by Veronica Bright

Created on: July 28, 2008   Last Updated: July 30, 2008

If you buy it, you will use it. Buying in bulk makes sense if you have a large family, or if you stick with items that you know will be used.

Bulk supply stores remain in operation for a reason. They are practical and economical. Items that a family will need and use on a regular basis, bought in bulk and stored properly, save hundreds of dollars a year off the family budget. Some families may only need to go to a bulk warehouse once or twice a year, while some go on a monthly basis. Naturally, much depends on the size of your household and your budget.

Bulk buying not only saves money per item but there are other perks to consider. You save money in Gasoline because you will not have to make as many trips to the store. That also saves wear and tear on your car.

Bulk buying increases meal planning, which also saves money. Impulse buying is one big way we waste our money. Plan the meals, buy the food in bulk, and you have saved money on gas, impulse buying, and time. Many families eat some of the same dinners week after week. For example, spaghetti; so you know you will be needing pasta and sauce every week. Buy enough for a month; you know you will use it! If you have a freezer, buying meat in bulk is a huge money saver. Especially meats that are commonly used such as ground beef and chicken. Pizzas and snacks also apply here. In my family, there is ONE type of frozen pizza they enjoy, so it makes sense for me to buy that pizza in bulk. The chances that they will change their preference after all of this time are very slim.

Here are some commonly used items that would save you money to buy in bulk:
Paper towels, Toilet Paper, Pasta, Sauces and Gravies, Facial Tissue (especially during cold and flu season!) General ache and pain medication such as Tylenol, Laundry Detergent, Dish washing liquid, cleaning supplies, rags, cereal, meats, diapers, baby wipes, disinfectant wipes, canned vegetables and fruits, baby food, beverages (such as tea, coffee or soda,) Pet food, non-perishables.

When buying meats in bulk, buy some freezer wrap or freezer bags and separate into meal sized portions. That way you don't waste the meat thawing it and not using it all. Cereals can be separated the same way. There are large and small cereal containers that can store your food for any period of time. If you eat more than one type of cereal, you can have several kinds readily available. Pasta can be stored in bulk plastic containers and used as needed.
You will also find that buying in bulk helps you stay organized. "A place for everything and everything in its place." The best practice is to separate and store as soon as you get home from the warehouse. Done and Dusted. You can sit back and relax a while knowing you have plenty of food and supplies and you won't have to "run" out to the store every day for something. Job well done!

Learn more about this author, Veronica Bright.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.