Buying in bulk is an article of faith in these cost-conscious times, and judging by the boom in discount warehouse paradises and mega-markets, the trend is showing no sign of slacking. But is bulk buying really the answer to our prayers?

That depends. When you first visit a discount warehouse, it’s stunning—aisle after aisle of gift packages at seemingly low, low prices. How can you afford not to buy? Even the carts are supersized, and you feel downright insufficient if you can’t fill one to the top. So you become a bulk hulk. You spend a couple hundred dollars, drive home and load up cupboards, freezers and the basement with those glorious deals. And three months later, lots of them are still around, only now they’ve spoiled, gone stale and gathered dust. Welcome to the seed side of bulk shopping.

How do you cultivate bulk smarts? Start by tearing out this guide and hanging it on the inside of a cupboard door. And do it now before it’s too late.

Buying in bulk can be an amazing way to cut the cost of food and household items. And it takes a savvy shopper to know how to make that work.

Hopefully, these guidelines will help you to stay on the straight and narrow path without falling into a ditch!