Stockpiling Groceries
How to Save Money Buying Non-Perishables in Quantity
Stock up and save big! Learn how to find the best deals on non-perishables and ways to store all of your purchases.
Quality not quantity; when you’re talking about non-perishable grocery items, it’s the other way around. If you find a good deal on anything that doesn’t spoil, go for it. Buy everything you can and then some.
How to Stockpile Groceries and Save:
- Scour warehouse clubs at least once a week. Not a member of Sam’s Club or Costco? Become one. The savings are well worth it. Items like paper towels, cleaning supplies, soda, canned goods, and especially coffee and energy drinks will last a long time and are a lot cheaper than at the grocery store. Even if you don’t have a warehouse club near you, load up on all the essentials at least once a month. The inventory changes a lot.
- Take advantage of sales and coupons at the grocery store. Scan your Sunday paper and grab a flyer at the front of the store every time you’re there. Then write down the sale days on your calendar. Be sure to make a list of everything you need to buy, and search the internet for manufacturer’s coupons that will increase your savings on sale day. Try to get there early because the lines might be long. Unless there is a maximum amount you can buy, purchase as much as you can of the non-perishables. Load up on anything you consume a lot of, that won't spoil.
- Find room in your basement, attic or closet. Even if you say you don’t have anywhere to store anything, find the room! What’s worth more, an old pair of shoes from the ‘80’s or six rolls of paper towels you bought for a fraction of the price? Do the math and then prioritize your space. Sell the old stuff you’ve been hanging on to at a garage sale or a consignment shop. It might even pay to make more room in your closets by building extra shelving. You don’t have to hire a closet organizing company. Buy metal shelves at the store and follow the installation directions on the package.
- You can even store perishables. Say you find a buy-one-get-one-half-off sale on meats. Even if you have a small family, buy as much as you can and store the rest in the freezer. Don’t have enough freezer space? Look for sales on freezers and buy another one for the basement or laundry room. Scratch and Dent stores offer some great deals.
- Shop with friends. If you can’t possibly consume everything you buy on sale, split it with a friend. Then when she finds great deals, she’ll do the same for you. You can trade not only groceries, but coupons as well.
The copyright of the article Stockpiling Groceries in Consumer Education is owned by L. Marie Dubuque. Permission to republish Stockpiling Groceries must be granted by the author in writing.
