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No matter how peaceful and organized I try to make mornings, there's a scenario that unfolds about once a week in my home during the school year. My fourth grader will realize — usually moments before the bus comes — that she's lost some critical school supplies like a pencil, notebook, or folder. I go to retrieve the needed item, only to find that my kindergartener has used up every last pencil, folder, or piece of paper in the house. Cue frustration and tears — theirs and mine.

That's why, this year, I'm buying school supplies in bulk.

"Having a stock of supplies at home can prevent last-minute, stressful shopping trips when something runs out," said Derek Sell, a dad of two and the founder of Life and My Finances. "Buying in bulk can be a great way to save money and time. It often results in a lower cost per unit, which can add up to significant savings over time."

Here are the items that I'll be buying in bulk to save money, time, and a bit of sanity this school year.

When I was growing up, my dad always bemoaned the fact that there was never a writing utensil available when he needed one. Now that I'm the parent, I understand his frustration!

Pens and pencils will never go to waste, so they're the perfect item to buy in bulk. Give each child a few pens and pencils, then tuck the rest away safely for when you need them.

My kids use a massive amount of paper and are notorious for leaving their notebooks behind at friends' homes, on the bus, or goodness knows where else. Worse yet, they've learned to sneak into my office supplies when their own paper runs out.

This year, I'm buying spiral notebooks, printer paper, and lined loose-leaf paper that I'll keep out of sight and out of mind until they need it.

Folders are essential for protecting papers during the back and forth to school. I also use them to keep us organized at home. We use a folder for ongoing homework assignments, another for storing art, and another for school notifications. I'll often grab a folder or two to organize work projects.

These small items are constantly being lost. My child loves to delay homework to search for a sharpener, so having extra supplies on hand will keep everyone on track.

Even as the pandemic wanes, we're all a bit more germ-conscious these days. I've attached hand sanitizer to my daughter's backpacks. Having extra at home — either as a large refill container or travel-size items — means they'll never run out.

What parent hasn't had the experience of searching for glue, markers, or poster board for a child's project, only to find out that the glue is gone and the markers have dried out? Stocking up on these items ahead of time can help you avoid a late-night run to the store when a project deadline is looming.

Older students often need the same items you might have in your office: permanent markers, highlighters, Post-it notes, tape, and scissors. Back-to-school season is the perfect time to stock up on these items. Sami Cone, a Nashville mom of two teens, even thinks about the tape and scissors she'll need for holiday wrapping and factors those into her back-to-school shopping.

"It's never cheaper than it is this time of year," she said.

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