It’s easy to get carried away at a grocery store and overspend, but planning ahead can help you save a good deal of money. Making a list of what is needed and sticking to it is a good place to start, but for the most benefit, the things on the list should be categorized. Divide the list into a list with things that will always be needed, like toilet paper, soap, and toothpaste, and then another list with foods that will go bad quickly, and anything else extra, like lipstick or cologne.
You can save a lot of money by organizing yourself and buying the things you always need in bulk. With several big box stores catering to the public in bulk, it’s well worth the cost of membership to join and buy the basics in bulk.
This is a list of things that will not only help save money, but also help save the environment if purchased in bulk. This is because individual packaging produces much more waste compared to packing a bunch. Not all of those listed will be suitable for all households to buy in bulk, but it does give an idea of the possibilities:
• Toilet paper, paper towels, disposable tissues, diapers and sanitary napkins
• Soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream,
• Light bulbs, laundry and dishwasher detergent
• Envelopes, paper clips, cards, paper and other office supplies
• Blank CDs, blank DVDs and printing paper
• Socks, underwear, towels, wipes
• Plastic containers and other storage items
• Party supplies, such as paper cups, plastic forks, spoons, and knives
There is a misconception that perishable items should not be bought in bulk, but there is a wide variety that can be purchased, especially if there is a lot of freezer space available. Here are some perishable foods that can be purchased in bulk, if stored properly, and others that don’t even need to be refrigerated:
• Meat, fruits, and vegetables can be cut into smaller portions and frozen, making them easily accessible when needed
• Canned soups, fruits and vegetables, this is a great value as they can last a long time
• Pasta, cereal, grains, beans, dry seasonings, and white rice
• Sweets, chocolates, soft drinks and bottled water
• Crackers, chips and other snacks
• Baking supplies, such as baking powder, yeast, icing sugar, and flour
• Nutritional supplements, such as vitamins, protein powder, and over-the-counter medications
• Pet food
It is even possible to buy flowers in bulk. This is a great alternative during the Christmas season when gifts and visits to the houses of friends and relatives are much more frequent, since something is always needed to carry on these occasions.
There’s another key reason buying essentials in bulk saves money. Since there is always a stock of these things in the home, there is no need or temptation to go shopping. The less shopping that takes place; fewer things are bought and more money is saved.