Is it always wise to stock up?
I was having a conversation with a new acquaintance about Sam’s Club vs. Costco. I said that both had quantities that were too large for me for most items. Except things like toilet paper or paper towels.
Stocking up when items are cheap, a deal or a good price seems like a great thing to do, unless you don’t have enough space or won’t use the item. I have yet to meet a person who has regretted stocking up on toilet paper but have met many people who bought a larger quantity of an item that they couldn’t use. If someone gave you something you don’t feel like you made as great a mistake with your money, but when you have spent your own money purchasing a product, it makes it difficult.
Non perishable items are the best to stock up on, within reason. A great del on stationery or wrapping paper that you will never use is not such a bargain. If you send a lot of thank you cards or wrap gifts for a large family then those items would come in handy.
When stocking up on items, you need to have space to store it. A 36-roll pack of toilet paper or an 18-roll of paper towels may not be easily stored in a studio apartment, but may be easily hidden in a larger apartment provided there is space.
Even if you have some items that you can freeze at the peak of freshness, overstuffing your freezer to the point where you cannot put anything else in it is not wise. Filling a freezer until it’s brimming over doesn’t allow you to find things easily or add items that you need and can cause you to overpurchase, because you can’t find what you have.
People with school aged children, or even adult students themselves, might want to consider buying extra school supplies – enough to last them throughout the school year. In several months, when paper, folders and other items are not on sale, using items from a personal stash will definitely save money.
Know what you will use and stock up on those items within reason.
