Guest post from Jessica of Manna on My Path
When I first learned about buying in bulk and all of its money-saving potential, my Type-A, overachiever nature kicked into overdrive.
I researched every blog, website, book, and frazzled-homemaker tutorial to find out how I could have a miniature grocery store in my very own basement or garage, full of items that were free or mostly-free. I was pumped!
There was just one little problem — I don’t have a garage… or a basement. And while we’re at it, I don’t have a pantry, a place to put a deep-freezer, or even shelves in my freezer! I live in a glorified town home that looks as if someone sliced it off from its neighbors as an afterthought to technically make it a “house.”
My personal grocery store dreams were dashed. No space = no savings, right?
For awhile I persisted with this negative mentality and gave up on bulk buying, knowing I was missing out on some serious long-term savings. But then I was surfing and salivating through Crystal’s pointers and tips one day and came across her vlog on keeping a positive attitude.
I realized I had literally been moping and whining for months, blaming something I could not change (my house) to excuse something I could (my spending). I resolved to suck my lip back in, roll up my sleeves, and take up Crystal’s challenge to create space for inventory even if it doesn’t naturally offer itself up to you on a silver platter.
I tackled my shelve-less freezer first (and really, NO shelves?? I really do not understand that design idea. But I digress…)
We took on the mentality that we would need to invest a little money in order to save money in the long run. So we made room in the household budget for some inexpensive organizational tools like freezer-friendly baskets, over-the-door pantry organizers, and plastic shelving.
For the freezer, the following tips were major space-savers:
- Freezer-friendly baskets
- Freeze bagged items flat first, then turn them upright once frozen to make a file-folder system of sorts
- Use matching plastic containers so that they stack easily
- Break down larger items into small containers or bags whenever possible.
- Instead of freezing raw meat, which takes up a LOT of space, cook it first (like shredded chicken), then freeze it.
- Do bi-weekly or monthly freezer clean-outs. Consistent re-organization is crucial to small spaces.
I now can fit several pounds of different meats, veggies, and pre-made soups and sauces; several pounds of butter, cheese, and milk/creamer; and, of course, the ever-important ice cream collection.
I then moved on to creating a pantry for bulk items.
We transformed our coat closet for this purpose, using an over-the-door organizer and a simple wire shelf. With just 30 minutes of my time, my dream was partially realized: a mini-store right in my closet!
I still dream of the day when we will be able to afford a house with a garage, basement, and walk-in pantry. But until that day comes, it is my responsibility to take what I do have and transform it into a thrifty haven of savings.
Jessica is a full-time stay-at-home, money-saving mom of two little preschoolers. She loves to write, cook, read, and enlarge her ever-growing collection of coffee mugs. She appreciates finding the Divine in the mundane, the spiritual in the ordinary, finding God’s Path filled with grace, peace, and strength for her calling. She writes a momentary blog Manna on My Path.
