Mastering Your Bulk Buy: A 6-Step Guide to Saving Time and Money

Running a household is no joke, but thankfully, with my bulk buy strategy, I can cross one thing off my never-ending to-do list. If you’re anything like me and want to spend less time and money on those pesky errands, then you’re probably itching to level up your financial management game. And no, I’m not about to turn you into a trad wife. We’re doing this with style, so you can live your best life while keeping those finances in check.

The Power of Bulk Buying

So, what’s the deal with bulk buying, and why should you even care? Picture this: never running out of toilet paper or toothpaste, always having your go-to snacks in your pantry, and forgetting what it’s like to stress over budgeting for essentials. Sounds pretty sweet, right?

That’s the magic of bulk buying. It’s all about intentionally stocking up on your household must-haves in large enough quantities that’ll last you at least 3 to 6 months. This savvy move saves you cash, time, and those dreaded multiple trips to the store. Say goodbye to aimless Costco hauls and hello to shopping with a plan and sticking to your budget.

My Bulk Buying Journey

Back in the day, my parents were all about that Costco life. We were there so often that I thought it was the norm for everyone. It wasn’t until my college days, when I tried to replicate their epic Costco hauls, that I realized they weren’t bulk buying; they were just shopping in large quantities because, well, that’s what big families do. Let me tell you, as a solo college student, it was a bit much.

Fast forward to becoming a mom, and my perspective on Costco changed big time. I still remember my apartment post-baby shower, overflowing with boxes of diapers, wipes, and all the baby essentials. Having a stash of everything felt amazing. But when we ran out of diapers for the first time, it felt like the world was ending. That’s when I truly appreciated the value of a well-planned bulk buy.

The 6-Step Blueprint to Bulk Buying Success

Ready to get strategic and start bulk buying like a pro? Let me walk you through my tried-and-true six-step process that’ll have you mastering the art of bulk buying in no time.

Step 1: Clean to get Organized

First things first, cleaning isn’t just about making your space look pretty—it’s about setting yourself up for success. When I started my bulk-buying journey, I quickly realized that clutter was not my friend. My apartment was so small, I couldn’t fathom where I’d store everything. But then it hit me—decluttering was about more than just making room; it was about reimagining my space.

So, I got creative and transformed my coat closet into a storage haven. I even found a corner in my garage where, if I parked just right, I could fit a standing shelf. Best $40 I ever spent on Amazon, hands down.

Step 2: Assess Your Needs Based on Your Space

Now that you’ve got your space in order, it’s time to figure out what you need. We’re talking about everything from household essentials to your snack favorites. Grab a Google sheet or a good old-fashioned piece of paper and start brainstorming. A solid starting point is focusing on household essentials. I like to break this into subcategories of cleaning supplies and personal care—think laundry detergent, paper towels, and toothpaste, deodorant. These items are perfect for bulk buying and can be stored pretty much anywhere.

When it comes to food, I like to break it down into non-perishables and perishables. For non-perishables, think rice, canned goods, and seasonings. For perishables, I’m all about freezing meats and veggies to make meal prep a breeze.

Step 3: Understand Your Habits

We’ve all got our quirks, but when it comes to bulk buying, knowing your consumption habits is key. I’ve had my fair share of mishaps, like ending up with enough frozen chicken to feed an army. But I’ve learned from my mistakes, and I’m here to help you do the same.

It’s not just about saving money; it’s about understanding how much you need. For example, I used to buy in bulk without a second thought. Big mistake. I ended up with way more than I could use, and my wallet felt the pain. But once I started tracking how much we used, my bulk buys became a lot more efficient. A pro tip here is to buy an extra item of what you’re already getting and see how it affects your consumption. Jot down when you first started using the product and then it ran out, trust me this information is going to come in handy.

Step 4: Price Match for Your 3-Month Haul

Who doesn’t love a good deal? When it comes to bulk buying, the savings are out there—you just need to know where to look. In the beginning, I thought sticking to one store was the way to go. But then I discovered how amazing price matching is. By comparing quantity and prices across different stores. I started saving big time on my bulk buys when I started buying just what I needed to last through my 3-month haul. It’s like a game, and I’m all about winning.

Step 5: Save with a Sinking Fund

Now, let’s talk money. With a sinking fund, you can save up for your bulk buys without resorting to credit card debt. Whether you’re setting aside a little each month or using a chunk of your tax refund, the key is to have a plan. When I started bulk buying, I started using my short-term goals savings account within my High-5 Banking Method, just for this purpose. Each month, I’d add a bit to the account until I had enough for my shopping spree. No more last-minute financial stress for me.

Step 6: Time to Execute Your Bulk Buy

This is it—the moment of truth. With your plan and shopping list, it’s time to make your bulk buy happen. I’ll be honest, the first time I did this, I was a bundle of nerves. But once I embraced online shopping, everything changed. It’s so much easier to stay on budget and get everything you need without any surprises at the checkout. Another great option is curbside pick-up for items that can get damaged in transit. For most food and liquid items, I go into the store to get to avoid any mishaps. But for everything else, just get it shipped.

Maintaining Your Bulk Buy

But wait, there’s more! After you’ve nailed your bulk buy, it’s all about keeping things in order. We’ve been at this for a while, so our bulk buys usually last about 6 months. We stay organized and keep an eye on our stock, so we know when it’s time to restock. But usually around 3-4 months, we make sure to discuss restocking our bulk buy during our monthly Family All-Hands Meetings. I’m telling you, the 4 Game Changers all work together to help you keep your household and finances in order.

Your Journey Starts Here

Look, I get it—bulk buying takes a bit of effort. But if you’re serious about saving money, and time, and reducing stress, following my six-step process is going to be an automatic game-changer. Whether you’re a shopping wiz or a newbie, there’s no better time to take control of your household management and finances. Are you ready to start your bulk-buying journey?