How to Keep a Well Stocked Pantry

Having a well stocked pantry is very important to me. I really appreciate the fact that when we need something I usually can go down to my pantry and find it there. Once you start having a well stocked pantry you won't have to pay full price for items when you need them. Need sugar? Instead of going out and paying full price for a bag, you can get some out of your pantry where you have a nice stockpile of sugar that you paid less than half for.

Stock your pantry with items that you find at rock bottom prices. If you find peanut butter on sale for $1, instead of buying 1 jar buy 6. I try and buy enough to last me about 3-4 months sometimes longer if it is a super great deal. Usually another rock bottom sale will come up on that item within that time frame.

It takes time to stock a pantry. As items go on sale buy multiples to add to your shelves. Take advantage of loss leaders. Loss leaders are items that stores sell at or below the wholesale price. Stores advertise these products that bring them next to zero profit hoping that they will bring you into their store and get you to buy a few impulse purchases. The store is willing to take a loss on these discounted items because they plan to recoup their loss through higher sales and increases traffic. Loss Leaders are usually advertised on the front and back pages of the ad. You might also see large colorful signs in the store.

Another way to stock your pantry is to buy in bulk. Usually buying in bulk can save you money. I shop at Sam's club and can get most of my baking items in bulk and save a ton of money in doing so. For 2 lbs of yeast I pay just under $5. A 4 oz jar at the store costs over $3! Other items I buy in bulk are pretzels, crackers, popcorn, spices and cooking oils.

Home canning is a great way to stock your pantry. Put up the surplus of fruits and vegetables from your garden. Shop at Farmer's Markets and produce auctions and take advantage of produce while it is in season and preserve enough to last you the entire year. Shopping for produce when it is in season guarantees that you will not only get the best flavor you will also get the best price.

I will give you suggestions for items to have in your pantry in an upcoming post. This post is linked to the Frugal Tuesday Tip hosted here at Learning the Frugal Life.