What should you stockpile?

All over the news I am seeing how people are becoming more frugal and I have even seen talk about stockpiling. Most of the time when people think stockpile, they think food. This is one of the easiest things to stockpile, but there are so many more areas that you can do this. Most importantly you should stockpile the things that you use. Part of having a stockpile is to be prepared for an emergency. Many times people buy cheap things like ramen for emergencies, but if you do not like ramen then what is the point of having a bunch of it? Stockpile what you use and rotate it through as you use them.

Food - the most obvious choice to stockpile. The key is to stock up on the things that you will use when they are at a very low price. I see people talk about stocking up and buying 24 cans of veggies at $1 a can. That isn't a great price, so it will be expensive to stock up at this price. I prefer to wait until there are rock bottom prices and then stock up.

Toiletries - the items you can stockpile here are numerous. Anything you use like deoderant, toothpaste, lotion, hair products, etc. you can stock up on. Take advantage of the deals at CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid and get most of these items for free or next to nothing.

Paper products - toilet paper, kleenex, napkins, ziploc bags, tinfoil, etc. These things don't expire, so if you can get them for free then stock up. The only thing here, is the items can take up a lot of space. Don't buy more than you can comfortably store.

Medicine - any medicine that you regularly use can be stocked up on, when you find it at a very low price. Be very careful about expiration dates. Keeping a well stocked medicine cabinet can really save you money. Think about those middle of the night or last minute trips for medicine for a sick child. Nothing like paying an outrageous price at the corner store at 1 am. Be prepared and you will save a ton in this area.

Pet supplies - anything your animal regularly eats or uses can be stockpiled when on sale.

Cleaning supplies - anything you normally use, there are usually no expiration dates.

Office supplies - take advantage of back to school sales and get your years supply of notebooks, pens, pencils, etc. August is prime time for saving a ton of money in this area.

Car supplies - oil, filters, windshield wipers don't often go on sale, but if you find one then take advantage and stock up!

Baby supplies - you can do this even before your baby comes, be prepared and you will save a ton of money.

Stockpiling is a wonderful way to save money in many areas. Just make sure that you rotate through your stock and use what expires first. Don't buy more than you can use before it expires or it will be a waste of money. If you faithfully do this in every area then you will rarely pay full price for these items. You will be prepared for emergencies big and small and make your every day lives less stressful.