No matter how good you are at managing your budget, it’s always worthwhile to make the most of promotions and other offers such as buy one get one free. The key is to know which items you should buy so you don’t end up wasting your hard-earned money. You should also learn how to prioritise, especially if you have a limited amount of space to store your purchases.
That said, some of the must-buys during sales include the following:
Canned Food and Cereal
Stocking up on canned food is a good idea, not just for emergencies but also for those times when you feel a little too lazy to cook. Canned meat (including fish), beans, and even tomatoes are great to have in stock. Just take note of the expiry dates and you’ll be all set for a while.
The same goes for cereal, which can last for a long time as long as they’re properly stored. Of course, they won’t stay good forever but you and your family will probably have eaten your stash of breakfast cereal long before the “consume by” date on the boxes.
Condiments, Spices, and Baking Supplies
If you cook a lot, it can be a good idea to stock up on dried herbs, condiments, and spices. They last for a long time and are very handy for creating culinary masterpieces out of simple dishes. Baking supplies like sugar and flour also last for a long time, so don’t hesitate to stock up on them if you have the chance.
Home Cleaning Supplies
Buying cleaning supplies in bulk is a good way to save on costs, especially if you already have preferred brands. For one, because you regularly use these products, you’re going to buy more of them eventually, so it’s best to take advantage of the chance to purchase them at lower prices. In addition, cleaning supplies like dishwashing soap, laundry detergent, and bleach have very long shelf lives. It’s likely that you’re going to run out before the expiry date arrives.
The most important thing you have to keep in mind is to store these products properly to maintain their effectiveness.
Toiletries and Personal Care Products
Just like cleaning supplies, toiletries like soap, shampoo, and conditioner are products you use regularly and thus very logical to stock up on. For personal-use products, an extra bottle would probably be enough. However, for products that the entire family shares (e.g., hand soap, rubbing alcohol, and toothpaste), buying more is always better.
If you’re buying large bottles, it’s best to also purchase smaller containers like pump or spray bottles so you can easily dispense products.
Baby Diapers
For those who have little ones at home, then baby diapers are definitely a good thing to always have in stock. This way, you won’t have to scramble or go out on a late-night store run when you belatedly realise that you’re down to the last few pieces.
Like many products, baby diapers often go on sale, whether it’s through coupons, straight-up discounts, buy one get one offers, or extra pieces that come with every package. All of these offer greater value for money, so it’s all up to you to choose which type of offer you want to make the most of.
Toilet Paper and Paper Towels
If you want big savings, don’t just buy toilet paper and paper towels when they go on sale; buy them in bulk, too! These products don’t spoil, either, so you can store them indefinitely. What’s more, toilet paper and paper towels are handy, versatile cleaning tools and personal hygiene supplies. You can use them for a wide variety of activities, like wiping up small spills or blotting make-up.
Pet Food
Your pets need to eat nutritious food to stay healthy and live long lives. However, high-quality pet food is more expensive. Thus, it’s a good idea to wait for sales and then purchase in bulk. Consider your pet’s health and age before buying, though. If possible, consult with a veterinarian first so you can buy the best one for your animal companion.
Of course, remember to store pet food properly. They’re just like human food: you need to keep them in a cool, dry place and in sealable, airtight containers. You should also have dedicated scoopers for different kinds of pet food to keep them fresher for longer.
Batteries
It’s always good to have a stock of batteries at home, especially because a lot of items require them: remote controls, flashlights, cordless tools, electronic toys, clocks, and so much more. It’s a good idea to have rechargeable batteries, but they tend to be more expensive. Get them when they go on sale and then use them for wireless gaming controllers and other frequentlyused items.
For non-rechargeable batteries, lithium or alkaline are your best value-for-money purchases because they can hold a lot of charge. They can last long, too, provided that you keep them in a cool, dry place. Purchase them during sales so you can save up on costs and you can keep your gadgets alive for longer.
Happy shopping!
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