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Welcome to the ultimate guide on building your extreme coupon stockpile!
If you’ve ever wondered how extreme couponers manage to save big bucks on groceries, wonder no more.
We’re diving deep into the world of stockpiling to help you become a savings superstar.
What to Stockpile
Building an extreme coupon stockpile is a key strategy for saving money on groceries, allowing you to take advantage of deals and discounts when they arise and ensuring that you always have essential items on hand.
RELATED: How to Extreme Coupon (A Beginners Guide)
When deciding what to stockpile, it’s important to focus on items that your family uses regularly and that have a long shelf life.
Here are some suggestions for items to include in your stockpile:
Non-perishable Food Items
Stock up on canned goods such as vegetables, fruits, soups, and beans. Dry goods like rice, pasta, cereal, and oatmeal are also excellent choices.
Consider purchasing shelf-stable milk, condiments, and cooking staples like flour, sugar, and oil.
Frozen Foods
Take advantage of sales on frozen fruits, vegetables, meats, and prepared meals.
Frozen foods have a long shelf life and can be convenient for quick and easy meals.
Toiletries and Personal Care Products
Stockpile toiletries such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap, deodorant, and razors.
Feminine hygiene products, toilet paper, tissues, and diapers (if applicable) are also essential items to include.
Cleaning Supplies
Purchase cleaning products like laundry detergent, dish soap, multipurpose cleaners, and disinfecting wipes.
Stockpile trash bags, paper towels, and toilet bowl cleaner to keep your home clean and sanitary.
Medications and First Aid Supplies
Gather a supply of over-the-counter medications like pain relievers, cold medicine, and allergy medication on hand, but keep an eye on expiration dates when making a purchase. Nothing hurts more than throwing unopened bottles in the trash.
Stockpile first aid supplies such as bandages, antiseptic ointment, and thermometer.
Batteries and Lightbulbs
Purchase batteries in various sizes to power your household devices and flashlights. Stockpile lightbulbs to replace burnt-out bulbs as needed.
Office and School Supplies
Take advantage of back-to-school clearance to stockpile pens, pencils, notebooks, printer paper, and other office or school supplies that your family regularly uses.
Pet Supplies
If you have pets, stock up on pet food, treats, litter, and other supplies.
Look for deals and discounts on pet products to save money in the long run.
Seasonal Items
Anticipate your family’s needs for seasonal items such as sunscreen, insect repellent, holiday decorations, and winter gear.
Purchase these items when they are on sale or clearance to save money.
Emergency Supplies
Consider stockpiling emergency supplies such as bottled water, non-perishable snacks, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.
Having these items on hand can provide peace of mind in case of unexpected emergencies or natural disasters.
Where to Store the Extreme Coupon Stockpile
Now that you know what you are going to stockpile, where will you keep your stockpile?
The most important thing about storing your extreme coupon stockpile is that the place (or places) be dry, clean, bug-free, and temperature controlled (if needed.)
There are several options:
Where It’s Used
This might sound like a no-brainer but put things close to where you will need them.
Keep your toiletries in the bathroom under sinks. If you live in a smaller home or do not have cabinets in the bathroom, you can use an over-the-toilet organizer for towels and put your toiletries in the linen closet.
A great place for cleaners is under the sink or in the cabinets of an extra bathroom. In our first home, we had a half bathroom with a cabinet perfect for stockpiling all of our cleaners.
As for dish washing supplies, they are stashed under our kitchen sink.
In the Kitchen or Pantry
Your extreme coupon stockpile can be organized in kitchen cabinets or pantry.
If there is no room in the cabinets, remove the items you use only seasonally and place them in storage. If you have Great Aunt Edna’s china in the cabinet but you never use it, box it. She would rather you be saving money.
Pantry organizers like rotating canned goods organizers or over the door pantry organizers are smart additions.
Shelving or a Stand Alone Pantry
Perhaps you have extremely limited space. You might have to stretch your creativity.
Consider purchasing a stand-alone pantry cabinet or install shelving in the laundry room. Or, hide items in under-bed storage or suitcases.
True story: In our first home, we installed shelves in our laundry room with one about eight inches from the ceiling and another about eight inches under that.
For a long time, this was our extreme coupon stockpile space. It was awkward but it worked until we were able to purchase a stand-alone pantry which we placed in the hallway between our kitchen and master bedroom.
The day we got the pantry, I felt like I had birthed another child. I was so proud!
In the Garage or Basement
I am picky about which stockpile items will go into the garage, but if it is the only place you have, use it.
Cleaning products, lightbulbs, and similar items can easily go on a shelf in the garage.
Use storage containers for items that need to stay dry if stacking things on the floor.
For specific items like bulk grains, consider investing in airtight containers or food-grade buckets with gamma-seal lids to extend shelf life and prevent pests.
Maintaining the Stockpile
Your extreme coupon stockpile is an investment of you time and money, so regularly check and maintain your stockpile to ensure that items remain in good condition and are used before they expire.
RELATED: The Best Grocery List and Pantry Management Apps
Rotate older items to the front and restock as needed to maintain a consistent supply.
Clean and organize your storage space periodically to prevent clutter and maintain order.
If you tuck items away all around your home, consider this one piece of advice… Keep a list of what you have and where it is so you will not forget where you put stuff.
True story: I once decided it was time to stock up on meat only to discover enough meat in the bottom of our deep freezer to last for months.
Start Your Stockpile
Congratulations, savvy saver! You’ve just unlocked the secrets to building an extreme coupon stockpile like a pro.
By focusing on items your family uses regularly and strategically storing your stockpile, you’ll be well on your way to slashing your expenses and keeping your pantry packed with money-saving goodies.
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