I’m still kicking myself for buying a bottle of shampoo at Sams in a formula I hadn’t tried. I really don’t like how it leaves my hair feeling, but I still want to use it up. I ended up giving it to a roommate, but she finally moved out and left it behind.

I bought another big bottle at Big Lots, but it’s a formula that actually works well for me. But I want to use up the other stuff, too, so I alternate when I use them.

But right now I’m using up shampoo that I got at a hotel weeks ago.

And I finally finished up all my free samples — for now.

I keep telling myself to never buy shampoo — or conditioner — again.

Don’t get me started on bar soap. My husband bought it in bulk years ago, then decided that he doesn’t like bar soap. Then we got some more as gifts. I finally bit the bullet and started using it in the shower. I don’t care if it dries out my skin; we have so much body lotion which we don’t even use, but people keep giving us.

No, i’ve never even considered that this would be a possibility. Like i said, i don’t get it, but if others do… *shakes head in a confused manner*

However, there are 2 things i do to save space in my shower, depending on what i’m buying:

Since i am not bored by these products:
1) To save money, i have a small refillable/usable container for my soap that i refill from the the bulk container at the Co-op. Many other non-coop stores have these things too. This saves you money, AND space. And, if you DO get bored, each time, you can just try a new bulk soap!

2) When that’s not an option, i buy the bigger bottle to save money, but keep that in the storage locker that’s part of my condo (yes, i know not all have this option, but it could be stashed in your linen closet, or something), and then just refil the smaller bottle as well.

I do subscribe heavily to the idea of giving unwanted products to women’s shelters, etc. I have also regifted lotions/soaps that are too scented for me, but that do smell nice (just too strong) in situations where I didn’t know someone was coming (i.e. extra family members at Christmas). Whenever that happens I look in my “I don’t love it, but somebody else will!” bag.

Make-up on the other hand…that tends to spoil before I’m halfway finished with it.

Kim–last Christmas my family made an agreement to exchange “wish lists” of (mostly) consumables that we would each prefer to receive for Christmas (we published our lists on a family website). It was immensely satisfying to all of us to receive things we would actually use, and not end up with a ton of useless junk then ends up cluttering our homes or that eventually gets regifted. Easier too for the giver!

For those trying to use up those samples, or gifted shower gels: use them to fill up your handsoap dispensers in your bathroom/powder rooms. I have a toddler, and wash my hands about a hundred times a day, so I am using up product that would normally just sit there and collect dust.

I think your idea has too much common sense for people these days. I don’t think they’d understand. Great tip!

I recently cleaned out the hall closet and found 4 brand new bottle of body wash and about 1/2 dozen deoderants for DH! We will not be purchasing any more until those are gone.

As a Professional Organizer, I am pretty good about the one in/one out rule. What makes it easier, is that I keep a grocery list that I created in Excel that has my food and health and beauty aids listed on it. I keep it posted on my refrigerator and when I run out, I highlight what I need and then go to the store once a week. That way, I don’t have to worry about running out and I also don’t need to buy more than one of something to replace it. I also live in a small space. Having a list like this saves time as well in the grocery store or mass merchandising store. I keep a similar sheet stapled to my Basic Weekly Plan (To Do list) for my office supplies.

As for holidays, when I get all of these “extras”, I give them to Goodwill in their original packaging.

Some of my friends have a clothing swap once in a while. . .what about a lotion/perfume swap? Everyone brings those that they don’t want, and maybe someone else’s “unwanted scent” will be your favorite?

haha! why do they do this? my dogs do the same thing and I end up with lots of unused lotion.