Couponing and Buying in Bulk

Shopping in bulk is tempting. Costco, Sam's Club, GFS and the like allow shoppers to save some money and shop less often. But, it can be a challenge to store 30 rolls of paper towels or two gallons of marinara sauce at once. It might also be hard to use it all in a reasonable time frame, or before food and medicine expire.

Couponing has also become a "thing" lately. There are even TV shows like "Extreme Couponing" to show us the ins and outs of saving at the grocery store. Let me tell you, there are deals to be had and certain ways to go about achieving lots of savings. None of which I'm an expert. It also takes some time and research....which is worth something, too.

What I do know about is how to store all those goodies once they come home. About how to make all the rolls of toilet paper fit in the linen closet. About where to store large boxes of cereal. About how to make three pounds of chicken and six pizzas all fit in the freezer.

Ideally, storing one item in one place works best. But, that's not always doable when buying in bulk. In that case, keep one or two in prime real estate - accessible and easy to see. Store the rest out of the way, like in a linen closet, pantry or basement storage.

Now the hard part, remembering just how much you still have at home next time you're at the store so you don't overbuy. And, keep tabs on those "Ship & Save" subscriptions!