering mailed coupons on a regular basis, and coupon trading.
4) Keep your stockpile organized so you know what you have. In your pantry, organize your food by expiration date keeping the food with the shortest shelf life to the front so that you use it. Keep good inventory (write it down) so you know exactly what you have, what you need and what you don’t need. If you have 12 boxes of pasta, you have the luxury of ignoring rock bottom pasta sales until your stockpile dwindles down. Keep a clip board with your inventory list next to your shelves. Count your stock once a month, and you will quickly be able to estimate how much you will go through in a year.
5) Once you have established a sufficient stockpile, only shop the rock bottom sales. You will now have the luxury to ignore average sales and focus only on rock bottom and freebies!
6) Know when to say when. Determine your families needs on a monthly, quarterly and annual basis. There is no reason to have 6 years worth of pasta just because it was a great deal! Stockpiling can transition into hoarding if you have more of an item than you could ever use. Or, if you are constantly throwing away food that has gone bad on your shelves.
7) Give it away! Food Banks are always looking for donations. Especially around the holidays. What better way to clear out some of your Freebies & "overstocked" stockpile that others are in need of.
