Starting Your Stockpile - Stockpiling 101

To most people who have been couponing for awhile, their stockpile is their pride and joy.  And rightfully so.  It takes a bit of work, planning, dedication and self control to get a stockpile like these:

http://www.budgetsavvydiva.com/2011/09/stockpile-brag-photo-day/

http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2010/09/22/stockpiling-so-simple-so-smart-so-savvy/

http://www.stockpilingmoms.com/2010/08/stockpiling-101-stockpiling-for-emergencies/

Just as there are many different ways to coupon, there are many different ways to stockpile and everyone will develop their own preference.

Here is my Stockpiling 101

First, make a stockpile list.  Print yours here:
Stockpile List
Here is an example of how to fill out the stockpile list.  Here is a great list of 30 Good Items To Stockpile.

Now that you have made your list, wait for the deals!

Ok, now that you've found some stock up deals...  How much do you buy?  It can be tempting to get 20 tubes of Toothpaste when they're all free or 50 bottles of Salad Dressing.  But do you really need all that?  Will you use it all before it expires?  Remember, sales come and go and come back again.  Generally I suggest buying enough for your family to last 6 or 12 months.

Now all that's left is figuring out where to put it all.