Couponing Tip: Keep a Stockpile Inventory (+ Stockpile Guidelines)

Ever come home with a lot of one product and …oops, there’s already a ton of that sitting in the pantry! Streamline your purchases and stockpile by keeping track with an inventory record. Here are some good methods:

• Spreadsheets: Create a spreadsheet of the items on hand. Update it every few days or weekly to keep current. We recommend keeping track of the number of unused/unopened packages.

• Phone Apps: Applications like My Pantry or Out of Milk let you add products and their quantities, keep track of expiration dates, or add an item to your shopping list when you’re running low. If you don’t have a smartphone, you can use the Out of Milk website app. 

• Handwritten: If electronics aren’t your thing, a plain handwritten list will do. Consider a small notebook (which are on sale now for back-to-school) with a handwritten record. Create columns and write in pencil, which is helpful when quantities change.

Extra! Extra! When you have more of a product than you will use before it expires, consider donating it to a local food bank/shelter/church or neighbors in need.

Are you wondering how much of each product to keep on hand? Keeping a steady supply of needed items is a big part of having a stockpile! Make sure to get the right amounts by using the following as guidelines:

2 Week Supply
Perishables such as

• Dairy: milk, yogurt, sour cream, eggs
• Bakery: bread, rolls
• Fresh produce: salad greens, apples, pears, bananas, herbs, potatoes, celery, cucumbers, tomatoes

1-2 Month Supply

Perishables that can be frozen such as

• Meat
• Cheese
• Fruit: berries, grapes, cherries, peaches
• Veggies: peppers, green beans, peas, corn

6+ Months

Non-perishables such as

• Canned goods: fruits and veggies, broth, pickles, olives, beans, soup, fruit preserves, pasta sauce
• Packaged food: applesauce, crackers, cereal, oatmeal, breakfast/energy bars, peanut butter, fruit preserves, pasta,
• Baking needs: flour, baking powder & soda, oil, sugar, evaporated milk, shortening, chocolate chips, cake mix, frosting, nuts
• Prepared goods: rice, ketchup, BBQ sauce, mayo, salad dressing, mustard, soy sauce
• Drinks: bottled/canned juice, drink mix, tea, hot cocoa powder

1-2 Years

Non-perishables such as

• Laundry detergent, cleaning supplies, soap
• Oral care products: toothpaste, toothbrushes, mouthwash, floss
• Personal care items: shampoo, conditioner, stylers, lotion, deodorant, body wash, makeup, razors, feminine products, bandages, ointment
• Miscellaneous: air fresheners, candles, Ziploc bags, foil, plastic wrap, paper products, baby diapers and wipes, batteries, office supplies

When possible, stockpile as much as your family will use before the expiration date. The larger your stockpile, the less you will be buying each week for your family’s immediate needs. Remember–Krazy Couponers save money by buying things before they need them. Build your stockpile slowly; you do not need to be buying a year (or even 6 month supply) of something at one time!

So what works for you? What do you recommend? Tell us in the comments below!

(Thanks KCL!)
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