For many Australians dealing with the cost-of-living crisis, the outlook for 2025 isn’t great. While the grocery prices aren’t expected to rise, they aren’t expected to fall either. This means that entering 2025, Australian families will need to start implementing smarter strategies to save on groceries and other household items costs if they aren’t doing so already. 

One smart solution to save some buck on food and household essentials is buying them in bulk–because, typically, buying anything in bulk tends to be cheaper in the long term than purchasing smaller quantities frequently. But this prompts a question: which household items to stock up on to save money and stay prepared for unexpected situations?

In this article, we’ll shed some light on which household items to stock up on this year and how to do it efficiently to optimise your spending and storage space. 

Household Items to Stock Up On in 2025: Essentials for Every Household

To determine which household items to stock up on, we first need to consider the essentials for every Australian family and individual. Things like cleaning supplies, toiletries, and pantry staples are a must in everyone’s home. What’s more, some supplies, like multi-purpose cleaners and paper towels, can have more than one use, which makes them versatile and, therefore, cost-effective. 

If you’re wondering what to buy in bulk, you may want to make a stockpile list. The main categories on your household stockpile list should be: 

• Laundry supplies: Items like laundry detergent, fabric softener, and stain removers. Laundry supplies like these are used frequently and often come with discounts when bought in larger quantities.
• Toilet supplies: Essentials such as toilet paper, hand soap, and air fresheners. Toiletry supplies are non-perishable and always in demand, making them ideal for bulk buying.
• Kitchen supplies: Products like garbage bags, dishwashing liquid, sponges, and aluminium foil. These kitchen supplies are daily-use items that can be stored for long periods, ensuring you’re always stocked up and prepared.
• Cleaning supplies: This includes multi-purpose cleaners, chemicals for cleaning specific surfaces (like floor cleaners or bathroom sprays), disinfectants, and glass cleaners. These products are essential for maintaining hygiene and are often cheaper when purchased in bulk.

How to Maximise Savings When Stocking Up on Household Items

The benefits of buying in bulk are many, but it’s important to capitalise on this opportunity by making informed and strategic choices. Maximising your savings goes beyond knowing which household items to stock up on and creating a good stockpile list. You can implement smart shopping strategies like comparing unit prices, timing purchases with sales, and focusing on items that offer the best long-term value. 

Choose items with a long shelf life 

When planning on what to stock up on, prioritise items with extended shelf lives or that are used frequently. Pantry staples like canned goods, pasta, and grains, as well as household essentials like toilet paper and cleaning chemicals, can be stored for months (or even years) without degrading in quality. 

Compare unit prices

A key strategy for bulk buying is to compare unit prices. Many supermarkets display the cost per gram, litre, or unit on their price tags, so pay attention to that. For example, a larger bottle of dishwashing liquid might cost more upfront but significantly less per litre compared to smaller bottles. 

Shop during sales or exclusive discounts 

Timing is everything when it comes to bulk buying. Take advantage of seasonal sales, clearance events, or catalogue promotions to stock up on supplies at reduced prices. Sign up for store loyalty programs or apps to receive alerts about upcoming sales and exclusive discounts. 

Optimise storage space 

Smart shopping involves not only knowing which household items to stock up on but also planning how to store them. Invest in airtight containers for pantry staples or a designated storage area for cleaning chemicals and paper goods. Proper storage ensures your stockpile remains fresh and usable, reducing waste and maximising savings over time.

Household Items to Stock Up On for Emergencies and Unexpected Events

Planning which household items to stock up on also means preparing for emergencies and unexpected situations. While it’s not always possible to predict unexpected events, you can stock up on supplies that will be useful in any type of emergency. For instance, things like bottled water, first aid supplies, or canned food are a must on your emergency household stockpile list.  

Having these supplies on hand ensures your family is prepared for situations such as supply chain disruptions, extreme weather events, or power outages and provides much-needed peace of mind. Buying these items in advance also helps you avoid the stress of last-minute panic buying, especially when demand surges during emergencies. 

When planning what to buy in bulk in case of emergency, consider things that fly off the shelves quickly in those scenarios, such as batteries, flashlights, and basic medical supplies. 

Start Stocking Up Today with Bulk Buys for 2025

If you haven’t started leveraging the benefits of buying in bulk, 2025 is the perfect time to start. Knowing which household items to stock up on and making a stockpile list can help you not only save money in the long run but also make sure that you’re prepared for unexpected situations, such as power outages or even periods where you’re low on cash. 

Whenever you’re ready to start stocking up on supplies, you’ll be able to find any items on your household stockpile list at Bulk Buys. We offer a large array of household items to stock up on, including laundry and kitchen supplies, cleaning products, and toiletries. 

Don’t wait for the next emergency! Visit Bulk Buys today and explore our extensive selection of products to keep your household well-stocked and budget-friendly all year long.