Is "stockpile" a four letter word?

**dcompton** · 07-14-2008, 06:54 PM

Lately when I've mentioned to friends that I'm working on a stockpile, I've had surprising reactions, mostly an almost shocked "Why????" I would expect that reaction if I had told them I was hoarding food. I'm wondering if the word "stockpile" itself equates with "hoarding" for most people.

I've decided that now when the subject comes up, I'm just going to say I'm "stocking my pantry" or "adding some things to my pantry" or something like that -- that sounds more benign and traditional. After all, "pantry" can be a pretty flexible term. I'll be interested to see if that will evoke a less negative reaction.

**frugalandsimple** · 07-14-2008, 07:36 PM

There's a difference between hoarding and stockpiling. Stockpiling is stocking your pantry and other parts of your home if there's not enough room with groceries and other stuff that you're gonna use. Many people stockpile by purchasing food and other essentials when it's on sale to save money in the long run. As long as everything is being kept rotated and in the proper place, stockpiling is a great tool. On the other hand, hoarding is when there's an excessive amount of stuff and sadly, animals in the home to the point where it's unsafe and unsanttary to live there.

**YankeeMom** · 07-14-2008, 08:03 PM

I just don't think it's on most people's radar. They hear stockpile and they think weapons stockpile or nuclear bunker

I don't even think most people even contemplate that "stockpiling" could save them money in the long run. Just this morning I was watching Fox & Friends and they had this "expert" on that was giving tips on how to save at the grocery store. Most of them were the usual: don't shop on an empty stomach, shop with a list, try store brands, etc. But the last one is what chapped my buns.... don't buy more than you need just because it's on sale.

Now I can understand not buying more than you need *right now* for something that's going to go bad before you can use it...like fresh produce that can't be frozen. But just about everything else is either canned or boxed or can be tossed in the freezer before it goes bad. My youngest dd was watching with me and I made sure she knew that that last bit was a load of bullpucky and gave the example of all the peanut butter we have in the pantry. All bought when the pb was on sale 10/$10 (sure could use one of those sales now lol) and now you can't find pb for under $1.75 for a regular 18oz jar. It was smart to buy all I did when I did.

**The Muse** · 07-14-2008, 08:10 PM

Some people don't get it.

A couple years ago, my MIL came over while I was unloading groceries. I had 10 bottles of dishsoap that with a sale and coupons ended up making me $1.

She was horrified that DH thought this was a good idea and has since made many snide comments about my stockpiling. Oh well, the ILs are up to their eyeballs in debt and we're...not.

Why would I pay close to $2 for dishsoap at full price when I can get paid $1 to store 10 bottles for future use?

**meanestmom** · 07-14-2008, 09:23 PM

I think its not just stockpiling. Even if you tell friends you bought a used car, they look at you like, why not just buy new? When I tell them I don't make payments, we pay cash, they actually look at me like I'm stupid! I've learned to mostly keep my mouth shut!

**AmyMCGS** · 07-14-2008, 09:31 PM

I pretty much learned back when I got into coupons & stockpiling that there are certain friends who get it and even more who don't. Now I usually only mention my great bargain finds and stockpiling around the select few friends who really get it... the rest of them just nod and smile like I'm crazy so I try to avoid the subject when I can.

**Quilting lady** · 07-14-2008, 09:34 PM

Unfortunately, many people do equate the two words. If purchased for selling later at a profit, or allowed to waste, that would be hoarding.
But, I am a serious stockpiler. Two large freezers, each with a chart on the front with a detailed list of what is inside (and said items are also dated and rotated).
An extra bedroom was made into a pantry/storeroom with slanted shelving so the bottles/jars/cans can slide forward as the new stuff is added to the back (yes, a lip on the front of the shelf to avoid 'oops'). All is dated and rotated.
The commissary has a case lot sale yearly, I take the utility trailer and buy several hundred dollars worth. Now, at least half goes to the foodbank. I am not religious in any sense of the word, but feel that since I can do this, I should.
If you do not think you have storage room, look under your or your kids beds. Usually room for a few cans or cases of veggies/fruit.
If it is on a GOOD sale, and something that I will use. Then we will buy. I refuse to buy simply because it is on sale.
We went through Mt. St. Helen's eruption and a nasty ice storm. We fed the neighbors (6 families) for two weeks because we had the food and also the generators to power the freezers, refrigerator, furnace, and stove.

**Clutterbug Jen** · 07-14-2008, 09:47 PM

Personally, I think stockpiling is a "5" letter word ...

SMART!

Jen

**Mamaof2rugrats** · 07-14-2008, 09:49 PM

No, stockpiling certainly ain't a dirty word in my house. I do it as well as some of my family. Other than that I don't really make it known too much. I don't have big ole rooms full of excess food either though, just a few months worth.( Although how nice would that be to have!)

**Quilting lady** · 07-14-2008, 10:12 PM

I think one reason I stockpile so seriously is that before DH retired from the military we lived in some countries where a cup of rice was a person's entire daily food allowance.
So we swore we would stockpile a minimum of six months supplies. That inc paper/water/treats and the foodstuffs.
My pampered pooches:

**dcompton** · 07-15-2008, 01:18 AM

I definitely agree on the smartness of stockpiling. It's why I'm doing it, and I'm not going to stop (and it's no where close to hoarding). I just think some linguistic experimentation would be interesting. Sometimes just the words themselves can get in the way of communication.

Thanks for all of your input.

**alarosalpn** · 07-15-2008, 01:32 AM

I love to find great sales and stock up on them! I agree with Jenn that it is SMART. Buy more now to save money later! Why wouldn't people do it? I tell everyone about my great buys! There are a few of my friends that just don't get it. But I've also turned alot of them onto the idea when they here about how much money I save!

**santoria** · 07-15-2008, 10:01 AM

Originally Posted by Clutterbug Jen

Personally, I think stockpiling is a "5" letter word ...

SMART!

Jen

BRILLIANT!!

I've stopped saying stockpile to all my friends too...they look at me like I have 4 heads when I talk about what I just bought on sale for my stockpile.

but then they're all the people that whine about how much money they spend on groceries and how they never seem to have enough in the house. while I can skip a trip to the store and go raid the storeroom if the paycheque is a slim one.

I got tired of trying to help people see the sense in buying the 10/$10 (the GOOD juice that I never buy cause its $2 a litre was on sale! I bought about 30). so I putter away and fill my storeroom and shake my head when they complain.

**favesis37** · 07-15-2008, 10:04 AM

i got the same thing, "WHY" then a friend who was with me said" her family won't go hungry is something happens" i love that friend.lol

**JanieD** · 07-15-2008, 11:20 AM

I think many just can't understand how or why to stockpile. Some think items will be wasted or other will not have the chance to purchase if we buy more. Some aren't good at figuring out how to get it to work for them.

Honestly, I thought it was a little odd for my mom to purchase extra this or that. Then she gave me 5 laundry detergents she couldn't use (allergy) last year. After having extra, seeing the positive threads here & with all the price increases lately, I'm seeing stockpiling in a new light. I'm off to a slow start & often use up my stock before the next sale, but I'm making progress. I think if others gave it a try, they would see how SMART it is!