Look let's face it, there are certain things you're always going to need. Paper towels, toilet paper, toothpaste, soap, etc. And what's worse than running out of toilet paper?

Seriously though, if you've got the cash, nothing's better than stocking up when you come across a terrific sale (never pay retail) on those essential consumables. Buy two, three, even ten times the amount you intended if the sale is compelling because you're going to need it eventually. If you've got the room to store the items conveniently then every dollar spent now for your items on sale is more than a dollar you won't be spending on those same items in the future; and even more if you're caught needing them when they're no longer as discounted.

An unforeseen additional money saving (and time saving) benefit can also be a trip saved to the store if you can "go shopping" in your own home pantry. You'll save both time and gas!