tiny NYC – In a cramped New York City apartment, one roommate duo still makes a monthly Costco run—stacking the fridge and freezer with eight repeat staples, from 30-count Spindrift variety packs to protein-forward chicken burgers and low-sugar candy.
The trek isn’t short: a 15-minute walk to the nearest Costco warehouse, then a 20-minute subway ride, followed by an additional 15-minute walk. For most people, that’s enough to talk yourself out of it.
But for two roommates sharing a tiny NYC apartment, the math is simple. They shop at Costco once or twice a month to stock up on bulk items they can fit into their limited storage. They make room the way other people make schedules—by planning around what lasts. what stacks easily. and what turns into everyday meals.
Their list of eight staples reads like a strategy for small-space living: beverages that fit in the fridge, repeat protein for quick dinners, and a few treats that don’t derail the week.
Every trip starts with what they can store without turning their kitchen into a puzzle. They always find room in their fridge for Sprindrift sparkling water, grabbing a 30-count variety pack. The flavors include lemon limeade, strawberry lemonade, and pink lemonade.
For snacks, their go-to is Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt. They say it’s difficult to find organic Greek yogurt for a good price at local grocery stores, but the Kirkland Signature option is both affordable and enjoyable. They use it as a protein-packed snack or add it to recipes.
When they want something that feels like a New York City comfort food but don’t want the hassle of ordering. their at-home backup is Milton’s cauliflower-crust veggie pizza. It’s described as a perfect quick dinner in a tiny apartment. It typically takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook in the oven. and they usually serve it with one of Costco’s organic salad kits. They also dip each slice in ranch.
Weeknight cooking gets even easier with Kevin’s Natural Foods cilantro-lime chicken. They call it a secret for quick meals: while the chicken cooks on the stovetop. they add broccoli in the air fryer and heat up microwavable rice. The brand also offers other chicken options, including Hawaiian-style and teriyaki.
For another fast protein option, they stock up on Amylu organic chicken burgers with caramelized onion and aged white cheddar. The box contains eight patties, and each serving has 19 grams of protein. When they need a filling dinner in a flash. they heat one patty and put it in a toasted bun with a slice of cheese—and sometimes add avocado for extra flavor.
Space is still a constraint, so they don’t buy extra produce. Instead, they grab The Good Foods organic avocado mash. They say it offers good value without overcrowding their fridge. The mash is seasoned with sea salt and black pepper and keeps well for single servings of avocado toast. Each box contains 16 packs. which they call an ideal amount for their household because it doesn’t overwhelm their small fridge.
Breakfast doesn’t require a separate shopping trip either. They buy Amylu chicken breakfast sausage links—specifically saying they could eat them every single morning. They describe them as versatile: each serving has 12 grams of protein. They pair the links with fruit and eggs, or serve them alongside overnight oats.
And when a sweet craving hits, they keep it controlled with low-sugar options. Their favorite is Skinny Dipped dark-chocolate peanut butter cups. They say they try to limit sugar intake, but still love browsing low-sugar candy at Costco. The Skinny Dipped cups have 3 grams of sugar per serving, are gluten-free, and they describe the taste as “amazing.”.
In a small apartment. the choices aren’t just about preference—they’re about what can survive the week without spilling into the next one. Their Costco rhythm is built around repeatable staples: refrigerated drinks that come in a 30-count variety pack. yogurt they can use daily. frozen dinners that cook in roughly a quarter-hour. and proteins that turn minimal time into real meals.
Costco NYC apartment bulk shopping Sprindrift Kirkland Signature organic Greek yogurt Milton's cauliflower-crust pizza Kevin's Natural Foods Amylu chicken burgers Good Foods avocado mash Amylu breakfast sausage links Skinny Dipped peanut butter cups