7 of the Best Items to Stock Up on in March to Save Money and Grow Your Stockpile

Starting a stockpile is one of the most effective ways to save money throughout the year, and March is the perfect time to start. Seasonal sales, grocery discounts, and bulk buying opportunities make this month ideal for stocking up on essentials. If you’ve never stockpiled before, don’t worry—this guide will walk you through the best items to buy in March to maximize your savings and create a stockpile that will benefit your household for months to come.
Below, you’ll find a detailed breakdown of why March is such a strategic month for stockpiling and which items you should focus on. Plus, there’s a handy table to help you organize the categories, typical prices, and estimated savings for these purchases.

Why Stockpiling in March Saves You Money
March is a transition month when retailers offer discounts on winter inventory while introducing spring items. This creates opportunities to save money on seasonal goods, pantry staples, and household essentials. Additionally, March is the lead-up to several holidays, such as St. Patrick’s Day and Easter, which means you can find sales on holiday-themed items and ingredients.
Another factor to consider is National Frozen Food Month. Every March, frozen foods are deeply discounted, making it the best time to stock your freezer with vegetables, fruits, meals, and even desserts. Grocery stores and manufacturers often partner to promote frozen goods, offering coupons and bulk-buy deals to encourage sales.
Here are some key facts to keep in mind:
- March is National Frozen Food Month, so prices for frozen items are often reduced by 10-30%.
- Retailers clear out winter clothing and gear to make room for spring arrivals, offering discounts of up to 50%.
- St. Patrick’s Day sales bring markdowns on corned beef, cabbage, and baking supplies.
- Spring cleaning promotions lead to price cuts on cleaning supplies and organizational tools.
By taking advantage of these seasonal discounts, you can stretch your budget further and build a solid stockpile of essentials.

Best Items to Stock Up on in March
1. Frozen Foods
Frozen vegetables, fruits, and pre-cooked meals are essential for stockpiling in March. With National Frozen Food Month in full swing, you can find incredible deals on everything from frozen spinach to ready-made dinners. Buying frozen items not only saves money but also reduces food waste since these products have a long shelf life.
2. Pantry Staples
March is a great time to add canned goods, pasta, rice, and other pantry staples to your stockpile. Grocery stores often feature discounts on these items, especially as part of spring savings events. Look out for deals on baking supplies like flour, sugar, and chocolate chips, as they are also commonly discounted this month.
3. Cleaning Supplies
With spring cleaning season just around the corner, retailers offer discounts on cleaning products such as all-purpose cleaners, sponges, microfiber cloths, and even larger items like vacuums. These items are essential for maintaining your home and are worth stocking up on while they’re on sale.
4. Winter Clothing and Gear
March is the tail end of winter, which means stores are eager to clear out their inventory of coats, gloves, scarves, and other cold-weather gear. You can often find discounts of up to 70% on these items. Stockpiling winter clothing now will save you money when the cold weather returns later in the year.

5. Holiday Ingredients and Decor
With St. Patrick’s Day in March and Easter just around the corner, holiday-themed items often go on sale. Stock up on corned beef, cabbage, potatoes, and baking ingredients. After the holiday, you can also find clearance deals on themed decorations, which are great to save for next year.
6. Gardening Supplies
Spring gardening season is starting, and many stores offer promotions on seeds, potting soil, and gardening tools. If you’re planning to grow your own vegetables, March is the perfect time to buy these items at a lower cost.
7. Paper Goods
Toilet paper, paper towels, and napkins are often discounted during March as part of spring cleaning promotions. These items are non-perishable, making them perfect for stockpiling. Look for bulk deals at warehouse stores to maximize savings.

March Stockpile Savings Table
Category | Examples | Estimated Price | Estimated Savings |
---|---|---|---|
Frozen Foods | Vegetables, fruits, frozen meals | $1-$4 per item | 10-30% |
Pantry Staples | Canned goods, pasta, rice | $0.50-$2 per item | 15-25% |
Cleaning Supplies | All-purpose cleaner, sponges | $2-$8 per item | 20-30% |
Winter Clothing & Gear | Coats, gloves, scarves | $10-$50 per item | 50-70% |
Holiday Ingredients | Corned beef, cabbage, potatoes | $1-$5 per item | 20-40% |
Gardening Supplies | Seeds, soil, tools | $1-$20 per item | 15-25% |
Paper Goods | Toilet paper, napkins | $5-$20 per bulk pack | 20-30% |
How to Start Your Stockpile in March
If you’re just getting started with stockpiling, focus on items that your family uses regularly. Create a list of essentials, set a budget, and take advantage of March sales to start small. Remember to:
- Check weekly grocery store ads for sales on frozen foods and pantry staples.
- Use coupons to stack savings on cleaning supplies and paper goods.
- Visit thrift stores or clearance racks for winter clothing bargains.
- Store your stockpile in a cool, dry area to ensure items stay fresh.

By planning your purchases and focusing on March-specific discounts, you’ll be able to grow your stockpile while staying within your budget. Over time, you’ll find that stockpiling not only saves money but also gives you peace of mind knowing your household is well-prepared.