Costco has long since been crowned the king of bulk stores. From everyday household items to our deepest snack urges, a $60 annual membership is often considered a small price in exchange for what we receive. However, with so many options available, it’s tough to pinpoint which items need to be bought in bulk and which are better one-time purchases—so we’ve narrowed down the smartest items to grab next time you’re out.
1. Toilet Paper
Toilet paper is a no-brainer bulk purchase. After all, you use it every day and if you have a big family, you’ll burn through it faster than you think. Don’t be shy about grabbing enough TP to last a while.
2. Laundry Detergent
Whether you’re in a family of five or simply with a partner, laundry needs to get done. It’s not about how often you do it necessarily, but more that it’s a classic household chore you can’t avoid—which makes buying detergent in bulk a good idea in any circumstance.
3. Paper Towels
Life comes with all kinds of chaos, least of all if you have children. If your house suffers from messy eaters or consistent spillers, it’s paper towels to the rescue. Opting for a bulk order ensures you have the means to tackle mess before it sets.
4. Hygienic Items
The last thing you want to run out of is basic hygienic items. Though the vast majority of us have been there, it’s best avoided with a bulk order from Costco. Stock up on stuff like deodorant, toothbrushes, or toothpaste before your family gets caught in a pickle.
5. Garbage Bags
It might not be your favorite chore, but the only thing that makes garbage day worse is running out of bags. This household item is a must in any home, so grab enough to last a while because you’ll use them eventually.
6. Diapers
Diapers are expensive, used daily, and a must-have for any infant. Grab them in bulk to ensure you always have some ready and help alleviate the headache of cost—you deserve peace of mind as a parent.
7. Dog Food
While we’d love to give our pet the best, dog food is an unfortunate expense that climbs well into the hundreds sometimes. Not to mention, food costs only get worse if your dog needs a special diet. Grabbing everyday kibble in bulk can help knock down cost.
8. Coffee
You drink coffee every day (don’t act like you don’t), which means you know how expensive pods or grounds can be. Save some money and nab coffee in bulk. Based on how much you drink every week, it’s a cheaper investment than grabbing it from the grocery store.
9. Meat
Large families burn through a lot of food, but buying meat in bulk can help keep grocery bills down. Costco often has great deals on large quantities of meat like chicken to fish, meaning you get a little variety as well.
10. Batteries
Smoke detectors, flashlights, radios…these items all need batteries and can save your life in an emergency. Don’t get caught without them—buy in bulk to make sure you’re protected in the future. Batteries also come in handy for all kinds of household devices like remote controls or console controllers.
11. Allergy Medication
Those in bigger households can easily shop for vitamins or OTC remedies in Costco to save a bit of money. However, those in smaller households may not get the same kind of bargain. Ensure that whatever you buy won’t expire before you get to it.
12. Gas
Between after-school pickup, soccer practice, and errands, gas prices can soar through the roof. Fill up at Costco to shave serious numbers off your gasoline bill. You might even be able to top off the tank, preventing you from constant refills.
13. Sanitary Napkins
Tampons and sanitary napkins have an invaluable purpose, so it’s worth grabbing them in bulk when you can. Not only them but pantyliners, too—pantyliners are often used daily, so you know you’ll get your money’s worth.
14. Dishwasher Pods
Every family washes dishes, which is precisely why you should purchase pods or dish soap in bulk. You’ll save in the long run, will use either eventually, and won’t have to worry about expiration dates for at least a year.
15. Hair Care
Shampoo, conditioner, and dry shampoo are all great bulk purchases, especially if you have a larger family. While you don’t need to buy 20 bottles of each, a larger size is a wise investment and lasts longer than you think.
16. Olive Oil
Unopened olive oil can last up to two years before expiring, so feel free to purchase it in bulk. You cook just about every day, so it’s good to have on hand if you’re in a big family—not to mention, it can get expensive in grocery stores.
17. Nuts
Nut lovers everywhere know just how expensive they are, but you don’t have to worry about price as much at Costco. Nuts there are often far cheaper, meaning you have a good helping for food prep and snacking.
18. Snacks
Speaking of snacks, feel free to load up next time you’re at Costco. While it’s tempting to buy the whole aisle, stay on budget and only grab a few snacks for your family. Trust us, they’ll last way longer and you’ll save a pretty penny on them, too.
19. Hand Soap
You use hand soap every day (or at least, we hope you do), so it makes sense to grab it in bulk. Its shelf life is upwards of three years, if not longer, and is one of the best bulk purchases for larger families.
20. Resealable Bags
Resealable bags are a household staple—from preserving leftovers to securing travel items, they’re perfect for all kinds of scenarios. Don’t be shy about buying them in bulk, especially since they don’t have an expiration date and you never know when they’ll come in handy.