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Shopping for a Family of Two at Costco

February 11, 2016 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC41 Comments

Hi, friends! Remember that the Friday Five format has changed a bit and for this second Friday of the month we’re talking food and drinks. Make sure you check out my cohosts, Cynthia and Mar, and visit some new blogs that are linking up as well! Today I’m talking Costco. Specifically shopping for a family of two at Costco. About a year into our relationship, my now husband and I decided to take the next step: we purchased a joint Costco account. It was monumental for us and that’s probably when I knew he was the one. All jokes aside, Costco can be a great money saver but you have to plan ahead and be smart when heading out there or you could find yourself wasting money on items that you go bad before your family of two gets a chance to eat them. Here are five tips on shopping for a family of two at Coscto. 

Shopping for a Family of Two at Costco

  1. Stock up on paper goods. Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, etc. Don’t buy that from your regular grocery store! Buy it in bulk at Costco and save your cash! The only limit to this is storage but if you can find a spare closet, you’ll be all set! The Costco sized toliet paper can last us almost a year! 
  2. Frozen items are your friend. I am seriously considering buying an extra freezer just to fill it with frozen goods from Costco. Frozen items are great because they have a very long shelf life, so you have no concerns about them going bad before you get a chance to use them! 
  3. Plan ahead. Remember when I talked about meal planning? You should do that. Think about what you will be making and then decide if it makes sense for you to buy some of those items at Costco. 
  4. Grab the staples that will last you a long time. For us, that’s things like quinoa, eggs (we eat a lot of eggs), oatmeal, snacks, spices and produce that we use a lot of (like spinach). 
  5. Save on the things you rarely think of. Did you know that you can exchange your printer ink cartridges and get them refilled for a fraction of the cost of a new cartridge? Yep. And wine is SO cheap at Costco, it’s crazy. We don’t drink much liquor in our house, but our local Costco also sells liquor for cheap. And don’t forget to gas up before you head home. One trick for the gas station – every Costco pump is equipped with a long cord so that you can choose the shortest line without having to worry about which side your gas tank is on. 

It’s possible to save on shopping for a family of two at Costco, you just have to be strategic about it. I like to hit up Costco once every 6-8 weeks to replenish items that we’re missing. 

Are you a Costco member? 

DC-Trifecta-Friday-Five-linkup


Comments

  1. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:09 pm

    My Costco shopping habits certainly have changed a lot since the boys grew up and moved out. Having one son still living nearby, I often split up some of the items and send them home by him. I don’t get any complaints from him either! 😉

    Thanks for the linkup!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Five Foods Commonly Given Up For LentMy Profile

    Reply
  2. Amy Lauren says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    We’re Costco shoppers and for us, it’s easy to shop even if it’s just the two of us. The frozen foods last forever and so do the shelf stable items. The produce seems to last longer than produce in other stores too so we rarely throw anything out. Clay likes the meat and freezes what he doesn’t cook right away. I buy my Orgain organic protein there, it is so good!

    The return policy is also great. You didn’t mention it, so I thought I would… I have bought produce and gotten it home and found the grapes had an after taste, or a protein powder was horrible, etc… just return it. They will take back anything that isn’t’ good and give you a full refund.
    Amy Lauren recently posted…Go Red Run 5K (22:26)My Profile

    Reply
  3. MCM Mama Runs says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:23 pm

    This year was the first year since Jones was born that I actually considered giving up our membership. Back in the days of diapers and wipes and soy milk, we used to save SOO much. Now I know we save our membership, but not a huge amount more and the one by us is a PITA to go to.

    We’ll see – there are still a few things that add up to worth it. Glad you’ve found a way to make it work for you.

    Reply
  4. lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    February 11, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    We do not have a Costo where we live. The closest thing we have to that is Sam’s Club. I wish there was one.

    Reply
  5. Karien @ Running the Race says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:09 pm

    Down here in South Africa we don’t have a Costco – we do have something similar, though. Only problem is, they don’t really stock many healthy products, so we don’t shop there regularly at all.
    Karien @ Running the Race recently posted…The noob’s guide to drinking (and loving!) coconut waterMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Elaine @myRUNexperiment says

    February 11, 2016 at 11:47 pm

    Going for a COSTCO run tomorrow! We used to go once a week but had to re-evaluate our expenditures and have been going only every other week now. We’re a family of 4 so we go through items quickly. Definitely YES on the paper items, especially wipes and diapers. And I like the individual pouches for the chicken so you don’t need to defrost the entire thing when you’re only cooking a smaller serving.
    Thanks for the link-up.
    Elaine @myRUNexperiment recently posted…Cardiff Kook Run 10K RecapMy Profile

    Reply
  7. Jenn @ Run With Sole says

    February 12, 2016 at 12:03 am

    Love Costco (that was my Friday Five post last week!)! I think your point about the paper goods and frozen foods are great! You don’t have to have a big family to enjoy Costco at all! I also like the book selection, the clothing and office stuff too. There’s a ton of stuff you can get there (which isn’t always easy on the wallet!).

    Reply
  8. Sherry says

    February 12, 2016 at 12:06 am

    Love Costco! We get a bunch of stuff at Costco including organic produce, eggs, and meat. Their gas is a lot cheaper!
    Sherry recently posted…Five Things To Love About Sun BasketMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Kristen says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:15 am

    Costco is my favorite! You’re totally right about having a plan before you get in there though – it can get overwhelming! I love going during meal times so that I can try all the free samples, and I also totally can’t resist checking out their running gear. I bought my favorite running gloves from Costco for a really low price!

    Reply
  10. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    February 12, 2016 at 6:49 am

    I’m not a huge fan of Cosco, but I know a lot of people are! I tend to spend too much money when I go there–I buy things that I don’t really need but look interesting. You have some great tips here. I need to stick to the list!

    Reply
  11. Haley says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:19 am

    We are Sam’s Club members and we have the exact some habits. We actually do have the extra freezer in the garage for the frozen overflow. It’s so worth it.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:54 am

      Ah that’s awesome. We don’t really have a good spot for it since we don’t have a garage…but I want one so bad!

      Reply
  12. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:41 am

    I cannot stick to my list! I always buy way too much and buy stuff I will never use. It seems like a good deal at the time. It’s great you have found a way to make it work for you. Thanks for the link up
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…Why Mother Runners make the best ValentinesMy Profile

    Reply
  13. Erica @ Erica Finds says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:45 am

    I don’t go to Costco but you make a good case. We are also two people but we have very different eating habits. That said, there are things I use in bulk week in and week out so I may go with a friend and see how I do.

    I know this is a food week but I can’t stop thinking about the forecast for Sunday’s LA Marathon so I fived some mantras to help myself!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:53 am

      Oh yes! Good luck – hopefully the temps will cool down for you! Be smart out there!

      Reply
  14. Tanya @ Prairie Girl says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:19 am

    I have been a huge fan of Costco for many many years and just moved to the DC area where we have one near us again! You have no idea how happy I was to spend the afternoon in a packed Costco! Sad i know but it’s true. I use all the same tips as you gave in the that magical place. Another one, if you are a coffee drinker, you can’t beat the price of the Kirkland coffee. Regular beans or K-cups and they are so good! I always stock up on the stuffed grape leaves and frozen vegetarian dumplings as well. And who can forget the Seafood Roadshow? So glad I found your blog, being brand new to the area with a love of eating and running as well. Have a great weekend!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:52 am

      Welcome to the area! And yes to the seafood roadshow!! Costco is awesome!!

      Reply
  15. Rachel says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:27 am

    I have a love/hate relationship with Costco. We’re a family of four but I still find it ridiculous to buy things there sometimes. There’s just TOO MUCH! 🙂 Plus I get really derailed as soon as I walk in. I’m all like, “I NEEEEEEED a new 80″ flat screen TV!” Or, “heyyyyyy, we totally NEED brand new sheets and pillows!” Sometimes it even gets as bad as “Our couch is ugly. We NEED a new sectional.”

    Happy weekend, Courtney!

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 8:53 am

      Lol at the new sectional comment. Costco can be dangerous for sure 🙂

      Reply
  16. Lesley says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:33 am

    I don’t have a Costco membership but I do go to Super Target or Walmart for the bulk items. I save the produce and meats for Kroger or Sprout’s, but anything I can save on the bulk items is always welcome.

    Reply
  17. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    February 12, 2016 at 10:03 am

    I am not a Costco member but everyone seems to love it! I think that once my boyfriend and I move into a house this year, we’ll have to consider getting a membership. I could definitely use a year’s worth of TP…one of my least favorite things to shop for, lol!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…5 Guilt-Free Treats for Valentine’s DayMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Lauren says

    February 12, 2016 at 11:25 am

    Great post! I’ve toyed with the idea of getting a Costco membership but wasn’t sure if it would be beneficial for just 2 people. I totally need an extra freezer!

    Reply
  19. Jen@bubblyrunner.com says

    February 12, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    OMG my husband is OBSESSED with Costco! It is super convenient for TP, paper towels, etc. I also love getting spinach from there, eggs, and frozen fruit. Oh and spices–they have giant containers for spices for next to nothing! We also get Rusty the doggie glucosamine tablets and he likes those. And yes, the wine prices are ridiculous there, as is the liquor!
    Jen@bubblyrunner.com recently posted…Friday Faves: Valentine’s Day IdeasMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Jessie @ The ACquired Sass says

    February 12, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    Not a Costco shopper, but just because I think for only one person it would be a bit much. I think the membership would definitely be a good investment if you had a 2 or more person household!

    Reply
  21. Sonia says

    February 12, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Sadly, we don’t have a Costco, just a Sam’s Club in our neck of the woods. I don’t belong to a warehouse because I’ve found I can get most of the things I need at a great cost when they’re on sale and with coupons. Thanks for the linkup!

    Reply
  22. Smitha - Running with SD Mom says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:30 pm

    I love Costco. I find I need to go about every 3 weeks for my family of 4.
    Smitha – Running with SD Mom recently posted…Friday Fascinations: LA Marathon Race Day EssentialsMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    February 12, 2016 at 3:44 pm

    Glad to hear that you and your husband have found a way to justify the cost of your membership. Even now with buying lots of diapers and wipes, I find that when those items go on sale at other stores, and I combine the sale prices with various coupons, that I walk away saving more than I would with a Costco membership. Surprising, I know.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Tips for Staying Healthy While TravelingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 5:51 pm

      Really? At $55 for a year, plus the savings on gas, I find that pretty hard to beat…

      Reply
  24. brittney @ corralb says

    February 12, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    i was JUST talking to my mom last night about how i need to get a costco membership! there isn’t one super close to me here in the city, but i have a zipcar membership, and i feel like it would be worth it to rent a car for a few hours every month or two to go stock up on things.

    Reply
  25. Caitlin says

    February 12, 2016 at 7:37 pm

    Costco rocks! I only wish our Costco sold wine (aww Maryland) and gas. We do love the fish, meat & produce.

    Reply
  26. Coco says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    We quit Costco b/c parking was such a hassle (Pentagon City) but we do belong to BJs. We mostly buy paper goods, laundry/cleaning supplies and cases of water and Gatorade when my son was doing sports.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      February 12, 2016 at 10:01 pm

      Oh yeah Pentagon City is a mess!!

      Reply
  27. Lindsey says

    February 12, 2016 at 8:42 pm

    I’m glad you found a good way to do it! I recently found out that you can buy all kinds of unexpected things at Costco like cars! Good to know about the cheap booze though 🙂
    Lindsey recently posted…What I’ve Been Cooking LatelyMy Profile

    Reply
  28. Karen @ Fit in France says

    February 13, 2016 at 11:25 am

    I would love to buy in bulk but our small city apartments don’t let me stock much. I do order groceries on line every 2 or 3 weeks and stock up on what I can…. but we are still limited.

    Reply
  29. Lara @ uptite mamas says

    February 13, 2016 at 6:09 pm

    The extra freezer comment made me laugh. Having a refrigerator in our basement has been a true lifesaver and space saver!! We don’t have a Costco membership, but we have a BJ”s membership. Same idea. Love shopping there. And even better, our store has a discounted gas station. Two thumbs up!

    Reply
  30. Lex @ Flecksoflex says

    February 15, 2016 at 9:22 am

    Oh MAN! My family survived on a Costco membership when I was growing up! My dad used to load up our freezer with those chicken breast packs they have. I don’t have a membership now (I only have to shop for myself), but you’re right that it saves a lot of money when you’re shopping for multiple people!

    Reply
  31. Abby @ BackAtSquareZero says

    February 15, 2016 at 3:23 pm

    I love the Costco near me. There fruit is dirt cheap.

    Reply
  32. Emily says

    February 15, 2016 at 8:14 pm

    I guess Costco would be a great option for any size of family, because it means that you two can stock up, and for families, they can get big quantities for cheaper prices. And Costco = AMAZING. It’s an incredible blessing. Peanut butter is really cheap there.
    Emily recently posted…More than Self LoveMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    February 15, 2016 at 9:09 pm

    I could live at Costco, I seriously can’t live without that place!! We get our paper goods, organic beef, chicken and seafood. My freezer in our garage is always full. I also get my organic eggs there. We go through 4 dozen a WEEK!!!

    Reply
  34. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    February 15, 2016 at 10:44 pm

    The fear of running out of toilet paper is REAL! I need to look into a membership…I know they have great stuff at awesome prices and with a deep freezer and a little more storage I think it would make sense for us!

    Reply
  35. Shannon @shannoninsea says

    February 23, 2016 at 12:11 pm

    Admittedly we have a family of four, but Costco is our “regular” grocery store. The quality and prices are consistently good, except when they started selling Kirkland brand almond butter – they doubled the price from the Maranatha they used to sell. The only things I don’t buy there are either items they don’t sell and I need or things that I don’t need Costco sizes of like mayonnaise, rice.
    Buy meat and separate into meal size servings and freeze. The quality is good and you don’t have to worry about it going bad before you get to it. Apples and potatoes should last a long time if stored properly in a cool dry place. When we were first married our only obstacle to Costco shopping was the storage space, even now I worry that our freezer won’t hold it all. I echo what someone said earlier about coffee also – ours has commercial grinders so we can grind the entire bag before we leave.

    Reply

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