8 Household Staples You Should Always Buy in Bulk for Maximum Savings

Everyone is looking for smart ways to stretch their budget, and one of the most effective strategies is hiding in plain sight at the grocery store. Buying in bulk can lead to significant savings, but the key is knowing which items offer the best value. This guide will walk you through eight everyday essentials that you should always consider buying in larger quantities to save money in the long run.

The Smart Shopper's Guide to Bulk Buying

Buying in bulk is a simple concept: you purchase a larger quantity of a product for a lower price per unit. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club are famous for this, but you can also find bulk deals at regular supermarkets and online. The trick is to focus on non-perishable items that you use consistently. This ensures you’ll use everything you buy before it expires, turning your purchase into genuine savings instead of waste. Before we get to the list, remember the golden rule: always check the unit price (e.g., price per ounce, per roll, or per pound) to confirm you’re actually getting a deal.

1. Paper Goods (Toilet Paper & Paper Towels)

This is the classic bulk buy for a reason. Paper towels and toilet paper never expire, and they are items every household uses daily. Running out is an inconvenience, so having a surplus is always a good idea. When you buy a massive 30-roll pack of toilet paper instead of a 4-pack, the cost per roll is almost always significantly lower.

Pro Tip: Storage can be a challenge. Keep the main package in a garage, basement, or closet, and just restock your bathrooms and kitchen with a few rolls at a time. This keeps your living spaces from feeling cluttered.

2. Dried Grains and Legumes (Rice & Beans)

As seen in the ad’s photo, rice and beans are perfect for bulk purchasing. A 20-pound bag of rice can seem intimidating, but if your family eats it regularly, the savings are enormous compared to buying small one-pound boxes. The same is true for dried beans, lentils, and other legumes. They have an incredibly long shelf life, lasting for years if stored properly.

Pro Tip: To protect against pests and moisture, transfer large bags of rice and beans into food-grade buckets with airtight lids. You can find these at hardware stores. This keeps them fresh and ready for countless meals.

3. Canned Goods

Your pantry’s best friend is the canned good. Items like canned tomatoes, tuna, corn, and beans (like the Bush’s Finto Beans in the photo) can last for years. When your local grocery store has a “10 for $10” sale on canned vegetables or soups, it’s the perfect time to stock up. These items are perfect for whipping up a quick meal and save you from making last-minute, expensive trips to the store for a single ingredient.

4. Pasta and Oats

Similar to rice and beans, dried pasta and rolled oats are non-perishable pantry powerhouses. Whether it’s spaghetti for dinner or oatmeal for breakfast, these are staples in many homes. Buying larger boxes of pasta or a big canister of oats is far more cost-effective than purchasing smaller packages every few weeks. They form the base of many cheap and filling meals, making them a smart investment for any budget-conscious shopper.

5. Soaps and Cleaning Supplies

From laundry detergent and dish soap to all-purpose cleaners, these household necessities don’t go bad. You will always need to wash clothes and do dishes. Buying the largest container of Tide laundry detergent or a multi-pack of Dawn dish soap will offer a much better price per ounce. These items are used so consistently that you’re guaranteed to get through them, making it a safe and practical bulk purchase.

6. Trash Bags

This is an item you might not think about until you use the very last one. Trash bags are a constant necessity, and they have no expiration date. Buying a huge box of 100 or 200 bags from a warehouse club is one of the easiest ways to save. The cost per bag is drastically lower than buying small boxes of 20 from the supermarket, and you’ll be set for months.

7. Batteries

In a world full of remote controls, kids’ toys, and wireless devices, batteries are an essential item. Buying them in small four-packs from the checkout line is incredibly expensive. Instead, look for large multi-packs of 40 or more AA and AAA batteries. They have a shelf life of several years, and you’ll be grateful you have them on hand the next time the TV remote dies.

8. Personal Care Items

Think about the things you use every single day without fail: toothpaste, bar soap, toothbrushes, and deodorant. These items are often sold in multi-packs for a much better unit price. Since you know you’ll be brushing your teeth and washing your hands every day, there’s zero risk of these items going to waste. Stocking up when they’re on sale is a simple way to trim your monthly spending.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to buy in bulk? Warehouse clubs like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s are specifically designed for bulk shopping. However, you can also find great deals through online programs like Amazon’s “Subscribe & Save” or by simply watching for sales on family-size items at your regular grocery store.

What should I avoid buying in bulk? Be cautious with perishable items like produce, dairy, and bread unless you have a large family and are certain you will use it all before it spoils. Spices are another tricky one; while they don’t spoil, they lose their potency over time, so a giant container might go stale before you can use it. The same goes for oils and nuts, which can go rancid.