What to Stockpile

Updated on February 15, 2012
K.C. asks from Texarkana, AR
18 answers

Hi ladies hope everyone is having a great v day. So my husband and I have made a big step towards careers and life changes. My husband has decided to join the military of course ship date for BT isnt until July but I'm planning of starting back to college around the same time prolly mostly night classes. We have two babies in diapers a 18mth old and a 1 mth old. I'm really wanting to try and stock pile as much stuff as I can to get us thru while he is gone. Im a decent couponer so that's helping. I've started with toliet paper, shampoo and cond, soap, diapers,. But I'm lost on what else to start stock piling on. I've been making a list of things I need. I would like to try and go the six mths that he's gone without have to spend money except for food and fuel but I would like to have daily things stocked. Any help or ideas would be great . Thanks so much

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S.W.

answers from Amarillo on

Will you be near a post or a base? The commissary will have many of the things that you need for a lower price. Once he is in, you will be entitled to an ID card which will allow you access to the base with the commissary, base/post exchange/movie theater/child care facility and hospital.

As the other poster mentioned have him sign all of you up for the DEERS program (medical/dental). If you need a prescription filled it will have a lower co-pay. Search out which pharmacies, grocery stores and big box chains accept Tricare.

Thanks and good luck to you. You are in for a new way of life as a military wife.

The other S.
Retired Military Wife

1 mom found this helpful
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K.K.

answers from St. Louis on

This isn't about stockpiling, but if you can set up Skype, it can be a great way to allow the kids to see dad while he's gone--my friend's hubby was gone all summer on an internship but he played clapping games and peek-a-boo with the baby every week via Skype. He also made a couple of YouTube videos of him singing a favorite song that she could watch when she was upset.

Good luck with all the change--I wish you the best!

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L.W.

answers from Dallas on

Wow it sounds like ya'll have a lot going on. Thank your husband for me. That's wonderful and thank you. What to stockpile, what about detergent (for laundery and dishes), paper towels, can goods, feminine products, baby wipes, bottled water, basically anything that's non parishable. Oh, have your husband record himself reading one of their favorite books and have them listen while you turn the pages for them. Or have him record his own bed time stories and play it for them before they go to sleep. It'll help them while he is gone. Pictures all around for them. I'm sure you will get tons of ideas from the wonderful ladies on here. Again, thank you and what a wonderful idea that you have. Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful

K.M.

answers from Chicago on

My stock pile consists of:
Laundry Detergent (when it goes on sale I always buy)
Paper Goods - towels, plates, cups, toilet paper, flushable wipes, kleenex
OTC Meds, Tylenol, Advil, Vicks, Benedryl etc.
Vinegar (great uses all around)
Bread goods - bagels, waffles, loaves, tortillas, rolls etc.
Canned Fruits/Veggies you typically eat
Baking Soda (see vinegar)
Pasta Noodles - all shapes/sizes colors etc, they go on sale and I buy
You CAN freeze milk - look up how to do it properly
You CAN freeze cheese and butter too!
Make sure you have back up hair brushes, tooth brushes, tooth paste (baking soda is a good back up), multiple first aid kits, razors, hair ties (etc). Think of things you do on a regular basis and find out if you can freeze or shelf it then stock up on it. I would also stock up on toys and keep them hidden - kids LOVE new toys here and there so, when I shop by myslef and they are on sale I buy up a few so I always have something shiney and new for those "moments" in life where they are needed.
Do not stock pile diapers too much you might be surprised on the potty training train - do not stock pile too many "toddler" meals either they grow out of them quickly.

1 mom found this helpful

C.O.

answers from Washington DC on

CONGRATULATIONS to your husband for his decision to serve! THANK him for us, please? Boot camp won't be easy. What service is he joining? does he have his bachelors degree so that he can become an officer?

Buy gas cards with the money you have saved in coupons.

Buy grocery store gift cards with the money you have saved in coupons
you when you feel the tightness of the reduced budget.

Canned goods. I personally don't like canned veggies, but do have them in our emergency kit.

baby food.

If you can buy meat in bulk and freeze it - do. Especially when it's on sale. Even though I realize you only want to have to spend money on food and fuel - purchasing while on sale and freezing will help you save more money.

Tampons and sanitary needs.

buy diapers when they are on sale and use those coupons - buy different sizes. diaper wipes.

You know you can save even more money and buy your shampoo, conditioner, soap and cleaning supplies at the Dollar Store? And you can use coupons there as well.

1 mom found this helpful

C.P.

answers from Columbia on

I've been in the Army for ten years now, so I know what your hubs will be going through. I'd like to make a suggestion:

Be certain that you are enrolled in DEERS before your husband ships. He can ask his recruiter about it. This will get you enrolled in Tricare for health insurance. He should also ask about Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), since he's married. And you should visit the post education center to ask about college scholarship programs for military spouses. There are LOTS of schools out there that will cover tuition costs for military spouses.

Also, as soon as you figure out where he'll be assigned, contact their Family Readiness Group (FRG) and ask for a sponsor.

You have a HUGE life change ahead of you! Best of luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

Over the counter medications such as adult and children cold medicines, cough meds, ibuprofen, acetaminphen, neosporin, bacitracin, bandages, if you have very young kids teething supplies, diapers and diaper creams, wipes, bath stuff. You might want to consider cloth diapers if you expect tight times. They can be washed and you own them.

Daily stuff like toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair styling products, cosemetics (basics like lipstick, mascara, blush), "ladies monthly" supplies, facial scrubs, lotions, creams or astringents if you use those.

Get a good all purpose cleaner that you can use anywhere from the kitchen counters to the bathroom. Lysol all purpose cleaner or Mr. Clean are good for this purpose. Get it in bulk and some spray bottles...then you can use it for floors, or surfaces. Laundry supplies are important such as detergent, softners, stain removers, and bleach (if you use it).

Last but not least, get your pantry basics stocked up. Dried goods like beans, rice, flour, corn starch, baking powder, baking soda, sugar (white and brown), oats, corn meal, salt, pepper, spices, baking mixes, cooking wines, molasses, (corn syrup if you use it), honey, maple syrup, cooking oil, dried milk, shortening and chocolate chips, dried fruits and nuts. With the basics you'll be able to make anything from scratch.

If you have a deep freezer get meats, breads, make ahead meals are good for future planning. Time savers like instant potato, boxed meals like mac n' cheese and burger helper are nice to have on hand. Canned good basics like soup, broths, meats (tuna and chicken) and veggies and fruits for baking are always good too. Don't go over board because they don't have a long shelf life, but you'd be okay in 6 months time if you stocked up on mayo, salad dressings, and condiments.

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A.V.

answers from Washington DC on

For a week, write down the things you use. Then look at the list and see what would store for 6 months without going bad or leaking. Dish soap, trash bags, dryer sheets...even extra hair ties, brushes, toothbrushes and toothpaste (did you know that toothpaste has a shelf life? Don't buy 3 years' worth at a time). I'd also stock up on things like kiddie art supplies (washable crayons, paper, etc.) so your toddler can express him/herself without needing another trip to the store. We had an issue with pantry moths in our area so I don't stock up on things like flour unless I have freezer space.

The only thing I caution is that if your little one develops an issue with a brand of diaper, you might need to switch. My DD couldn't take certain brands and every time I see huge stocks of all these different diapers, I personally cringe. If one brand works right now, find THAT sale vs lots of different kinds.

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M.Q.

answers from Los Angeles on

Hi K.. I'm a couponer too and for the last 6 months I haven't had to buy a single diaper!! I did the Huggies deal that Rite aid had going on a while back, i think it was spend $70 get $30 back something like that. So I would say stock up on diapers and wipes as much as you can.

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Why are you stockpiling so much.. You need to also get out and about for your own health and sanity..

I do have a stockpile, I am at the market daily and I do not coupon. My stockpile is:
TP
Paper towels
butter
cheese
noodles
instant potatoes
rice
canned veggies
baby wipes (my daughter is 17 but baby wipes are fantastic little cleaners)
laundry detergent ( I have HE and I stock up with my brand is on sale)
condiments
dishwasher and dish detergent

Special thanks to your hubby!!

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R.A.

answers from Wausau on

Baby wipes, Laundry detergent, dish soap, toothpaste, dishwasher deternent (if you have one), kleenex, paper towel, general cleaning supplies.

I have a shelf In my basement and stock up on things when they are a good deal, or use sams club a lot and buy in bulk. Good Luck you are going to save your family $$$$

p.s. Not sure if you need clothes, but now is the time to get clothes for next year :)

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K.M.

answers from Oklahoma City on

I kind of scanned the previous answers and the only things I can think of that I didn't see mentioned already are first aid stuff (bandaids, neosporin, gauze, etc) and also the stuff you will need for classes: folders, notebook and computer paper, computer ink...maybe even buy yourself a gift card to the college book store that you can use for future semesters.

If you wanted to stockpile food, besides already non-perishable stuff there are ways to increase the shelf life of foods, like canning, dehydrating veggies and fruits (even make your own, preservative-free fruit rollups for the kids), and using a food saver to vacuum-seal foods for the freezer, which will help guard against freezer burn. A little investment in the equipment to do those things up front may pay off in the end.

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G.B.

answers from Oklahoma City on

My guru is Peggy Layton. Go to your local library and ask for her book that is about home emergency planning. It is matter of fact and plain to read. It is a plan for your family that YOU make. You track what foods you eat them you know what you need to buy and it tells you how to go about planning food and other stuff for your family.

Her website and a ling to the book that is my favorite:

http://peggylayton.net/

http://peggylayton.net/index.php?app=ccp0&ns=prodshow...

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L.M.

answers from New York on

I would also suggest cleaning products and laundry detergent. Don't forget the other H&B items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, etc.

I'm a big stockpiler of food. When there's a sale, or I have coupons, I stock up. Pasta has been on sales lately and I have over 30 boxes down in my basement. I also have a large freezer and stock up when meat is on sale. Buying in bulk will also help you save. Just be sure to check the expiration dates.

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K.P.

answers from Dallas on

laundry detergent, formula (if your using it), frozen food items( if you have room to store it), baby wipes, baby food (has a long shelf life) toothpaste, paper towels, dish soap, canned goods, the list goes on and on. Anything that is a nonperisable item can be stock piled, just make sure you organize it so that you are using them by the date they expire.

L.L.

answers from Rochester on

Cleaning supplies, other toiletries (toothpaste, deodorant, floss, whatever you use...), kleenex, paper towels and plates, etc.

Diapers might not be the best thing to stockpile unless you're sure you can guess what sizes they will been in and for how long. However, you can stock up on wipes!

Think about what else you use that may run out...stamps, envelopes, paper, tape, etc...we go through a lot of those in our house. Definitely have to buy all those more than once in six months.

Buy ahead a few sizes in clothes and pajamas, but wait for shoes because you never know what will fit and what won't.

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M.C.

answers from Detroit on

Stock up on Batteries. You always need them for kids toys!

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C.B.

answers from San Francisco on

Paper towels
baby wipes
laundry detergent
cleaning supplies
tampons/kotex

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