[Courtney]

I know little expenses add up, but I also don’t know how to curb them effectively. I’m not talking about coffees or fast food….more like toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo, etc etc.

I’ll tell myself I don’t need to get anything from amazon or the store but then someone runs out of something or I’m missing something from the kitchen and then it becomes another store order or online order.

I will add that I’m a pretty organized person but we’re a 4 person family in a very small space.

we don’t have a garage or any other storage except 2 small closets in the house.

[Robin]

I periodically add a year’s supply of a toiletry to store in the pantry. If storage space is a problem, consider using empty suitcases, under the bed storage, etc.

Buying in bulk is often advantageous for those types of things and saves trips.

[Francess]

dollar store for these. find space to put items. dollar store plastic shoe boxes can be stacked on top of one another…that s what I do with my health and beauty aids.

I also have rolling cart filled.

[Melissa]

Go through that stuff and put in a box to store any duplicates. Keep the box under your bed or another spot out of the way. When you run out, go to that box and replace.

When you realize you took the last toothpaste (?) add it to your list.

You have time, so wait for it to be on sale or cheaper in a store you are visiting.

Buy only 1 of the item, no matter how good the deal is.

Don’t worry when you need to use that last one you will have time to wait for the next sale price.

Very little space needed and you always have backup bought on sale.

When I had a full house and heard “we are out of…” My response was always “you can get more out”.

[Karen]

Cut open an “empty” toothpaste tube and you’ll be shocked at how much is left in it This makes them last at least another week!

[Connie]

I use UltraBrite toothpaste. It’s made by Colgate and only costs $1 per full sized tube at Walmart and Family Dollar.

I buy 10 or 12 tubes at the time and always have some on hand!

I’m paying 1/4 what most people pay for a tube of Colgate!

[Sheila]

I started following the ‘rule of halves’. Most people use more toothpaste/shampoo, etc than necessary.

I have since found I can still get the job done with less.

Using too much just sends the excess down the sink.

[Rachel]

We keep a running list on the fridge. If you know you need it soon it goes there. Not necessarily typical groceries, but the one offs and bulk buys that run out.

Ie mine says iron on patches, dill weed and AA batteries but I know we need milk and bread.

There’s not going to be a special store run for these, but when I’m out I’ll try to make sure they are picked up.

[Vele]

I keep a list of things needed for the house on my phone and I only buy those things on the end of the month when they’re cheaper.

[Kay]

I use white vinegar for cleaning everything. Also in laundry if it needs a softener or disinfectant. Baking soda is a good tooth paste.

I do by mouthwash at Walmart in big bottle and distrubte to smaller bottles for bathrooms.

[Sara]

Surprised no one has suggested extreme couponing yet? I only coupon at CVS regularly. I haven’t paid more than $1 for good toothpaste or $2.50 for detergent in ages.

I also get TP and paper towels that way.

And lots of other stuff.

[Laura]

I start looking for sales before I need something.
Like right now, my favorite brand of TP – if I catch it on sale, I’ll buy it.

My favorite tooth paste (I have about 2 weeks left of this tube)

BAck in the day – my friend and I would split a Sam’s club package of toilet paper and paper towels and laundry detergent.

My MIL and SIl still do this.

[Annie]

Keeping a list is a great idea. Try to hit a dollar type store for things that you can buy there – dish soap, wax paper, paper towels, many spices, shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, etc. Dollar Tree is a lot cheaper than CVS or Amazon for toothpaste!

Also, make it a policy that outside of a dire emergency (like toilet paper) you won’t be running to the store every time something runs out.

Once the crew starts realizing that they have to wait until your next planned trip they’ll get a lot better at telling you to put something on the list.

You’ll save yourself a lot of money and time by cutting down on shopping excursions whether in person or on line.

[Jennie]

Some may not agree…but I use one type of washing up liquid e.g Earth brand for everything….dishes toilets floors…does a great job and cheap as chips….

also hand washing….save heaps!!

[Dorothy]

I buy toilet paper, toothpaste, shampoo and standard soap. Freezer baggies, laundry detergent and dish soap.

That’s it and it’s all low cost or generic.

I use baking soda for deodorant and Coconut oil for body cream.

[AB]

Between Amazon and Walmart I stay in good shape for everything but food. Definitely have to edit subscriptions.

Don’t be afraid to buy stuff from high rated sellers on eBay, I do this for appliances and refrigerator filters things with specific model numbers.

[Stephanie]

Just a suggestion, but I put ALL my bills and food and charges on my Costco Citibank card and pay it off every month.

At the end of the year I have built up enough money to buy a year’s supply of the basics, and then some.

Costco pays actual cash!!

[Eulonda]

I cut everything open, use it to the last drop!If a bag (inside cereal, bread bag,just examples) Use for other things.

(dog poo pick up!) Food,I save every left over, make soup twice a week.

It’s just me now. But Iv been this way for years!

[Kristie]

What has helped me –
Knowing how long products last us.
TP, cat food and cat litter lasts us right at a month.

An 8 pack of paper towels lasts 2+ months as does toothpaste and body wash.
Shampoo is 2-4 months depending on the person.
I too have had a four person family in a small home with not a lot of storage.

I buy on my schedule and often can go a few days over if needed but if bad weather is coming in I can always do my monthly shop early.

Been trying to teach my youngest this method.

I think it sunk in after a few months of going to the store multiple times and running out of necessities at times that it’s just easier to get on a schedule.

[Kristel]

Find a short list of products you are ok with for each of those. Shop and find a good deal on say, one of the shampoos, buy 4.

I have to use natural items with no fragrance etc due to sensitivities. I get them crazy affordably at tj maxx.

Basically, I looked at everything we buy with some regularity.

I try to always have a couple in backstock, just like freezer and shelf stable items and clothing etc.

Then you even out your household costs and don’t have to make last minute runs to the store.

A little planning goes a long way… I only do regular items this way.

[Dee]

You can make the toothpaste dots, mouthwash gets watered down. Shampoo into dispensars.

And such.

Storage space above doors and in between wall 2 x 4 s if you really need it.

[Nancy]

Try using half the amount of cleaners and personal care products that you currently use. You need less than a pea size bit of toothpaste for instance.

Try using less shampoo. You will find that your hair is just as clean.

Try cutting your dishwasher and laundry detergent in half and see what happens.

We wash a lot of chemicals and money down the drain.

[Staci]

Coupons…… If you do it right and add in a sale you can usually get what you need cheaper.

I also know some people that like to shop at the dollar store for toothpaste and shampoo.

[Diane]

When I was a struggling college student living a a small space, my room mate and I installed some floating shelves in the bathroom which we topped with some baskets we bought at a thrift store and spray painted to match our decor in order to be able to store items like rolled face clothes and the ones you describe AND we got one of those over the toilet style cabinets which gave us extra storage as well.

Perhaps you could do something similar.

If you are renting where you can’t install shelves maybe a small bookcase might fit or an over the door storage rack could help.

[Author]

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