Now that we know that cooking from the pantry can save us money, by using up food items that might otherwise expire, we are ahead of the savings game. Let us take the strategy to the next level by discovering other things in our home that we can use to save money.
Samples and Individual Sizes
Why are you saving up all of those tiny samples of shampoo, conditioner, lotion, soap, etc? If you are holding them for your next vacation, don’t bother. Most hotels, motels and other places to stay come with their own complementary bottles of the stuff.
Here is what I want you to do. Get a pretty basket, fill it with all of your health and beauty products and place it in the bathroom. This way they will be front and center and can be used up. Make sure to place a small scissors (such as a mini sewing scissors) in the basket as well, in case you need to cut open any of those little packets.
Depending on the number of samples that you have, you may be able to skip purchasing any new products for a few months. Discard anything you aren’t interested in trying, or donate these items to a shelter.
The Leftovers
Do you have a collection of bottles or tubes that contain just a tiny amount (maybe one use) of a product. You don’t want to toss them out since there is still product in there, but it seems impossible to get out? Make s commitment to use it up. Go through your spaces, under the sink, on shelves, in the closets, etc., and gather it all up.
Some items you may want to toss, but for whatever is left, use these tricks.
Turn bottles upside down (you may have to lean them against something to keep them upright) and leave for at least 30 minutes. All of the product should fall down into the cap area and can then be used.
For pump bottles, remove the pump and run your hand along the shaft to get the product out.
For lotions, carefully cut open the bottle to access the remaining product.
For conditioner, add a bit of water, shake the bottle to dislodge the product and then use.