Actually, Bigger IS Better!

Columnist - Chelsea Ehrke

In Los Angeles, I lived in a tiny underground apartment. We had windows peeking above ground out of which we had a lovely view of...feet. The lack of space made me get really clever with my decorating skills, though. Mirrors truly work wonders with a tiny space. Put two on opposite walls from each other and all the sudden you're in a never-ending world of reflectivity. The kitchen, however, was hopeless. Zero storage space. Cabinets placed too high to reach, with hinges installed on the wrong sides. We had to buy small sizes of everything and run to the store whenever we ran out. Visitors called it "quaint." I called it a huge pain in the neck.

The experience showed me first-hand why it pays to buy in bulk. I can't even begin to express what a waste of money it is to buy twenty tiny bottles of ketchup as opposed to one big one. My number one tip to people looking to save money on food is this: Buy in Bulk.

Here are the best ways to save by stocking up:

Storage space is key. If your kitchen is small, consider installing an extra pantry in the hallway, dining room, or even laundry room. We have storage shelves in the garage where we keep extra cooking oil, bottled drinks, and other items that we don't need access to on a daily basis. Freeze what you don't need. I save a ton of money (and time!) by preparing more food than I need and freezing it for later. Some people make entire meals ahead of time that they can thaw out and stick in the oven for a home-cooked meal anytime. Cookie dough, bread, cheese, and even grapes can be frozen. Buy meat when it's on sale and freeze for later - I've stocked up on turkey and roasts for as much as 80% off after the holidays. I highly recommend buying a chest freezer, as it can help you save a ton of money in the long run.

Stock up on sale. When an item with a long shelf life (like canned goods, condiments, and grains) goes on sale, stock up!

Check expiration dates. When you are stocking up, however, it's always important to check expiration dates. Make sure that the stores aren't clearing their shelves of goods that are about to be, well, not so good.

Buy big. My family is probably the number one consumer of Tabasco in the world. Tacos, pizza, potato chips, you name it - it's all better with Tabasco. After I realized I was spending a fortune on 12-oz bottles at the store, I went onto the Tabasco website to see about buying in bulk. Turns out, they sell the stuff by the GALLON! It's easy to use a turkey baster or funnel to refill smaller bottles. Just about anything your family consumes in mass, from maple syrup to cat food, can be bought in bulk. Costco, Smart N' Final, Sam's Club, and other warehouse stores are a great resource.

Buying in bulk will help you save time, money, and gas, as well as helping you cut back on impulse buys that are bound to occur during frequent trips to the grocery store. Remember to make a list, don't buy anything you don't need or won't use just because it's on sale, and try to compare prices at different stores for items you buy frequently. Buying in bulk will not only help you save on your food items, but can also cut costs for toiletries and cleaning supplies as well. Happy saving!

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