Organization,Saving Money

The Organized Stock~pile!

posted on : April 2, 2013 posted by : sharon.kasica 0 Comment

The look on a person’s face is priceless when I tell them I’m a “couponer” I see their visions forming…connecting to every “Extreme Couponing” episode they have ever seen.

If you are new to couponing please start here!

I’m FAR From a Hoarder!

I LOVE to save money…I rarely meet a person that doesn’t, however, there seems to be some negative vibes in the air when “coupons” are involved.

People will tell me, “Oh I could never do coupons….I don’t want to have a lot of stuff around”.

Stockpiling is Not the Same as Hoarding!

In order to be a successful saver you must do the following things.

Don’t Get Carried Away

I’m not a shelf clearer, I only buy what my husband and I will use until the sale cycle repeats.  My stockpile looks VERY different from a family of 6.  (since my nest is empty)
When I see a fantastic deal on something, I may pick up extra to create a care package for “my girls”. But Shelby has caught my saving bug and has started couponing as well! (Yippee!)

Organization is the Key

If your stockpile is organized you will save more money!
An organized Stockpile will:

  • show your inventory at a glance.
  • be easy to rotate and use before expiration date.
  • assist in meal planning.

 Label, Label, Label!

The simple task of labeling saves time…and makes me HAPPY!

Take a look at my unlabeled canister set. My husband NEVER figured out the sizes…he would pull out EVERY One before he found the ONE he was looking for! POOR DEAR!

Made a few labels to help him out (and me!) Printed out on Name Badge Stickers!

So CUTE!

I use the Faux Chalkboard labels with my condiment stockpile as well. (Read about My Pantry Makeover using Faux Chalkboard Labels)

As you can see I just have a few condiments to hold me over until the next sale!

I use the same system for my canned items.  I set up my new thermal laminater I bought on Amazon a few weeks ago (for super cheap) so the labels will last longer.
(I used card stock)

I can see exactly what I have at a glance!

 

Just because I have 6 pasta sauces doesn’t mean I have a hoarding problem…it just means I have what I need until next time I can get it SUPER CHEAP…
Did you know food you pay less for tastes BETTER?

How do you handle your stockpile?

Thanks for reading!
xoxo

About The Author

sharon.kasica

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COMMENT

  1. Anonymous | 2nd Apr 13

    This is such a great, helpful post. It is especially timely because i realized yesterday I had bought my fourth bottle of Frank's Red Hot- i keep buying them every time i make buffalo chicken dip, but then already have one open in the fridge!

  2. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 2nd Apr 13

    I struggled with that as well, or I would have to throw out something BRAND NEW because it had expired before I "found" it! This system is working for me, and training my hubby at the same time : )
    xoxo

  3. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 3rd Apr 13

    Thanks Denise. No museum here…just real people trying to save some $$! Love your blog!
    Have a GREAT day!
    xoxo

  4. Denise @ Go Cheap or Go Home | 3rd Apr 13

    Very Nice Work! I love some examples where the kitchen looks like a real place, not a museum. Helps us little people out!

  5. Unknown | 3rd Apr 13

    Sharon, you did an amazing job! So, when will you stop by my place and help me organize my pantry? 😉

  6. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 4th Apr 13

    I'd love to Marilyn…where do you live : ) ha ha!
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  7. Heather | 4th Apr 13

    This is an excellent post. I always hated having to explain hoarder versus stock-piler. LOVE your organization tips. Carrying them away today for sure!

    Thanks for linking up for Fabulously Frugal Thursday.

  8. Daniela @Frugal Aint Cheap | 5th Apr 13

    definitely organization IS the key. I use a similar system…maybe not as pretty, but definitely functional. You did a great job

  9. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 5th Apr 13

    Thank you Heather! Still get the "hoarder" looks…but hey, I'm saving tons of money!!
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  10. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 5th Apr 13

    I appreciate you saying that Daniela! If I don't keep organized we'll end up surrounded by mayo!
    xoxo

  11. KC Coake | 6th Apr 13

    I don't have a stockpile, but I love how organized yours is. I LOVE your labels, they are so cute!
    I would love if you would share this at my link party. http://www.realcoake.com/2013/04/real-family-fun-8.html
    Take care,
    KC

  12. Selene @ Restoration Beauty | 6th Apr 13

    Nice organization skills! Love your tips, thanks!
    Selene @ Restoration Beauty

  13. Unknown | 6th Apr 13

    Love this post! I always love to go through and organize my kitchen 🙂 I'd love for you to link up a few yummy recipes at my weekend link party@The Weekend re-Treat!
    on The Best Blog Recipes if you haven't already!

    Hope to see you there!

    Shauna
    http://thebestblogrecipes.blogspot.com/
    http://ready2loseweight.blogspot.com/

  14. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Apr 13

    Thanks KC! I LOVE the labels as well. Use can use them anywhere! I linked up! Thanks for the incite!
    xoxo

  15. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Apr 13

    Thanks for taking a look Selene!
    xoxo

  16. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Apr 13

    Thanks Shauna! I'll hop over and link something up!
    xoxo

  17. KC Coake | 6th Apr 13

    I need to make some labels for our craft area and for our playroom…thanks for the inspiration! Thanks so much for coming by and linking up! I hope to see you again next week.
    KC

  18. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Apr 13

    They would be adorable in those areas! Let me know if you end up using them!
    I saw some great ideas at your link party! I'll be back!

  19. Barb @ A Life in Balance | 7th Apr 13

    Wow! That looks amazing! I love the labels, too. I have a feeling if I organized my pantry shelves a bit more, I'd get fewer complaints about being out of ketchup when the bottle is sitting right there!

    Thanks for sharing your tip at Fabulously Frugal Thursday!

  20. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 7th Apr 13

    Thanks Barb! Why is it that only the Mama can see things that the rest of the family can't? : )
    I look forward to Fabulously Frugal Thursday each week! I get some great ideas!
    xoxo

  21. NOVA Frugal Family | 9th Apr 13

    I think that sounds like a great idea! I have an organization but it is all in my head and my husband and son couldn't find anything if they tried. I hope that mine would look that neat. I am working on cleaning everything so I think that organization comes next 🙂

  22. Unknown | 9th Apr 13

    So impressed!

    Would love for you to link up at Empty Your Archive. We have a special focus this week on decluttering and organisation, Alice @ Mums Make Lists x

  23. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 9th Apr 13

    Thanks Alice…Funny thing, take a look, I already linked up!
    xoxo

  24. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 9th Apr 13

    I LOVE the organization that's all in your head! I thought I was the only one that operates that way!
    Maybe the labels would help your husband and son! (Its helped my hubby!)
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  25. Kristen | 11th Apr 13

    I have a stockpile too, set up in the basement on shelves. My kitchen is tiny so my everyday products are down there, too. I recently reorganized and it's looking neat, but I must admit that I do love those labels of yours! I use baskets for my toiletries stockpile, but the rest I keep in lines to rotate so things don't expire. I love looking at the coupon bargains others find!

  26. Jenn | 14th Apr 13

    Looks great and fabulous organization system! Thanks for coming out to the party at Clean and Scentsible. Pinned!

  27. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    Oh Kristen, I have basement envy! No basements here in North Florida! My Jersey family has them but not me!
    I LOVE those FREE labels! So cute!~
    Thanks for reading!
    xoxo

  28. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    Thanks Jenn! I LOVE your blog and am thrilled that you came by to visit mine!
    Thanks for the "pin"!
    You made my day!
    xoxo

  29. Kitty Deschanel | 14th Apr 13

    You're SO organized! I think you might cry if you looked in my pantry (and you'd pass right out if you saw inside my fridge!)
    Thank you for linking to LambAround. I appreciate it 🙂

  30. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 14th Apr 13

    Lamb you are FUNNY! I wouldn't pass out or cry. Do you have any idea how HARD I have to work to stay organized?! It does NOT come easy to me!! The labels help : )
    Thanks for taking a look!
    xoxo

  31. Sunny Simple Life | 20th Apr 13

    This is just Awesome!!! You are so organized and I love the labels. Where are the picaboo canisters from?

  32. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 21st Apr 13

    Thanks Elaine…the canisters are old school tupperware!! I have had them forever!!
    I did a search and believe it or not…they still have them!!
    http://order.tupperware.com/pls/htprod_www/tup_show_item.show_item_detail?fv_item_category_code=21000&fv_item_number=P10048110000

    Thanks for reading!!
    xoxo

  33. corners of my life | 22nd Apr 13

    Great tips!

  34. Unknown | 10th May 13

    I have been needing to organize my pantry. Thank you for the tips! I came over from Tasty Thursdays at the Mandatory Mooch. Would love for you to check out my blog.

    lovepastatoolbelt.com

  35. Trish - Mom On Timeout | 22nd May 13

    So need to do this! Great tips! Thanks so much for sharing at Mom On Timeout!

  36. Unknown | 26th May 13

    I love your pantry! And I really gotta get me one of those laminaters.

    I'm hopping over from Bewitch Me and Titi Link Party. Hope you're having a great weekend!

    Ritchil
    http://chengand3kids.blogspot.com/

  37. Unknown | 26th May 13

    Awesome organization and great tips, these are always welcome! Thanks so much for sharing this at Bewitch Me & Titi! Hope to have you back next Sunday with more awesome shares!

    Hope you are having a lovely Sunday

    Hugs
    Cami @ TitiCrafty by Camila

  38. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th May 13

    Thank you Trish! Love your blog!! Thanks for hosting!
    xoxo

  39. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th May 13

    Thanks for taking a look Cami!
    xoxo

  40. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th May 13

    I love my little laminater and ending up getting it for a steal on amazon!
    Follow me on Facebook…next time they offer the deal, I'll post it!
    Thanks for taking a look Ritchil!
    xoxo

  41. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th May 13

    Thanks Emily!
    My belief is…Everything is better when labeled!! I'll hop over and visit you!
    xoxo

  42. Gail | 4th Jun 13

    Noticed you have potatoes and onions together…. I read somewhere that you should not store them near each other….?

    Also, I use one of those over the door (or screwed in) clear pockets shoe organizers ($5 at Walmart!) for my spices – and of course, spices are arranged alphabetically. Best system I have found!

  43. Karen | 4th Jun 13

    I love your blog and the way youve organized everything! Sure wish I had that skill 🙂 One question and I apologize if this has already been asked (couldnt find it) is where did you get the slide outs in your pantry? I would love to have that in mine as its so hard to see in the back.

    Thanks

  44. Claire @ A Little Claireification | 6th Jun 13

    LOVE your organized stockpile, Sharon! It's so nice to be able to "shop the pantry" whenever we need to because we've shopped the sales. Featuring this tomorrow afternoon on my "Best Of The Weekend" Fab Features. 🙂
    xoxo – Claire

  45. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Jun 13

    Claire~ You sure know how to make a girls day! Thanks for the feature!

    If I don't keep the stockpile organized my hubby can't find a thing! Then we end up buying MORE than we need! Nothing worse than throwing away expired food!

    Have a great weekend! xoxo

  46. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Jun 13

    Thank you Karen! You can have this skill…I promise! I am NOT an Organized person…I have to work at it…HARD!

    The slide outs are AWESOME! You are right…things get lost in the deep, dark back corners!

    The slide outs were purchased through KraftMaid (Lowes)when we remodeled our kitchen.
    You can also get some at Ikea or the Container Store. Do you have either of those stores near you?
    xoxo

  47. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 6th Jun 13

    Thanks for the awesome tips Gail.

    Yes, I used to keep them together…but after hearing from fantastic readers like you, potatoes and onions now have separate homes.
    xoxo

  48. Linda Stoll | 30th Jun 13

    yep … I remember those days well, couponing, refunding, having a little store in my walk-in pantry. and being so well prepared that when money was tight, there was no worry about putting food on the table!

    http://creeksideministries.blogspot.com/2008/05/pantry.html

    you've brought back lots of memories today, Sharon!

    Linda

  49. MorganizewithMe | 30th Jun 13

    I love the look of those awesome labels, I too have a thing for labels, they just make it easier on everyone in the family! Great site!

  50. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 30th Jun 13

    Thanks for reading Linda! As my Nana used to always say, "A penny saved, is a penny earned!" I LOVE saving money!!
    xoxo

  51. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 30th Jun 13

    I agree…those labels make us accountable. When things were not labeled I figured I would just stick stuff away and "deal" with it "later"….later NEVER came until, it was a TOTAL MESS!
    My goal…label everything (possible) in my home!!!
    xoxo

  52. Sara | 18th Jul 13

    I love your organized pantry. Im actually trying to organize mine & couldn't think of how to hide my canned goods & condiments. Where did you get those white baskets that you put yours in? Thx so much for sharing! 🙂

  53. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 18th Jul 13

    Hi Sara! I got those baskets at Target. The link to the cute labels is in the post.
    I have gotten some really cute baskets at The Dollar Tree for other projects (like my shed) They are not as sturdy as the Target baskets because I paid more for them. Do you have a store near you? If not you can order on-line at Target or Dollar Tree.
    Good Luck!
    xoxo

  54. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 19th Jul 13

    Here are the Target basket links.
    They come in sets of 4. They are very sturdy, I LOVE them!

    http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-yweave-set-of-4-medium-storage-baskets/-/A-14262880?reco=Rec|pdp|14262880|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1

    http://www.target.com/p/room-essentials-white-y-weave-s-4-large/-/A-14279146?reco=Rec|pdp|14279146|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1&lnk=Rec|pdp|ClickCP|item_page.new_vertical_1

  55. Unknown | 25th Aug 13

    I love your pantry ideas!! I really need to do something with mine as it's so crowded. Those baskets are a great idea!! Thanks for sharing. I saw you over at Who Needs a Cape linky party! 🙂

  56. Sharon ~ Life After Empty Nest | 28th Aug 13

    Thank you for taking a look Sandi! I LOVE the panty project and the best thing??? It has stayed neat and organized! Makes me smile when ever I need something because I know right where it is!
    xoxo

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