Do you pre-buy/buy in bulk, or buy as you need it?

[Anonymous]

It's the same reason I question buying things like toothpaste in bulk at Costco. Even in a large family, one tube can last a very long time. It may be somewhat cheaper, but don't really get the point of having all that extra around.

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid my dad bought in bulk all the time, and so much was wasted.

Bulk storage not only costs money if it spoils, and opportunity cost of both your $ and space in your house it also costs you time because you have to remember where you put things.

I love the internet- just pop an item in my amazon cart (or my grocery list) when it is running low. The only things I store in bulk are things that are difficult to buy -- eg I don't go to the farmer's market every weekend so I buy enough meat for a month there and keep it in the chest freezer. But even then I only store <10 meals worth.

[Anonymous]

Given the cost of housing in this area, you are paying top dollar and high taxes for the area you store your bulk goods. Perhaps it isn't that much of a bargain. Let the store heat/cool, keep dry that space