Creating a Store Cupboard to see me through a lean patch

islandhoppa

Ooh will investigate store cupboard blogs now

YoungBlueEyes

It’s not strictly essential, but if you have a few spare pennies in the run up to Jan, maybe put some treats into your stash too. A bit of choc, some packs of jelly, crisps? A bit of a lift for the darkest part of the year  

Oh and if you’re buying nuts, keep them in the fridge. The fats in them eventually oxidise and go rancid at room temp, like butter does. (I learnt that on here 🤓)

grunnie

Do you have a freezer? Local butchers sometimes have special packs. I buy the 7 items for £27 from a choice of 30 items.  This last me about 3 months.
 I buy large containers of shampoo and shower gel  and decant them into little bottles and I add some water to make them go even further. I do the same with cleaners.4 litres of product like flash,  a small amount add water and this will clean the whole bathroom or kitchen. I would also bulk but washing up liquid.

mumtoomany

Hi, @islandhoppa. Try thinking outside of the box for storage. On top of kitchen cupboards, under the bed, chest of drawers, bookcase. Stored dried goods don't have to be in the kitchen. As for savings, maybe try to put some into premium bonds. Takes a few days to get it back out again, so less tempting to spend. And you may just win. Dried beans, cook all in one go, then freeze in boxes/bags. Saves on fuel and time. Seeds, if you want to grow your own, try premium seeds. I use them, get lots of seeds for very little. I sell spare plants on the gate.

Following along, hugs, mumtoomany.xxx

sammy_kaye18

I would second the 'look at what you eat' approach. Go from there and start to stock up on those essentials you know you will use eat - no point having bags of pasta if you hate the stuff for example. 

Also try finding some bargains/discounts etc on basic items like shampoo, soap, washing up liquid, washing tablets/powder/liquid etc, toilet roll. 

Don't forget to include treats for yourself too. Even if its things like a cheap facemask, pound land nail polish etc as well. You need to have little things to enjoy too. My MIL learnt to make her own wine during lockdown with the strawberries she grew in her garden so shes never without now. 

I would recommend growing your own bits and pieces too. There is a website called budget seeds online and they have seeds for 29p a pack of all the basics - lettuce, tomatoes, pepper and a whole range of other things. I keep stocked up with them and have had no issues with anything from them. Plus it gets you outside, fresh air and being productive too so keeps your mind active during your downtime too. 

comeandgo

Do supermarkets still let you buy stamps to put in a card to keep for Christmas?  If you don’t have space and can’t trust yourself not to spend then possibly stamps would help?

islandhoppa

Ok so I’ve made a start… went to Home bargains and bought the giga pack of fairy non bio (95 washes but I tend to use slightly smaller dose) so at 3 loads a week that should be all I need. Have tried down branding but we have eczema sufferers here.

Also bought a big pack of dishwasher tabs - only 60 in the pack but being time richer I’ll probably reduce number of loads (currently goes on about 5 times a week). Added to existing stocks (several packs of toilet roll, shampoos and conditioners, soap etc.) Hardly any space taken up in the designated cupboard so far.

Thanks @comeandgo I think Morrisons and Asda still do the saver card but I tend to shop in Aldi/Lidl and don’t think they do

Katiehound

islandhoppa said:

 

Thanks @comeandgo I think Morrisons and Asda still do the saver card but I tend to shop in Aldi/Lidl and don’t think they do

If you are feeling slightly flush you could put some money on an Aldi gift card  and top it up each week / month with whatever you can spare- then, come the lean times you would have some money squirrelled away.  (You can only use the card at a manned till not the self scan)

I realise this is not quite the same as the saver card scheme- because the store gives a small reward- but this way you could save a bit.

islandhoppa

Never thought of an Aldi gift card yes that’s a great idea and may be the way to subsidise my storecupboard with meat and fresh fruit, milk etc during that period, thank you @katiehound

Katiehound

and to help with your budget  instead of one card you could fill the first up to, say £50, then start a new one. That way you know exactly what is on one card, don't need to take a very valuable card out with you (to mislay, use up, etc. ) They are valid for 5 years.