> almost anything that you can easily plan out and do in bulk is going to out-efficiency something done in smaller iterations

Not always. When I cycle or catch the bus home, I pop into the shops near my house, grab some stuff I need, and then continue on the way. Or I grab stuff at the supermarket near work, and cycle home with it in a bag.

Now I don't need to plan a big trip. I am already traveling to go home.