Tomorrow we are moving!! I have used up all of my stockpiles and freezer food and well, basically Everything! So this weekend, when I get to my new place, I will basically have to start over,new, from scratch . I need EVERYTHING for the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. The one good thing that I can think of is that there is an Aldi's where I am going and while I've never shopped at one, I've read so many good things about them here that I can't wait to try it. So does anyone have any suggestions of stocking EVERYTHING at one time without breaking the bank??

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My suggestion is to not stock EVERYTHING at one time. Sit down and do some simple meal planning for the next week and then buy the stuff you need to make that. Next week, plan again and buy those items.

Why buy mustard now if you are not going to actually use it for a month or more? Planning will help you know what you really do need now. Have you also thought out what dishes you will have immediate access too? Can you get to plates, silverware, the crockpot and a few other staples now or will it be a hassle to get to the corckpot? If so plan around that.

Good luck

Now is a good time to stock up on picnic items/condiments with July 4th sales. Meat and pop are usually on sale as well.

A tip for Aldi's--remember if you don't like the item you purchased you can return it for a refund.

I would take it slow and look for sales when you are rebuilding your pantry.

Good luck moving!

I agree! Don't overwhelm your self. Buy the necessary things and wait for the others to either go on sale or when you will need it. Build up things week to week. Good Luck on your move.

I agree too! Don't get everything all at once! If you find a GREAT sale on other things that you know you'll be needing and use on a regular basis- then by all means BUY it! The things I would get for sure would be...sugar, flour, salt, pepper, ketchup, mustard, any salad dressings that you use on a regular basis and what ever you need to prepare food for the next week or so. Also, I always have to have popsickles/summer frozen treats on hand- and I am sure there are good sales out there! I just bought an entire bag (35) of Store brand popsicles for $2.97! I was totally excited!!! Good luck on your move and unpacking- I know it's a HUGE job!

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One happy wife and mommy!!!

I am on an extreamly limited grocery budget for my family of 4 ($100/month). I would suggest, that in order to not break the bank, you could do a modified version of what I do.. First I meal plan based on what is on sale for the week. On my grocery list I write the sale price and an inital for the store I found it at. If I am able to get everything I need on sale at the 2 stores close to home (safeway & albertsons), then I just shop there and call it good. However, if there are more than 2 items on my list that are not on sale, then I drive the extra 10 minutes (one way) to Winco &/or grocery outlet. I do my shoping there first, and I look for everything on my list.. even the things on sale. Sometimes at the discount stores I am able to get most of my items cheaper than at the traditional supermarket. I don't mind making the extra stop since both Albertsons and Safeway are on the way home.

If you know what big name stores will be in the area, see if they have their advertisement online. You can make your shoping list now, and then when you are ready to go to Aldi, you are prepared to know what will be the best buy for the week. You know what you like to keep in your pantry, so if it is on sale for a good buy, pick it up. Otherwise, only buy absolutely need to make the meals for the week if it is not on sale..

Good Luck!
-Sarah

I would definately buy paper plates and cups for the first week. Who wants to wash dishes their first week in a new house with all that unpacking. Good luck!

Like others have stated I would plan a menu for until the next time you go grocery shopping- a lot of the times you can use the same product for many things over again (like bisquick- can make pancakes, biscuits and so on). You can get a couple things to stock up on (like someone mentioned paper plates and so on- )- but this is a great week to stock up on meats and condiments. In our area- later this month is when they usually will run a big sale on canned vegies which I stock up on for winter time (when fresh vegies are not always an option!).

Remember that it usually will take awhile to get a good stockpile! I am in the process of using mine up and getting ready to replenish- I know that it will usually take me a good 2-3 months to get it back to where I like it- timing is everything to me!

BTW- good luck on the move!

Thanks everyone! I know you are all right but this is going to be so hard for me. I'm more one to open the freezer/refrigerator and say "What am I going to make tonight?" rather than plan a weeks worths of menus. Plus all of that on top of moving and getting settled..Aagghh! I didn't really even think about it being the holiday sale weekend and meats being cheap- that'll really help! I'm sure I'll get by and everything will end up OK but Aagghhh!

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