5 Items Worth Buying in Bulk When You’re Living Alone

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Living alone has its perks: no one vying for the remote, no need to share a bathroom and the option to buy in bulk. Although you might think buying in bulk is only for big families or people who run through groceries quickly, that’s not always the case. If you’re buying items you use regularly that won’t go bad sitting on a shelf, buying in bulk can help you save.

Here are some examples of bulk buys that might be worth a warehouse membership.

Batteries

Batteries last for years in storage, so buying in bulk shouldn’t be an issue — especially if you have a household with multiple remotes, gaming consoles and other battery-powered items. At Walmart, a 24-pack of AA Energizer Max batteries is $19.62, or about $0.82 per battery. At Sam’s Club, you can buy a 48-pack of AA Energizer Max batteries for $20.98 (on sale), or about $0.44 each. Even the regular price of $24.98 comes out to less per battery at $0.52.

Toilet Paper

As long as you have the storage space, buying toilet paper in bulk can be a way to save a few dollars and the hassle of having to buy toilet paper every month. Sam’s Club sells a 32-pack of Charmin Ultra-Soft, with 231 sheets per roll for $31.48, or $0.004 per sheet. Walmart sells a six-pack of Charmin Ultra-Soft Mega Rolls, which contain 224 sheets per roll, for $7.97, or about $0.006 per sheet. 

Toothpaste

According to Colgate, toothpaste has a shelf life of two years before the fluoride starts to break down. Per Fleek, a standard tube of toothpaste can last anywhere from 60 to 150 brushes, depending on how much paste you use. So it could make sense to buy your toothpaste in bulk to save money.

A four-pack of Crest 3D White deep stain remover whitening toothpaste is regularly $19.97 at Sam’s Club, or about $4.99 per tube (and it’s currently on sale for less). However, a single tube of the same paste in the same size is $8.97 at Walmart. 

Beverages

From your favorite coffee or tea to canned or bottled drinks, buying in bulk is a great way to save on beverages. For example, a 12-pack of Hint Water is on sale for $11.96 at Walmart — or about $1 each. However, an 18-pack of Hint Water at Sam’s Club is on sale for $13.98, which comes to about $0.78 per bottle.

The only time you may not want to buy a larger quantity is when you’re trying a new item. Instead, purchase a smaller quantity from the grocery store before springing for the bulk buy. 

Canned Goods

Many canned goods can be stored in a cool, dry place for a few years, so buying in bulk can both save money and give you plenty of time to consume your purchase. Sam’s Club offers an eight-pack of Del Monte green beans for $7.78, or about $0.97 per can. Buy eight individual cans at Walmart, and you’ll pay considerably more at $1.48 each.

Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.

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