Using things up vs declutter

Garnet_Gem

This thread made me go and check my stuff. it's amazing how you "need" stuff when it's on offer. Won't buy anything except toothpaste till xmas now.

lil_me

Just done the same with socks, thought DP and the boys were short of socks, over 30 pairs each (when I eventually sorted them all out tonight) so just shows when you sort through it's amazing what you find!! Spurred on by this thread actually thinking the 'Do I really need to buy any more?' Probably saved me about £30

simgranny

I'm afraid I'm one of those that cannot bear to throw things out if there is a chance that I might use them - both for moneysaving and environmental reasons.
I am a sucker for lotions and potions and all those little bottles and sachets of stuff that you get in hotel rooms.
When it becomes too much clutter I make sure that I use the smallest sachets tubes and bottles first so that the sheer number of items is reduced quicker.

pocket_fluff

I wonder if anyone can beat this?!

In September 2001 Herbal Essences had a promotion (I think in Boots) of buy one get one free? (or something along those lines). Anyway, being a sucker I bought about 6 shampoos and conditioners. Then I got home.

Actually looking at all the toiletries I had (a lot of gifts and half-used impulse buys) made me realise that I had to start using them up first. So that is exactly what I did. Coupled with this the fact that a few years ago my job entailed me staying in hotels regularly (lots more free toiletries!) means that I STILL haven't bought any since that heady day when I over indulged in Herbal Essences.

Looking at my fast dwindling stock pile, I think I am due to run out sometime before christmas!

p.s. I must also add that I use a very tiny amount of product (using a puff really makes the shower gel last), including shampoo and conditioner. I find my hair actually benefits from this. I have thick, middle-of-my-back length hair, so if I can be frugal with the quantities, anyone can!

LilMissEmmylou

welcome nicci44 and lol that is a heck of a lot of bath products!!!

Tartan_Mum

Hello - not been online for a bit. Wanted to say thanks for the other responses. It's v good to know that I'm not the only stasher.

Of course that doesn't clear out my cupboard but I'm going to use a combo of ideas to clear out, use up, donate. Generally reclaim some space for linen!!

Thanks again to all
TM x

mineallmine

Hi, interesting thread.
I have a couple of 'use-up' lotions near the PC now to dab onto my hands. I also have a 'posh'(ish) little paper bag that has 'use-up' items in it. Feels like a treat then to dip into it and play with a few bits. I recently gave some unused bits (not suitable for pressies or other recyling) to local charity shops.
You could plan a home spa day to use up items. Eg apply a face mask (not too old a one mind!), run a bath of bubbly, use any face/body scrubs, apply hair treatments, then afterwards apply face/body lotion - knees and elbows always needs lots of moisturing. You could also apply some body lotion to your feet and pop some cotton socks on to really moisturise them. Could use body lotion to do a back massage on OH. Some body lotions are also ok to add just to the tips of your hair if a bit dry. I'm using up a face scrub (which my skin didn't like) as a hand scrub, kept at the bathroom sink. Happy using up!

SallyCinnamon

This is the first year that I've actually been able to resist buying travel sized shampoo, body lotion etc for holidays. I've always got loads of bottles ready to decant into, but I just love the travel stuff sooo much! I've been very strict this year though, just got to get through the next week without being tempted.....

exlibris

SallyCinnamon wrote: »

This is the first year that I've actually been able to resist buying travel sized shampoo, body lotion etc for holidays. I've always got loads of bottles ready to decant into, but I just love the travel stuff sooo much! I've been very strict this year though, just got to get through the next week without being tempted.....

Decant into your smaller bottles NOW.

You have now already 'bought' your travel sizes for your hols for this year.