Tobins' Tastes: Stalk My Stockpile: Part One

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Stalk My Stockpile: Part One


Ok, you know you're curious. You see me buy things every week and I can hear you asking yourself, "Who needs that much air freshener?" or "How can anyone possible eat 40 boxes of pasta?". And yes, I admit it seems crazy. But the mainstay of any couponer is her (or his) stockpile. 

My stockpiles are my pride and joy. They make me irrationally happy. There is nothing better than knowing that if you run out of shampoo or toilet paper at 11:00 at night that you can just walk to the closet and grab some. No need to run out to grab things, no paying full price, no going without. 

Here's a little preview of what's to come in next week's post: Our Health & Beauty Closet
Just in case you have never seen Extreme Couponing or heard about stockpiles, let me fill you in. A stockpile is a collection of food, pantry staples, personal care products, cleaning supplies and paper products that one buys at rock bottom prices (or gets free with coupons). Some crazy, extreme couponers have stockpiles that take up entire rooms, basements, garages and more. The idea of a stockpile is that you should never have to go out to the store and buy something full price when you run out and absolutely need it.

Being from South Florida where basements don't exist and the garage is a constant 120 degrees, I store my stockpile a little differently than many couponers. I keep most of my products in my pantry, kitchen and upstairs closets and only keep a select amount of non-perishables on a few shelves in my garage. 

Over the next few weeks I am going to show you pictures of my stockpile and discuss how I organize and store my stash. I am a little bit nervous about this since I don't really know how my stockpile stacks up to other not crazy normal couponers. I am also a little worried that non couponers will judge me since it can seem a bit strange for a family of two to have such large quantities of stuff. 

Week One: Health & Beauty 
Week Two: Cleaning Supplies and Household Products
Week Three: Pantry
Week Four: Fridge & Freezer 

Keep in mind that I have bought all of this in the last year and that despite what it might look like spend between $40-$80 a week total for all our groceries, household, health and beauty items and everything you see in our stockpile. I know some people will ask "Why not save your money? Why buy shampoo if you have so much already?" My response would be if you can still stay within (or below) your normal budget why not slowly build up a stock pile?

There are weeks when we are busy or tight with our budget and our stockpile has been invaluable. It is so nice to be able to make lunch or dinner without running out to the store for things. We are able to have people over last minute and not panic about needing some snacks. Best of all, I am spending way less than I use to on these things while buying way more. And if there ever comes a time that I can't coupon or couponing policies change, at least I will have a few months worth of stuff to live off of  : )


Make sure you stop by this week's Mealtime Monday and link up any amazing recipes you have been working on lately.

***Depending on the day this post may be linked up to any of these fabulous linky parties.***

Do you host a weekly party? If so, make sure to visit my party page and add yours so we all can join in the fun!
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...