Winter Hoarding

Believe it or not, it's time to start thinking about hoarding needed supplies for the Winter season. We often don't stop to think about picking up an additional package of fire starter logs, or cases of bottled water while we're shopping for bathing suits and flip flops, but that's exactly what we should be doing. Two reasons, Winter weather, no matter where you live, gets wacky...and... Almost without fail, at some point, the power goes out because of the previously mentioned bad weather.

Hoarding does not mean stocking your garage or supply shack to it's absolute limit. It means being sensible about the things that you will later have to spend money on, that will cost more then, because of the way retailers hike up the prices. If you buy things 'off season', you will generally get a better bargain because retailers want to move these items off their shelves to make room for newer products. So keep your eyes peeled for really good off-season bargains.

Here is a list of some items you want to keep your eyes out for and begin hoarding for the Winter months:

1. Snow tires. If you can afford to buy an entire set of 4 and get them on sale in the summer... Grab them! LOL
2. Tire chains. 1 set for each vehicle in your home. This applies ONLY if you live in mountainous terrain.
3. Anti-freeze for your vehicles.
4. Windshield wiper fluid (water is acceptable to use in the summer, but it freezes, so make sure you have wiper fluid on hand to use in the Winter)
4. Lock De-icer spray (this can be found in most auto parts stores, and comes in very handy)
5. Additional BBQ supplies (propane, briquettes...etc). If the power goes out, you still have a way to cook.
6. Fireplace and/or pellet stove supplies
7. Flannel sheets, ultra warm bedding materials, mattress covers, etc.
8. Bottled water. Water does not 'spoil' like other bottled items can. It takes almost 2 years before un-opened bottled water can start to 'go bad'.
9. Medical supplies. Beef up that first aid kit as well as possible. If you want, make an entirely different one specifically for winter emergencies.
10. Clothing. Now is when you're going to find ALOT of left over winter clothing on sale. Grab it! You'll save a lot of money in the Winter :)
11. Pre-made food items. Soups, instant coffees, instant breakfast drinks, powdered juice drinks, etc. At the most you'll need a can opener and your BBQ.
12. Camping style cooking supplies. If you live in an area that is prone to winter power outages, these are nearly essential in order to keep you safe and healthy.
13. Hygiene products. These include, but are not limited to, deodorant, feminine products, facial tissues, toilet paper, tooth paste, extra tooth brushes, dental floss, mouth wash...etc.
14. Candles
15. Batteries (and lots of them)
16. Lighters and matches
17. Sleeping bags with ultra low temperature ratings (-30 degrees is preferable, just in case)
18. Powdered milk. It's yucky, but if the power goes out, milk will go bad in under 2 hours and if placed outside, freezes quickly. So keeping at least 1 small box of dry milk on hand is a good idea.
19. Cell phone with a battery style recharger. Power goes out, phone dies... You're outta luck. Get the battery based rechargers just in case.
20. Gloves, hats, scarves, ear muffs, ski hats...etc. Any of these items that you can grab on sale, do it. You'll need them.
Remember, the above list is only a small portion of a major guideline to use. With this, however, you get the idea. With the prices of gas and oil these days, as well as the businesses needing to make a profit in some way just to keep themselves operating, saving money wherever possible is necessary. Buying items during off season sales is one of the best ways to both stock up for up-coming months, and save a lot of money in the process. During the winter months, your electric and gas bills are going to sky rocket. Saving money now, helps to ensure that you'll have a safer, warmer and healthier winter.

Also, remember that if you have pets, to stock up on items they will also need. They may have fur coats, but that's not going to keep them well fed, completely warm and 100% healthy should the power go out for any length of time.