It’s a difficult decision knowing how to spend your hard-earned money. It might seem frivolous to spend your money buying bulk items whenever you’re counting every penny, but don’t be misled. Here are 10 Things to Buy in Bulk that will save you money in the end.
Item #1: Dry Pasta
This is another food that has a very long shelf life. You’ll need to do your due diligence to be sure that it is not in an extremely humid environment, but pasta will last for months, if not years, as well.[i]
Item #2: Toilet Paper
Buying this essential paper product in bulk can be up to 50 percent cheaper than buying a few rolls at a time. So, find a place to store some extra toilet paper (try under your bed if you run out of cupboard space in the bathroom) and save yourself a few bucks.[ii]
Item #3: Light Bulbs
Light Bulbs never get old. You’re also going to eventually replace them, so if you find a sale on bulbs, particularly in large quantities, stock up.[iii]
Item #4: Vitamins
You know you’re going to need one vitamin per day, for the rest of your life, so you might as well buy in bulk. However, a bottle of 500 pills is only a good value if you take them all, so keep expiration dates in mind. You may not be able to go through that large of a supply before the pills expire. In general, vitamin tablets last about four to five years.[iv]
Item #5: Toothpaste
Instead of grabbing the individual package of Crest because it costs less than the 2- or 3-pack, commit to paying a little bit more at the cash register up-front and you'll save more money in the long run.[v]
Item #6: Dishwasher Detergent
Dishwasher detergent is used in carefully measured increments in most dishwashers, so having a ton of dish washing detergent won’t cause you to overuse it.[vi]
Item #7: Batteries
Although buying rechargeable batteries in bulk isn't your best bet, buying lithium or alkaline versions is worth shelling out the cash up front. Because these batteries have a long shelf life (if kept in cool, dry place), you normally don't have to worry about their charge going dead before you need a couple for that blasted TV remote.[vii]
Item #8: Soap and Shampoo
Buying these items in bulk saves a few cents an ounce on shampoo or per bar of soap. While this may not seem like very much, it adds up over time.[viii]
Item #9: Cleaning Products
Purchase your favorite brands (or the ingredients to MAKE YOUR OWN cleaning products) in bulk. You use them on a daily basis and they keep your home clean and healthy.[ix]
Item #10: Dry Rice
Dry rice is easy to prepare for countless meals and lasts nearly forever. Once you get in a routine of cooking with rice, you may find yourself using it with many meals.[x]
[i] Sarah Robinson, Clark, Accessed 21 May 2019, <https://clark.com/shopping-retail/foods-to-buy-in-bulk-to-save-money/>
[ii] Wise Bread, Contributor to US News, accessed 21 May 2019, <https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/10-things-you-should-always-buy-in-bulk?slide=2>
[iii] Trent Hamm, Contributor to US News, Accessed 21 May 2019, < https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/18/15-items-always-worth-buying-in-bulk>
[iv] Jillee, One Good Thing, Accessed 21 May 2019, < https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/what-to-buy-in-bulk/>
[v] Alexis Hobbs, Women’s Day, accessed 21 May 2019, < https://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/g2166/buying-in-bulk/>
[vi] Trent Hamm, Contributor to US News, Accessed 21 May 2019, < https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/18/15-items-always-worth-buying-in-bulk>
[vii] Alexis Hobbs, Women’s Day, accessed 21 May 2019, < https://www.womansday.com/life/work-money/g2166/buying-in-bulk/>
[viii] Wise Bread, Contributor to US News, accessed 21 May 2019, <https://money.usnews.com/money/personal-finance/slideshows/10-things-you-should-always-buy-in-bulk?slide=2>
[ix] Jillee, One Good Thing, Accessed 21 May 2019, < https://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/what-to-buy-in-bulk/>
[x] Trent Hamm, Contributor to US News, Accessed 21 May 2019, < https://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/my-money/2014/03/18/15-items-always-worth-buying-in-bulk>