Stockpiling for retirement?

[TheDutchHouse]

Is that a thing?

I may have to retire in the coming two years , working out my finances it would appear I’ll go from living to surviving due to a drop in income.

which made me wonder if I should stockpile little extras to make the transition easier, such as toiletries, cleaning supplies etc

also get new glasses whilst I can afford, maybe update any technology.

Had anyone else done this ?

I know! But you won’t pay capital gains or tax.
Always good to have a standby stash, on top of every thing else. I would use it for low cost treats.

Hence I have the majority of money in S&S ISAs, etc.

I retired in April this year.
DH and I are both living on our public sector DB pensions topped up from interest on savings and pension lump sums until our state pensions kick-in in 6 years time.

Mindful there was going to be a gap of 6 years to bridge I stockpiled in the years before retirement. If something I liked and knew I would need in the future was on offer I would buy it and put it away. Things like decent walking boots, trainers, craft supplies and hobby equipment.
I over bought classic clothes if on offer and am now re discovering and wearing these items.
I used some of my pension lump sum to upgrade our mobile phones and laptop to future proof them for the next few years. Some of the lump sum also went on a newer car to hopefully reduce maintenance costs.

We planned carefully to be able to enjoy our early retirement years. Mortgage paid off, solar panels with home batteries and additional insulation to reduce energy costs, savings moved into ISAs over several years to minimise tax liability. Major upgrades on our house such as new roof, bathrooms and kitchen all completed in the years before retirement.
Make the most of having some disposable income in the last few years before retirement and then enjoy the benefits later.

My Mil got a new car, rented all kitchen white goods and had a lot of her house new carpets because she knew after retirement she would have less available money to do these jobs. I think having a stock of cleaning products, new glasses, and redecorating in your home while you have the cash is sensible.

Not rented replaced.

I don't see the point. Save the money and spend it as and when on consumables.

But if you can afford to buy a load of extra supplies for stockpiling, you can afford to save!

I'm still a few years away from retirement but I have been getting "retirement ready" in the house.

All the furniture is stuff I won't now be replacing in my lifetime. Some new but some already 20+ years old that I still love and is still solid. A couple of antique pieces. But all items that I really wanted. If I live another 30 years my house will probably be a time capsule! But that's ok.

I'm coming to the end of decorating top to bottom. Nothing in white because I think that's the worst colour for needing redoing. And I'm also a maximalist so I like a lot of colour.

Clothing wise, when shopping I try not to go for something I just want now and might tire of. I get better quality things I genuinely love that will last.

I'm in social housing so things like a new kitchen or bathroom aren't relevant. I live in London and don't drive so nothing vehicle related to spend on.

I'm not saying that I necessarily won't buy anything new or redecorate a room in retirement but I'm planning for it not to be a necessity.

My mums house hasn't changed in the past 30 years and sure its looking a bit tired now but its still livable.

I can see why everyone's telling you to put money away but be careful of that if you're in rented. It sounds like you'll need housing benefit or whatever they call it now and if you have too much in savings (its probably 6k like UC) then you'll be expected to pay the rent from your savings so it won't actually benefit you to save more than that.