Here's the Deal: You can stockpile without hoarding

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Despite some of the negative light shone on couponer stockpiles on the show “Extreme Couponing,” stockpiling is a great way to save money — as long as you’re buying in quantities realistic for your household.

Stockpiling is simply buying larger quantities of items than you can immediately use. It’s buying in bulk for much lower prices than you’d find buying at a warehouse store.

So how do you maintain the balance between stockpiling and hoarding? It takes time to figure out exactly how much of an item your family will use. Getting your stockpile started is the hardest part — I promise it gets easier once you have good supply and have become accustomed to sale cycles and couponing.

Good items to stockpile include those with a long expiration dates such as: toilet paper, cleaners, toothbrushes, deodorant, shampoo and detergents.

I use “The Rule of One” when it comes to stockpiling: If the item is on sale for less than $1 with coupon, it’s a fairly good price. Another rule is to compare the price to generics. If the sale price with coupon is less than a generic item, the item is generally worth buying.

Build the foundation for your stockpile when items are at their “rock-bottom” price — for me that’s 50 cents or less. Yes, you can find items you want and will use for 50 cents or less if you buy in bulk when the sale hits.

For my household, I can never get enough pasta. I usually buy 20 boxes at a time when it’s free or costs only pennies. I know I’ll use most of those 20 boxes before the next sale comes around, so this is an effective way to stockpile.

Sales usually come around in six-month cycles, so start your stockpile with reasonable quantities — buy 10 of an item such as cereal, shampoo and pasta. If you need more before the next sale, increase your purchase number next time. If you use less, donate or give excess to friends. Your goal is to never have to buy these items at full price.

You may not pay $6 for $400 worth of stuff, but if you save 50 percent off your grocery bill because you’re using coupons and stockpiling items, you’re doing a great job in my book.