When relocating to a new area, families often grapple with various priorities. My partner and I had our own set of criteria: we needed enough bedrooms to prevent sibling rivalry, a cul-de-sac for carefree outdoor play, and a sizable yard for both baseball games and gardening. We had also pinpointed a desirable school district and aimed for a commute of under 35 minutes to my partner’s workplace. Amidst all this, we made it a priority to locate the nearest Costco.
As a family of five, we rely heavily on Costco for virtually all our household needs—meats, fruits, toilet paper, laundry supplies, school snacks, allergy medications, bottled water, diapers, and eggs—the list goes on. Whether it’s wine in bulk, electronics, or seasonal decorations, Costco is our go-to.
As someone who frequents this warehouse store weekly, I can confidently share the quirks and realities of managing a shopping trip that often results in a cart overflowing with unexpected items. Here are 12 insights that resonate with fellow Costco aficionados:
- You may enter the store with a list and a budget, but soon, you’ll find yourself laughing at how naive you were. It’s not uncommon to spend $200 or more than planned. (Trust me; data from the University of My Wallet confirms this!)
- While intending to pick up chicken and hamburgers, you’ll inexplicably leave with a kitchen faucet, patio furniture, and five unread books. And yes, you don’t even have a patio.
- If your cranky children accompany you, you’ll promise them delicious samples to ensure good behavior, only to discover that the available options are salmon, beet soup, and wafer crackers. The tempting pizza slices and croissant-wrapped hot dogs will vanish just as you arrive.
- Despite your reluctance, you’ll try the wafer crackers, lingering awkwardly in front of the enthusiastic sample lady, who reminds you of your grandmother. You won’t have the heart to tell her that your family wouldn’t touch it even if it were covered in candy-flavored whipped cream.
- One sample might find its way into your cart, leading to a box of 94 egg rolls. Hope your family is ready for a month of faux Chinese cuisine!
- Assistance is scarce in the massive store. The only employees you’ll encounter seem to know where the dark chocolate or hummus is located, leaving you to traverse the vast aisles alone.
- If you develop a fondness for a particular product, expect it to vanish from the shelves just when you’re ready to stock up. I’m still reeling from the loss of those margarita chips from 2015.
- Handing your child the receipt to hold, thinking they will enjoy the responsibility, will lead to it being lost in the brief window between the register and the exit. Prepare for an eternity in Costco jail.
- Costco’s cafeteria offers unbeatable deals. With a family of five, eating out can strain the budget, so we often settle for the massive pizza slices priced at around two bucks. Your kids will insist they can finish a whole slice, but they’ll only manage a few bites, leaving you to scavenge the remnants.
- Just as you add a box of frozen tilapia to your cart for that healthy kick, your child will announce an urgent need to use the restroom, resulting in the loss of a beloved Transformer toy along the way.
- Initially, you might start your Costco outing with your small children contained in the cart. However, by the third aisle, your toddler will be wedged uncomfortably between a massive laundry detergent and a bag of frozen chicken, prompting a request to escape. This will lead to a chaotic chase from sample station to sample station, all while you search for that lost Transformer.
- At checkout, the cashier will likely persuade you to upgrade to the more expensive “Elite Membership,” assuring you of better deals on cars and vacations that you probably won’t use.
Despite the financial drain and the extra “sample brownie” weight, there’s no denying the joy of wandering the aisles on a Saturday morning, hunting for chicken nuggets, spring plants for Grandma, and a bulk box of baby wipes. It’s a unique experience.
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In summary, Costco shopping is an adventure filled with unexpected purchases, family antics, and delightful culinary samples. It may drain your wallet, but the experience is worth it, making you eager to return week after week.