Everyone has seen those viral social media photos of massive stockpiles of laundry products that look like mini supermarkets. You may wonder, how do they get there? With coupon limits and rising prices, is it even possible to build a stockpile anymore? The answer is a resounding YES! While it’s not as easy as it once was, with a little work and strategic planning, you can absolutely build a stockpile that works for your family.
First, ask yourself:
- What is too much? Decide how much you realistically need. You don’t need five years’ worth of laundry detergent—it can go bad.
- What do you want to stock up on? Focus on high-use items like laundry detergent or paper products.
- How will you do it? Develop a game plan, starting with the deals and stores in your area.
Let’s begin with laundry detergent. Believe it or not, you can score FREE laundry detergent weekly to add to your stockpile. Here’s how:
The CVS Strategy for Stocking Up on Laundry Detergent
Every week, CVS runs a P&G promotion that often includes Tide and Gain products, such as liquid detergent and pods. The specific items included vary, but the concept remains the same. This is the exact method I use to stock up on Tide Pods.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Start with a Promo Deal:
- Look for CVS deals like “Spend $30, Get $10 ExtraCare Bucks (ECBs)” or “Spend $20, Get $5 ECBs.”
- Clip coupons from the CVS app, digital offers, or printable coupons from P&G Everyday Rewards.
- Make Your First Purchase:
- For example, during a “Spend $30, Get $10 ECB” promo, I used coupons to bring my total down to around $15. After the purchase, I earned $10 ECBs.
- Roll Your Rewards:
- The following week, a new promo might appear: “Spend $20, Get $5 ECBs.” Use the $10 ECBs from the previous week toward this deal. After coupons, I spent about $1.96 for four bags of Tide Pods and earned another $5 ECB.
- Repeat and Save:
- With each cycle of deals, you’re spending less out-of-pocket and building your stockpile. Some weeks, you may be able to get 2-3 bags of Tide Pods completely free by combining coupons and ECBs.
Tips for Success:
- Track the Promotions: Use the CVS app to stay updated on weekly deals.
- Use High-Value Coupons: Printable coupons and app-exclusive offers often yield the best savings.
- Be Patient: It takes time to build a stockpile, so don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once.
Join P&G Rewards
Don’t forget to sign up for P&G Rewards! By purchasing P&G products, you can earn points that can be redeemed for gift cards or other rewards. Additionally, P&G Rewards often offers rebates that allow you to save even more on your purchases. This is a great way to stretch your budget while building your stockpile.
Walgreens: Another Great Option
Walgreens frequently offers P&G products on sale with opportunities to earn in-store rewards and Catalinas (printed coupons you can use on your next purchase). By stacking these rewards with manufacturer coupons, you can score significant savings. Keep an eye out for their weekly ad and make the most of their rewards program to supplement your stockpile.
Shopping at Dollar General
Dollar General is another excellent place to stock up on laundry detergent and other household essentials. Shop on Saturdays to take advantage of their $5 off $25 purchase coupon, which you can combine with manufacturer coupons for maximum savings. This strategy is particularly effective for scoring deals on P&G products, helping you build your stockpile without breaking the bank.
What About Other Products?
This strategy works for other household items like Bounty and Charmin, though the coupons for these items tend to be lower value. While you may spend more out-of-pocket initially, rolling ECBs can still help you save significantly over time.
NOW WHERE TO START
Cycling CVS deals on a regular basis can help you build a reliable stockpile of laundry detergent without breaking the bank. The key is consistency and knowing what works for your household. Remember, you don’t need a stockpile that rivals those viral photos. Focus on getting enough for your family to save money and stay organized.
With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a practical and budget-friendly stockpile. Happy couponing!