What are your goals for stockpiling?

[uummm]

I have about six months of shampoo, toothpaste, etc mainly because it was free or nearly free from coupons...but I'd really like to have the same for all paper products and some staples.

My dear BF HATES having this much stuff. He doesn't like the idea that we're spending on things we don't NEED and just hates to see the cupboards overflowing. We're learning to compromise on what's enough and what's too much. :-)

Spending? I only stockpile the FREE or nearly free...and for the nearly Free, it has to be stuff we will use/eat. Everyone here will say that you stockpile when it is free or nearly free, otherwise don't stockpile it, then you are just stockpiling to stockpile, kinda defeating the purpose.

IF your BF knew you had 50 rolls of papertowels that you got for FREE would he care so much that you had so many? My husband is OCD (you should see the difference in our desks) the fact I got it for FREE seems to mean more than the fact there is a ton of it.

When I show my husband I got 40 cans of Organic Tomatoes for free he is happy that I won't have to spend money to get tomatoes for a year.

[mommaof2kiddos]

I am new to stockpiling, and learning as I go! My small stockpile consists of TP, shampoo, baby bath products, wipes, cat & dog food, and lots of glade products at the moment. I am buying the items we use the most only when on sale with q's, but I haven't had enough to where I have lots left over when the sale comes around again. I am basically getting from one sale to another. My dollar is stretching more than it used to, but my stockpile shelves are filling up very very slowly. I am guessing that as it does grow it will get easier. Having a better idea of how to trade q's to get tons of the ones I need is something I am working on.

[Mothernature]

momma- this is a very difficult time to start a stockpile. Coupons are not the best, prices are rising, and many avenues available in the past are nearly gone.

You are doing a great job!

[Coriander]

I haven't penciled any numbers (as far as months needed)but it sure is good to be involved with this site so I am able to learn how to do this. One month ago I was a totally different person. In the last month I have tracked my spending on food alone and have only spent $100 extra than normal and my pantry is 3/4 the way full with canned and boxed goods. I am imbarrased to say this but I still go in there every once in awhile, flip on the light and gawk in amazement at what I have been able to do in such a short time. Yea, lots of trips to the stores because of purchase limits, but worth every trip so far!

[scentednights2002]

I only stockpile free or nearly free. That's the whole purpose. Right now I have tons of toothpaste, razors, toothbrushes, papertowels, toilet paper, tissues, shampoo, shaving cream, hand/body lotion, conditioner, soap, cereal, Starkist creations, cat food, rice, peanut butter, mustard, pasta, tomato sauce, etc. I will buy as many as I have coupons for without clearing off the shelves.

[Grandma Lewis]

I only stockpile free or nearly free. That's the whole purpose. Right now I have tons of toothpaste, razors, toothbrushes, papertowels, toilet paper, tissues, shampoo, shaving cream, hand/body lotion, conditioner, soap, cereal, Starkist creations, cat food, rice, peanut butter, mustard, pasta, tomato sauce, etc. I will buy as many as I have coupons for without clearing off the shelves.

I stockpile for other reasons too, such as a hedge against inflation. When gasoline and diesel were sooo expensive, prices were rising and I was concerned that prices would continue to rise, so I stocked up on items that weren't necessarily free, but were at a VERY good price.

I will stockpile items that won't go on sale for another year, such as brisket and oatmeal. I know brisket won't go on sale in the winter, but we eat it year round, so I buy enough to make it through winter. I know I won't see oatmeal on sale in the summer so I buy enough to make it through the summer.

I also stockpile my favorite brands such as Viva when it's at a good price.

[lovelace]

I have enough stuff for a year

[GaPeach76]

I am just starting my stockpile. For me, it all doesn't have to be free as long as it was a significant deal (75% off or so) that I know I won't have to go spend full price for it later on and I'll not see it again at that price for a year. Free is awesome of course though!

[anaj06]

I am struggling with how much to buy when it expires. I don't have a good handle on how much of things we eat in a given period of time. A few food items that I have stockpiled, I feel like I am chasing expiration dates to make sure we use it all. My husband is also unpredictable....he will eat hotdogs daily for a month and then get sick of them and not eat them for several months for example.

So, I think my goal right now is to not overbuy on things that expire...unless it is absolutely free or a moneymaker.

[pyxiwulf]

I think for the 12 wk cyclical things 4 months is about right, doesn't let one run out or expire. but the seasonal things, I prefer to try to get to 12 months. unfortunately, I have a small stock pantry, and can't convince hubby to let me expand or I would like to get to 6 months at least.