---
title: Stocking Up
date: 2025-11-19
lastmod: 
published: true
tags: 
    - housekeeping
---

This is a strategy for managing household consumables that prioritizes never running out. 

Think of some consumable groceries that you (1) use on a recurring basis, and (2) are either nonperishable or take significantly longer to expire than it takes for you to consume them. A few examples in my household:

- Cleaning supplies
- Paper towel / toilet paper
- Butter
- Olive oil
- Diapers and butt cream
- Jelly

Now, we'll divide this set into two classes based on how fast you consume the smallest standalone unit: **slow-burn** consumables are those which take you a significantly longer interval to use (from start to finish) than the interval between trips to the grocery store where you get them; **fast-burn** consumables are those which you completely use on an interval that is smaller or similarly-sized than the interval between shopping trips.

For slow-burn consumables, keep one un-opened extra on hand. When you finish the opened unit, leave the empty package by your door to remind you to get another the next time you're out. Some examples of slow-burn consumables for me include:

- gallon jug of white vinegar for cleaning
- a jar of salt or pepper
- gallon jug of dishsoap
- a bottle of vitamin pills

For fast-burn consumables, stash enough of them to last you at least one full between-shopping-trips interval around your house. Some examples of fast-burn consumables for me include:

- a roll of toilet paper
- a jar of jelly
- an Affresh tablet

Multi-packs of fast-burn consumables can be treated en-bloc as slow-burn consumables, but only if you keep an entire extra multi-pack as backup. Some examples include:

- a 4-pack of butter
- a 24-pack of soda cans
- a box of diapers

The main reason against storing a full backup of a multi-pack is storage.

Another principle of the stock-up strategy is that larger packs typically have lower unit prices, so when possible, opt for them. 

The last thing to note is that when consumables you use regularly go on sale, it is an opportunity for you to stock up on as many as you have space for (and if perishable, can use before the expiration date).