Bulk buying is a kind of controversial topic. It seems to be more prevalent in the United States, and I totally understand the points made against it. No one really needs ten gallons of mayonnaise. However, there are benefits to buying certain items in bulk. Rather than being greedy, buying these things in bulk purchases can ultimately save time and money. Here are 7 purchases that might surprise you.
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Paper towels, napkins, printer paper, and the most important paper product: toilet paper. It makes sense to buy these items in bulk, because you always need them. If you have children in school or go to school yourself, you can even add notebooks onto that last. With paper towels and toilet paper, especially, you will save lots of time and money. Wouldn’t it be nice not to have to run out to the store due to an unpleasant, revealing trip to the bathroom?
This won’t work with everyone, so you’ll have to decide for yourself if it’s worth it. I don’t know about you, but I frequently change cereals. I have a new favorite every few months, maximum. Lots of other adults are like that well, to say nothing of kids. However, if you feel confident that a big box or two – or more – will last for a while without going to waste, and if it turns out to be a good deal, go for it!
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Cooking oil is one of those key items I frequently run out of without really realizing it. So, when I do need it, I don’t have it. If you use it a lot, and if it will let you save enough to make it worth it, then buying large bottles or bulk amounts can be helpful. The same goes for cooking spray. Actually, it goes double for cooking spray; I never have that when I need it, and I need it all the time.
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Not all canned foods should necessarily be purchased in bulk, and not everyone will want to do this. However, keeping a surplus of the canned goods you and/or your family often eats can be a good idea. Again, make sure the savings are worth it, or that this convenient method will be otherwise beneficial. You might just stock up on one thing, but it can still be a big help.
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The BH and I have a lot of pets. I don’t even want to go into it. If your pets eat a lot, if you go through food fast, you want to stock up on food for them. Of course, this applies mostly to dry food, but that’s just because I don’t know anything about wet food. I guess that would work too, though!
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There are other things you might want to buy in bulk where food is concerned. In my house, we always need things like macaroni and cheese, rice, and yeah, even Ramen. If you have a side dish or something non-perishable you frequently it, then it can be a smart move to buy up a large amount.
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I don’t know about you, but I’m always running out of light bulbs, and never notice until I actually need one. Whatever kind you go for, standard or energy friendly, as long as the savings or the convenience factors are worth it, you might want to buy up a lot of light bulbs when you can.
My only problem with buying in bulk is that you have to be a member at most bulk stores. I kind of don’t want to waste the time or the money doing that, but so many people say that it’s worth it. What are your thoughts on this? How do you feel about bulk buying in general?
Top Photo Credit: London Permaculture