Backstock is one of those terms which has become popular in the past few years and refers to items that (usually stores) have in the back to restock shelves when items sell out. For individuals, backstock is like having your own storage of non-perishable items to save money and trips to the store.

Here’s how to build your own backstock without spending all the money.

The first and second things to consider is your budget and your space. If you’re currently living paycheck to paycheck and live in a one bedroom apartment with no closets then your idea of backstock is going to be very different than an individual with excess funds and a full basement that no one else uses.

For now, consider where you would store items if you had a plastic bin full of stuff.

• Under the bed?
• In the garage?
• Stacked in that closet in the guest room?

Don’t worry about having enough space to own 2-3 extras of everything, first just identify the space that you have.

I’ll assume that, at some point, everyone will have $1-5 to spend on something that would be considered backstock so let’s talk about what to stock.

The most important concept here is that backstock is meant to be used.

If you don’t use it now, or never have, don’t stock it.

Here’s a list of items I would stock and feel free to steal it and adapt it for your family:

Toiletries	Cleaning	Medical	Office	Miscellaneous
tooth brush tooth paste floss / mouthwash hair ties hair brush / comb hand soap body soap shampoo conditioner razor shaving cream lotion	cleaning rags paper towels all purpose cleaner windex dish scrubbers sponges dish wash detergent soap for clothes dryer sheets / balls spare vacuum filter wood cleaner dusters	band aids neosporin cold meds pain meds large bandages ice packs heating pads gauze bandage wraps bug spray bug bite treatment	pens Sharpies printer paper stapler and staples Tape and dispenser calculator batteries ruler phone charger headphones screen cleaners	toilet paper candles Lighters or matches flashlights pet treats pet pick up baggies diapers wrapping paper scissors nail polish remover nail clipper nail files

Now, I don’t have babies so the “diapers” edition is a nod to both parents who need them for their children and older adults who might need them for accidents. The goal is to look at your needs and decide what to stock. If you don’t have a dishwasher you don’t need dishwasher soap! If there are no pets, no need for treats.

Use this as a guideline to start your own list and then check back tomorrow where I’ll be sharing how to decide how much you need and how to stock up.