Buying household items in bulk saves you money, time, and trips to the store. Some items – like toilet paper and paper towels – typically come in larger quantities already. However, there are other less obvious products that are worth buying in bulk. We asked shopping experts about non-food items that make bulk buying more financially sensible and convenient. Read on to discover the items you should keep in stock.
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Batteries
Batteries for electronic devices such as TV remotes, game console controllers, flashlights, toys, smoke detectors, and other portable electronics always need batteries, so having them on hand is essential. “You’ll get the most bang for your buck on batteries when you buy them in bulk from warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club,” says Andrea Woroch, shopping and savings expert. Since batteries have a long shelf life, you won’t have to worry about them going bad. She says when shopping for batteries, focus on buying the type that’s most useful for your needs. “Keeping the most commonly used batteries on hand for remote controls, kids’ toys, and wireless devices like a computer mouse or keyboard will keep your life running smoothly without needing to run to the nearest store when you need to replace them,” says Woroch. “Not only does that cause you inconvenience, but you’ll end up spending more when you buy batteries from a local pharmacy or grocery store, where prices are higher.”
Greeting cards and wrapping paper
We’ve all faced a scramble when we need to send a birthday card or wrap a gift at the last minute, so having a stock of greeting cards and wrapping paper is a smart strategy. “These two items are the ones I always keep on hand so that I have something to wrap with and write a card for any occasion,” says Woroch. “It saves me time and a lot of money.” She suggests buying greeting cards from a dollar store, where you can get them for just 50 cents each. “Think ahead about all the upcoming birthdays, holidays, and other occasions – like graduations or anniversaries – that you will be celebrating over the next six to 12 months,” Woroch continues. “In comparison, you’ll be spending $4 to $6 on a card from a local stationery store or big-box retailer.” Additionally, Woroch points out that a dollar store is also a great place to buy gift bags and tissue paper so you always have them on hand for last-minute wrapping.
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Diapers
As any parent of a baby or toddler who is still in daily or nightly diapers knows, nothing is more frustrating than realizing you’ve run out late at night, according to Woroch. “This is definitely one of those essential products for kids that you want to keep in bulk so you don’t have to go searching for the right type and size in the middle of the night,” she says. Buying diapers in bulk can also save you quite a bit of extra money. “Warehouse clubs offer great deals on bulk diaper packs, especially if you choose their store brand, like Costco’s Kirkland diapers,” Woroch says. But even if you’re not a warehouse club member, you can still take advantage of deals. “I find that even big stores like Target often have special offerings where you can get gift cards or discounts the more you buy,” she adds. “Recently, I got a $10 gift card after purchasing two large boxes of diapers.” Another idea: Set up automatic delivery through websites like Amazon so you never run out.
Supplies
Showering
Families can run out of shower supplies like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash quickly – and that can catch you by surprise. “Buying in bulk not only saves you money but also prevents you from having to run to the store multiple times when you run out of supplies,” says Kristine Gal, a retail and shopping expert at Rakuten. If there’s a brand you prefer and see it on sale, buy several bottles. You can also look for money-saving coupons to get better prices and ensure you have a backup supply when you need it.
Women’s Personal Care Products
The pink tax is real, and buying menstrual pads and other personal care items can be costly. “Buying products in bulk will help reduce the cost of these items known to be expensive,” says Gal. It’s also important to note – if you didn’t already know – that starting in 2020, you can now purchase women’s personal care products using funds from health savings accounts or flexible spending accounts, which can be a great way to save money on these items.
Cleaning Products
Most household cleaners, laundry detergents, and dish soaps have long shelf lives. “You can buy them in bulk without worrying about expiration dates,” according to Gal. “There’s nothing worse than being in the mood to clean and running out of cleaner.” When you see sales, buy your favorite brands, but make sure to store these items safely and out of reach of young and curious children.
Garbage and Storage Bags
Buying garbage bags in bulk is a smart move as they can be used for kitchen trash as well as outdoor messes. “Buying one bulk box of garbage bags can last you six to eight months,” says Gal. She also recommends purchasing Ziploc bags, which are great for storage, freezing leftovers, packing snacks, and more. You can find bulk deals on storage bags at regular grocery stores, wholesale clubs, and bulk retailers.
Pet Food
As long as you store pet food in a cool, dry place in your home, it has a long shelf life – but be sure to check the expiration dates on the bag. If you have more than one pet, saving money on their food is very important. It’s wise to buy pet food in bulk, whether it’s canned or bagged. “Your pet will always need food, and it’s best for them to stick to one brand and flavor of food, and buying it in bulk will ensure that,” says Gal. To save the most money, compare prices between pet stores, wholesale clubs, and online retailers for the best deals.
In summary, buying household items in bulk can save you money, time, and effort. Make sure to purchase items that you need frequently and that have long shelf lives. Compare prices and look for deals to get the best possible value. And don’t forget to store these items safely and out of reach of children.
Source: https://www.realsimple.com/home-items-to-buy-in-bulk-7369924
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