All those free samples of stuff we couponers get are great! Especially travel sized toiletry items. But all those items are small and what if you don’t travel that much? Sometimes the samples get stuff in a drawer, lost in the back of cabinet and who knows where else!! So if you’re not using the samples, then they aren’t saving you money! So, lets make an effort to combine them all in one place where they can be used!
Reader Katie suggests keeping a see through container in the laundry room with sample/travel sized Tide, and other laundry detergents and fabric softeners. Then you can see exactly what you have and use it. Also, if you get a sample/travel size Tide and you currently have a jug of Tide open, just go ahead and open that sample and pour it in! It gets used AND you reduce clutter!
Keep sample packs or travel size shampoo near the shower. In fact, if you really want to get them used up, put them on a tray next to the shower and hide the full sized bottles and then everyone else in the family has no choice but to use up the samples! Also, like the detergent, if you get one that you already have a bottle of, just open it up and pour it in.
I keep a basket in the bathroom cabinet with feminine products in it, so whenever I get samples in the mail they go straight in the basket.
I also have a basket on the kitchen counter with single serve snack packages in it. So anytime I get a yummy free sample – pack of cookies, crackers, granola bar, etc – I just toss it straight in to that basket.
What other “freebies” are cluttering up your space and how do you organize them so you can benefit from them?
Be sure to catch up on all the previous Let’s Save Some Money posts.
Geneva says
I always take the laundry soap samples/shampoo/conditioner and save them in a basket for vacation or weekend trips out of town. We usually have to do laundry if we are gone more than a few days (4 kids). The samples won’t spill all over the back of the car like a bottle of soap could. With six of us, even the “suite” hotel rooms that we have to rent rearely have enough shampoo/conditioner in them. Plus, my kids are lame like their mom, they love sample sized anything!
Kristin of Couponing to Disney says
I love the sample sizes, too :)
Anne says
I keep a small shopping bag in my spare bedroom. When a free sample arrives in the mail, or I receive one in a store while shopping, etc., I immediately place it in the shopping bag (as long as it is not perishable). When the bag has several items I drop it off for our communities “homeless” to benefit. They are most grateful and appreciate any kindness. I also drop into the bag any items which I have overstocked in my pantry–they certainly help out those less fortunate.
melissa says
I use sample shampoo/body wash and kid’s shampoo in our summer pool bag. They are great to use to wash off after a trip to the pool.
keisha says
I also put travel size packages of feminine products and some snacks in my van so I will have on the go.