Just finished..

**lwlynch** · 11-05-2007, 11:04 AM

I have made a complete inventory of all the items I have in my kitchen (food wise). I also did the freezer.. wow, what an eye opener. Found atleast 10 items that I can use at Thanksgiving, that most probably in a pinch would have just bought again.
I am so happy I did this, it took some time, but it is really gonna cut the grocery budget.

Just wanted to share.

**Drgnfly423** · 11-05-2007, 02:10 PM

You are my idol! I've been meaning to do this for months now. I think you have just provided me with the inspiration to get it done tonight! That, and I couldn't find anything for lunch today because it is so unorganized! Grrr...I really don't like spending money I don't have to spend.

**wanderlusting** · 11-05-2007, 02:11 PM

Wow! What motivation you have! I bet it's nice to know exactly what you have so you don't end up buying more than you need b/c you don't realize you already have it at home......like I do! LOL

**Jaded** · 11-05-2007, 02:26 PM

Cool! I'm about to do an inventory, so I can plan meals around what I have for the next month. My goal is to spend less than $100 on food for the month.

**annertak** · 11-05-2007, 03:47 PM

Wow! You are my idol, too! I have often thought about doing that, but then chicken out. There's too much stuff.

**2boysand1girl** · 11-05-2007, 04:58 PM

Yay!!

**Its_Donna** · 11-05-2007, 05:01 PM

Wow..thanks for the inspiration...I am going to do this within the next couple weeks....before holiday dinner shopping. I need to know what I got.

**frugal-fannie** · 11-05-2007, 05:11 PM

Originally Posted by lwlynch

I have made a complete inventory of all the items I have in my kitchen (food wise). I also did the freezer.. wow, what an eye opener. Found atleast 10 items that I can use at Thanksgiving, that most probably in a pinch would have just bought again.
I am so happy I did this, it took some time, but it is really gonna cut the grocery budget.

Just wanted to share.

Great Job, it is keeping track of the small things.
I haven't done this in a long time. But we did it with our toiletries and I found out I had a lifetime supply of bar soap and conditioner. So I brought some of the soap and extra toothpaste to my realatives when I visited. They do not get the double coupons like we do here. I also date my products when i buy them so I can use the oldest first. Black magic marker does best.

**mikandmari** · 11-05-2007, 05:20 PM

I did this in the summer and it took about 3 pages

The blank pad of paper is just sitting there now on my kitchen counter, waiting for me. It really is worth the effort.... it's a great tip for being frugal. Thanks for sharing. You've made me feel guilty enough to get off this computer and get moving on it!

**DAAC3DEC** · 11-05-2007, 05:35 PM

I have been wanting to do this too---I was going to try really hard to make it till Thanksgiving with grocery shopping, except for the necessities---I have a full pantry, just not sure anymore what kind of meals I have in there since I have been storing up on the sales, I think this weekend (since you have inspired me) I will get it done!!!!

Thanks for the boost!!!

**Marie78** · 11-05-2007, 07:08 PM

Great minds think alike

. I just took an inventory of my kitchen cupboards yesterday and I realized I am very low on things. I am especially low on baking supplies. I think I will need to inventory the spice cupboard next and make a list of things I will need for the holiday baking.

**ilovechocolate** · 11-05-2007, 10:10 PM

Wow!! I'm taking this as a challenge to do this too!

WTG!

**lwlynch** · 11-06-2007, 06:49 AM

I am telling you it is sooo worth it. I was just so amazed at what I had hiding. I was also taken back when I just made myself do my freezer. I promise you I probably wouldn't have to buy more than 50 bucks a week if I just ate off of what I had, probably for a few months. I was just so amazed. I think I was motivated cause I kept finding stuff. I wrote it down then made a chart in my word on the computer and then input in categories as I went along. Then anything that was open I put open in the column beside it, or the number of items. I have no lie, 4 pages... good luck everyone

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 11-07-2007, 12:38 AM

Woo-hoo!!! Great work!!

**pip** · 11-07-2007, 08:50 AM

Isn't it amazing how much stuff is hiding in the freezer? I haven't been as detailed as you, but I've been digging in the freezer and have found a lot of forgotten meats that will be eaten soon!