4 Budget-Friendly Tips for Stocking Your Pantry

Stock your pantry without breaking the bank.

Pantry spicesPhoto byM Henderson

A house or apartment can't feel like a home if there's nothing there to eat. Once all the furniture is arranged inside a new residence, the next step is to stock the pantry.  

Here are a few budget-friendly ideas for filling the kitchen shelves.

1. Make a Shopping List and Stick to It

Open the doors to the kitchen cabinets, and envision what you would like to see there. What are the staples required to cook the meals you and your family enjoy? Make a list of dry goods like spices, rice, pasta, and quinoa. Canned items such as tomatoes and other vegetables are excellent for quick meals.

Avoid the temptation to overspend by shopping only for the items on the list.

2. Look for Sales

Many supermarkets send out emails advertising their weekly sales.  By signing up for these emails at all of your preferred stores, you can stay aware of where the best deals can be found. Two-for-one sales or discounts on things like day-old bakery items are a good way to save money and double up on your meal opportunities. Damaged packaging, like dented cans or label misprints, cannot be sold at full price. Grocers will often offer these items for sale at greatly reduced prices.

3. Buy in Bulk

When you find good sales, stock up. There's absolutely nothing wrong with a product that has the wrong color printed on the label. For items that you use often, this is a great way to always have what you need on hand.

4. Take Advantage of Frequent Shopper Programs

Stores like to give their customers a reason to shop with them. Incentives like frequent shopper programs give loyal customers discounts on future shops after reaching a threshold of a certain number of dollars spent. This is an excellent way to make your food dollars go further.

A well-stocked pantry adds comfort to a new place. It is the best way to eat healthy while saving money.