Stockpiling isn’t for the faint of heart or for the weary. Whether you’re doing it to save money as a couponer, prepare for the winter or an emergency, or because you’re a prepper, stockpiling requires patience, determination, and dedication. If you’re an experienced or beginner stockpiler, we’ve put together a list of the most important things to remember in your stockpiling process.
- When shopping for items to stockpile, only look for things with a long shelf life. This includes canned or dried goods that can be stored safely and for a long time.
- Always keep an eye on the expiration dates on the items in your stockpile. A rule of thumb is to not purchase something that will expire soon.
- Respect the FIFO rule: First In, First Out. This means that the newer items that you add to your stockpile should always go to the back so the older items get used first.
- When canning or jarring and storing your own food, never forget to label and date them.
- Budget every paycheck to go towards supplies for your stockpile. This doesn’t have to be extravagant. You can dedicate even $10 per paycheck for your stockpile to purchase dried beans, rice, or canned food on sale. Shop at dollar and budget stores for great deals.
- Keep an eye out for sales for non-food items that you need for a stockpile as well. These items include silica packets, jars, paper goods, batteries, shampoo, soaps, laundry detergent, water, sewing kits, first aid kits, toothbrushes and toothpaste, solar lights/lanterns, LED lights/lanterns, candles, matches, lighters, etc.
- Always keep your stockpile organized and always prepare to grow it. If you need extra room, plan ahead and make room or purchase extra shelving.
- Keep inventory of your stockpile on a spreadsheet. Keep like foods on the same tab with the expiration dates. This will help you keep up with foods that are about to expire so you can organize accordingly.
- Keeping an eye on the food that is about to expire will also help you spot the food that you should go ahead and eat before it goes bad. This is a good way to save a few extra bucks on groceries one week. When items from your stockpile are about to expire, pull them from their storage and move them to your pantry so you don’t forget to use them up or eat them as soon as possible.
- Always keep your stockpile in a cool and dry place like a closet, weather-proof shed, or garage.
- Move all your items from any cardboard or soft packaging and replace with glass or plastic that cannot be destroyed by pests.