Starting a stockpile

forestdale · 08-03-2005, 02:12 AM

This thread is a modification of my Could you Survive? Challenge. You can read it by clicking here:<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com

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http://www.frugalvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=57918&perpage=40&pagenumber=1<o:p></o:p>

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STARTING A STOCKPILE
I started mine by allocating $5 from my grocery budget for items on sale, and loss leaders. I only ever buy things I know I'll use and what will keep. When I built the stockpile to a reasonable size, I spent whatever was left over from the grocery budget on stockpile items.

Alternatively, if you can afford it, allocate a set amount for your stockpile. Sit down and work out what your family uses and eats. Look at your menu plan and your grocery list and write a list of every item that will sit on a shelf for a long time without an ill effects. Turn yourself into a squirrel - stockpile those items that are on sale, go searching in your neighbourhood for bargains and when you find something, snap it up and add it to your cupboard. Remember that stockpiling is an ongoing process so donâ€™t be upset if you canâ€™t start with a bang.  Go at it steadily so that you are sure that what you have is really what you need. <o:p></o:p>

Start with things like:
toilet paper, toothpaste, tooth brushes, tissues, tampons, shampoo, conditioner, soap
anything canned - like soup, chick peas, beans, tomatoes, fruit, fish, condensed or evaporated milk (good for desserts and treats) etc
anything dry - pasta, beans, rice, milk, flour, sugar, spices, oatmeal, cornmeal, stock cubes, tea, coffee.
things in jars - honey, jam, pasta sauce, tomato paste.
cleaning and laundry items: supplies for homemade laundry soap (soap flakes, washing soda and borax), white vinegar, bicarb soda,
medical supplies:
aspirin or paracetamol, bandaids, antiseptic wipes or cream, any medication your family needs - asthma puffers, your contraceptive pill  etc.<o:p></o:p>

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And donâ€™t forget water.  If youâ€™re stockpiling for an emergency or for hard times, water is important.  You never know when something will happen to your water supply lines or if there is a prolonged electrical blackout, the water pumps probably wonâ€™t operate.  I have a crate of bottled water but I also have a 5000 litre rain water tank.  Find a safe, clean water container and fill it.  This is something youâ€™ll need replace every six months or so.  Donâ€™t waste the old water.  Use it for cooking or on your plants.<o:p></o:p>


Only you know what you'll need. So study your buying habits and start putting away those items you buy every week, as well as those you use occasionally.

Of course, one of the great side effects of stockpiling is that theoretically, you should never have to pay full retail price for anything in the stockpile. By stocking your cupboard with loss leaders and sale items, you can "shop" from your stockpile, knowing that you're paying less than most other people who are shopping each week. So always keep your eye open for loss leaders and stock up on every item you use when you have a chance. If you can buy 20 cans of tomatoes for $5 (25c/can) and have them sitting in your cupboard waiting for the day you make spaghetti sauce or tomato relish, it's better than rushing out to the supermarket and paying full price for that same item, in my case 89c for normal retail canned tomatoes.  By the time your 20 cans of tomatoes are used, they will have come on sale again, you should grab them and replenish your stockpile.  So for emergencies, for saving time and money, stockpiling is a great strategy.

Just a quick word on dried goods. When you bring home things like flour, rice etc., whack it in the freezer for a week or so to kill any pantry moth larvae it might contain. I had an outbreak of pantry moths a few months ago and I had to throw out most of my dried goods. Always make sure you put dried goods in a sealed container when you open them as well. It's better to be safe than sorry.  <o:p></o:p>

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Remember when you add to your stockpile to add goods to the back and take from the front.  Doing this will help you rotate your stock.  Always be guided by the â€œbest beforeâ€ or â€œuse byâ€ dates if your groceries have them.  If they do, remember that they will need special attention and must be used before those dates.  <o:p></o:p>

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I hope I've inspired some of you to start stockpiling. It's a really good way of saving money, providing meals in hard times and saving time by not shopping at the supermarket when you're busy.<o:p></o:p>

SHOPGIRL · 08-04-2005, 01:42 PM

Great ideas! I have a small stockpile, but I'll be stocking up on everything this fall. Grocery shopping in snow is no fun!

psjkmom · 08-04-2005, 01:50 PM

Thanks Rhonda. Great ideas. I completely cleaned out my pantry last night and organized, so now I know what I need and don't need.

britbunny · 08-05-2005, 06:43 AM

Thanks Rhonda. I'm starting a stockpile myself. This is for a couple of reasons. Firstly I want to have some organisation so I don't have to worry about things.

We watched a programme a couple of weeks ago about people being stranded in their cars overnight after a big snowstorm (this happened in England a couple of years ago). So I have a little emergency bag in the car - just a few things, torch, blanket etc).

Secondly, DH's salary is going tp be a considerable amount less in 6 months time. I want to start getting some stuff together now so it doesn't hurt as much. I'm hoping that a little hard work in the home now will save us a lot of strife next year!