Buying household supplies in bulk can absolutely save money, but bigger isn't automatically better.

Nothing makes me feel more financially responsible than buying 96 dishwasher tablets at once. Look at me. Planning ahead and saving money.

Then I get home and realize I need somewhere to store 96 dishwasher tablets.

Before I commit to a year's supply of anything, I want to know two things: Will I actually use it, and where on earth am I going to put it?

Some things pass that test easily. Others can stay at the store.

Yes: Trash Bags

Trash bags are exactly what I want from a bulk purchase. I know I'll use them. They don't expire quickly, and a large box doesn't take up an absurd amount of space.

The same goes for smaller bags you regularly use in bathroom or office trash cans.

Yes: Dishwasher Detergent

If you run your dishwasher regularly, buying detergent in a larger quantity usually makes sense.

Tablets are especially easy to store (now that I have a place for them), and it's one of those household essentials I deeply resent discovering I've run out of at 8 p.m.

I also like knowing there's a backup supply somewhere. Apparently, adulthood is getting excited about having extra dishwasher detergent. Nobody warned me.

Yes: Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

I like having enough cleaning cloths that I can grab a fresh one without wondering whether Laundry Day has happened yet.

Buy a decent-sized pack, then designate different cloths for different jobs if that makes your cleaning routine easier.

The important part is actually washing and reusing them. Otherwise, you've simply created a new category of clutter called tiny towels.

Maybe: Paper Towels and Toilet Paper

Paper products make financial sense in bulk for plenty of households. The issue is storage.

A giant package of toilet paper is considerably less impressive when it's living beside your dining room table because every closet is full. But if you've got a basement, garage, or roomy linen closet, go for it.

Maybe: All-Purpose Cleaner

If you have one cleaner you use constantly, buying a refill size or concentrated version is smart.

But I wouldn't buy enormous quantities of five different specialty cleaners just because they're cheaper per ounce. That's how you end up with an under-sink cabinet that looks like a chemistry lab.

No: Products You've Never Tried

Bulk buying is not the time for experimentation.

I don't care how incredible the price is. If you've never used that laundry detergent before, do you really want enough of it to wash approximately 400 loads? Try the normal size first.

The same rule applies to cleaning sprays and other household products where scent or performance matters to you.

Finding out you hate something is annoying. Finding out you hate something and own nine more bottles is infuriating.

No: Anything You're Buying Just Because It's a Deal

This is where bulk shopping gets me. I see the little price comparison and I'm convinced I've uncovered a sophisticated financial strategy.

But saving 20 cents per unit doesn't matter if I wouldn't normally buy the product in the first place. A bargain only saves money when it's something you were already going to use.

Otherwise, congratulations. You bought more stuff.

My Bulk-Buying Rule

Before putting the jumbo size in my cart, I ask whether I use the product regularly and whether I have a reasonable place to store it.

If the answer is yes, bulk buying can make household basics cheaper and keep me from constantly replacing them.

If the answer involves rearranging an entire closet, I'm buying the smaller package.

My home does not need to look like a distribution center just so I can save $4.