Coupon Class: Hoarding vs. Stockpiling
To me there is a very clear difference between hoarding and stockpiling in the coupon world. The dictionary defines hoarding or to hoard as accumulating items in a hidden and carefully guarded place for preservation and future use. A stock pile is defined as a large supply gathered and held in reserve for use during a shortage or during a period of higher prices. Having known hoarders and couponers alike I see the difference being when you hoard you are less likely to use what you have as apposed to when you stock pile you fully intend to use everything you buy.
When stock piling non food items such as cleaners, paper items, plastics and personal hygiene products I suggest having about 4 to 6 months worth. If you have the space and it makes you more comfortable stock up to one year worth of non food items. Watch for sales so that you can match your coupons to the sale and get the lowest possible price when you are building up your stock pile. You can often get tooth paste, floss, deodorant, soap, toilet paper and several other non food items extremely cheap or free so be on the look out for those deals when working on your stock pile. It is ok to build it up slowly Rome was not built in a day and you do not need to buy a years worth of tooth paste on your first shopping trip.
When stock piling food items keep expiration dates in mind. All canned goods and dry goods should be stamped with an expiration date. Frozen foods will spoil if they are not used in a certain amount of time. Keep the food items that will expire soonest at the front of your pantry and freezer so that you will use it first. You can still follow the 4 to 6 month stock pile suggestion as long as you are keeping track of the use by dates and not letting food go to waste.
If you have any questions or suggestions please leave me a comment. I would really love and appreciate some feed back!
Hoarding is being recognized now as a serious mental health issue and if you believe you are a hoarder then I strongly suggest you seek help. Couponing should not be used as a means to hoard. I am not a mental health professional and I will not be writing about ways to help with hoarding because I do not know of any.
When stock piling non food items such as cleaners, paper items, plastics and personal hygiene products I suggest having about 4 to 6 months worth. If you have the space and it makes you more comfortable stock up to one year worth of non food items. Watch for sales so that you can match your coupons to the sale and get the lowest possible price when you are building up your stock pile. You can often get tooth paste, floss, deodorant, soap, toilet paper and several other non food items extremely cheap or free so be on the look out for those deals when working on your stock pile. It is ok to build it up slowly Rome was not built in a day and you do not need to buy a years worth of tooth paste on your first shopping trip.
When stock piling food items keep expiration dates in mind. All canned goods and dry goods should be stamped with an expiration date. Frozen foods will spoil if they are not used in a certain amount of time. Keep the food items that will expire soonest at the front of your pantry and freezer so that you will use it first. You can still follow the 4 to 6 month stock pile suggestion as long as you are keeping track of the use by dates and not letting food go to waste.
If you have any questions or suggestions please leave me a comment. I would really love and appreciate some feed back!
Hoarding is being recognized now as a serious mental health issue and if you believe you are a hoarder then I strongly suggest you seek help. Couponing should not be used as a means to hoard. I am not a mental health professional and I will not be writing about ways to help with hoarding because I do not know of any.
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