Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Stockpiling is not new for Canadians, although it’s becoming far more critical than ever.
With the rise in grocery prices and job loss, Canadians want to save money wherever possible.
The grocery store is one of the easiest places to slim the budget, but that takes planning.
Today, we will explore stockpiling tips to help shoppers get the best bang for their buck.
There’s More To Stockpiling Than Savings
Every couponer knows that building a successful stockpile of everyday essentials is key to long-term savings.
Having a variety of items on hand that you paid rock-bottom prices for helps eliminate those last-minute, unplanned trips to the grocery store.
It also allows you to have emergency products on hand if something happens in your life or Canada.
Stockpiling Difficulties
Stockpiling is not as difficult as it seems and isn’t as intimidating as seen on TV shows such as The Learning Channel.
We can’t stockpile with coupons to the mass extent they do in the USA, but stockpiling in Canada can be done.
Related: Til Death Do Us Coupon- Do you use coupons?
When you don’t stockpile everyday products, this is where you might end up paying full price.
Paying full price for a product you could have stocked up hurts and takes potential savings away from your budget.
The other difficulty you may encounter is uneducated cashiers and managers who don’t understand couponing or how to interpret a coupon.
Coupons are relatively easy to understand, but not everyone understands them equally.
The only issue we’ve ever had is when a coupon states, “One coupon per purchase.”
What this means is that every item you purchase must have a coupon.
We’ve had cashiers interpret that as you can only use one coupon for one item and no more.
That is not the case at all.
You can buy as many products as possible unless it states a limit, and you must have one coupon for each product.
Pretty simple.
Canadian Coupon Groups Help With Stockpiling
You might also consider joining groups such as Smart Canucks, where you can trade coupons with other Canadians for products you want.
Every province gets different coupons, so it’s exciting to see coupons that will help you save even more money.
Below I’ve compiled some tips using my expert coupon skills to help you start and maintain a functional stockpile in your home.
No word of a lie, but we have about 10 shelves filled with toilet paper (over 1000 rolls), laundry soap, 100 jugs, soap, razors, shampoo, conditioner, and mountain cleaning supplies.
Our food stockpile isn’t as massive, but if I counted the cereal boxes, I’m sure I’d hit over 30.
Stockpiling Tip #1 Plan Before You Shop
When considering stockpiling products, the first thing to do is to plan what you would like to stock and how long you would like it to last.
Not all expiry dates are created equally, so keep that in your head during the planning stages.
A good stockpile will go a long way if you plan out your shops.
For example, if you would like to stockpile laundry detergent enough to last six months, there are a few things to consider before purchasing.
For example, you will want to look at how much laundry your family does in a typical week.
You may also want to figure out how many bottles or boxes of laundry soap you need to get through that time.
This is why planning is critical because overbuying leads to consumer loss.
Stockpiling Tip #2 Designate A Storage Place
The last thing you want is to end up with a fantastic stockpiling plan that won’t fit in your pantry.
Be aware of space restrictions, and shop accordingly so you don’t end up with everything in cardboard boxes.
There is no need to become one of those people you see on TV storing BBQ sauce under their child’s bed.
Stockpiling Tip #3 Create A Grocery Price List
Compile a grocery price list of items you would like to stockpile and record the absolute lowest price you see it at.
This way, you have a point of reference to know if you should stock an item at the current price or if you know it will eventually get cheaper.
After a while, you’ll know the prices of the products you usually purchase for your household.
Stockpiling is all about playing a pricing game with the manufacturer and grocery stores, so knowing your prices is the absolute most crucial tip.
Stockpiling Tip #4 Keep A Stockpile Inventory List
Letting something expire without being used because you forgot you had it is throwing away money.
Consumers who buy more than needed or forget they have specific products get pushed to the back of the pile.
Continuously rotate stock to keep the products fresh and eliminate food waste.
Losing money on products you worked hard to save on would be counterproductive.
This is where a little bit of work goes a long way, plus it helps you to see how much food you are going through.
Keep an inventory list of what you have, how many, and the expiry dates to avoid food waste.
Use your inventory listing to write a menu plan, so you know everything will be used in time.
Stockpiling Tip #5 Invest In A Freezer
This is optional, but for a truly successful stockpile, storing freezable items (meat, fruits, veggies, etc.) is extremely beneficial.
When stockpiling, you only grow your inventory to suit your plans.
If you purchase a larger freezer than necessary, you will use the money you save on groceries to pay an unnecessarily large hydro bill.
Related: A list of foods we freeze to save money
Summary For Becoming A Stockpile Expert
Beginning a stockpile for your home takes some time, and you will go through a learning curve.
Don’t get intimidated by cashiers, managers, or people who make you feel that what you are doing is weird.
It’s far from weird and all about money-saving to pay off debt and become debt-free sooner.
Always keep the Scanning Code of Practice in mind, especially when you shop to add more stock to your stash.
- Plan your grocery shop with Canadian coupons, rebates, and rewards apps.
- Keep an inventory of what you have, including expiry dates
- Eat what you have so you don’t waste food
- Work on a grocery price book so you know the best prices
- Invest in a freezer which you can always find second-hand for cheap
Related: Is the Checkout51 app taking over paper coupons?
Stockpiling is more than saving money. It’s about having emergency foods and products on hand if something happens.
For more Grocery Saving Tips in Canada, please visit my Ultimate Guide For Grocery Shopping, with over 300 tips and tricks to help you stick to your grocery budget.
Related: Here’s why people are stockpiling and panic buying toilet paper to cope with coronavirus fears.
Follow these tips, and you will be well on your way to saving through stockpiling.
Discussion: Do you stockpile, and what other tips can you add to help someone new to using coupons and coupon apps in Canada?
Please leave your comments below.
Thanks for stopping by to read,
Mr. CBB
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