Food shopping has become one of my favorite things to do as a parent. I will admit that there are times I regret not waiting for my husband
to be home so I could make my way without the kids.
Bringing kids with you to the store is a science — you have to measure the timing and the different factors involved. If your kids need a nap, turn around. Save yourself a headache and some gas.
Where To Shop
Growing up, we shopped at a specific wholesale store. It’s been a favorite ever since. I’ve traveled 20 to 25 minutes to get to this store since moving to South Florida. With grocery stores on just about every block, it’s interesting to think I’d be willing to drive more for a specific store.
It’s all about the quality and knowing that by purchasing items in bulk I minimize the number of trips I have to take each week.
There are a handful of places to shop — Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club — all of which provide membership for a fee to their shoppers. It’s a great way to maintain their loyalty, and it’s also a clever way to get more people to want to come in. There’s something about feeling like you’re exclusively allowed to shop somewhere that gets people more interested in doing so.
Why Stock Up
There are certain items you’ll want to stock up on when you’re raising a family. Diapers, wipes, toilet paper, and paper towels are just a couple of the items I pick up in large quantities. It makes my life a lot easier knowing that I can go to the linen closet and grab whatever I need instead of rushing to a local store.
Another of my favorite items to stock up on are meat, rice, chicken, and vegetables. We cook for ourselves — including the pups — on a daily basis and we still manage to run out of most of these items within a week to a week and a half. Could you imagine what the timeframe would be if we didn’t buy them in bulk?
For us, shopping for bulk items means we get to save on the following:
Time
We don’t have to rush to the nearest grocery store for everyday items such as milk. We have what we need, when we need it.
Gas
Buying in bulk allows us to minimize our trips to the store each month. A lot of the items I buy one month, I won’t need to buy again for another month to two months.
Money
With the right strategy and some research at other stores, you could find out if you’re getting the best price at a wholesale place. Most items we pick up are available for about the same price elsewhere but offer fewer quantities per box.
Have you ever tried purchasing items in bulk? What has been your experience?
36 responses to “Why Buy In Bulk”
I love to buy in bulk. Saves money in the long run and saves me from going on multiple trips.
It’s been my grandma’s a favorite for a long time. and it really so good stored
I stock up and I do it more then I probably should. I buy with coupons and things that are on sale that will not spoil. It keeps me from running out and there is always a time you will have a slim month.
We have three kids and just this past year have started going to the larger stores where you can buy in bulk. For years we thought we were somehow immune to it, but now that the kids are older and eat more we find ourselves going and stocking up more. Food and other household items disappear fast!
I’ve never tried couponing, but I wish I knew how. You really do save a lot on certain items.
I buy in bulk any time an opportunity comes up. It does save me money and sometimes, the stores give you freebies when you buy in bulk.
That is true. I forgot about that. You always want to sample before making the purchase.
I know what you mean, love whole foods too, I always try to be on my own because I have to be honest I spent 505 less, husband and kids they always wants to buy anything and always spend more for unnecessary items.
I think it’s a fantastic idea. We do it every 2 weeks or so with the necessities or if there are sales going on.
Buying in bulk definitely has its conveniences and benefits. Stocking up is always a great idea and you save as you mentioned above.
I agree some items are great to have in bulk. Although, the smaller my family gets, I find I cannot buy food in bulk.