The Scented Life: All about fragrance

Use it Up Challenge - 5 Ways to Shrink your Stash

by Amy on September 20th, 2007

For this assignment, you’re going to learn how to shrink your stash even further. There are several ways, and I want you to try at least one of these suggestions. These organization methods/techniques may even translate to other messy areas in your life.

1. Consolidate. This is really easy with certain types of products. Basically, the less fragranced the item, the easier it becomes, but you can also get creative and blend two complimentary-scented products. I frequently consolidate shampoos, dish soap, sunscreen, nail polish removers, and some skincare items like toner. Obviously you don’t want to go consolidating ammonia with bleach, water with electricity, or anything like that.

2. Get Creative. As I mentioned in the kickoff post, just because a product is labeled shower gel doesn’t mean you HAVE to use it in the shower. Use conditioner as shave cream, body spray as linen mist, shower gel as hand soap. I’ve even used cheap shower gel to scrub my toilet. Can you think of any more ways to use things creatively?

3. Pamper yourself. Try to use more products, more often. Take a bath with a bath bomb every night for a week. Light a candle just because, not because you’re expecting company, or because someone did something smelly. One of my favorite ways to really make a dent in my stash and pamper myself is to take a generous amount of body butter or thick body lotion, massage it into my feet, and then wear thick socks to bed. I have heard of people that do this before the gym, which sounds like a great idea as well. In any case, it helps use up lotions which, as you probably know, can turn rancid before you say boo.
4. Take it Back! In the USA, stores have fairly liberal return policies. If you can find the receipt, why not return a few products? Alternatively, many stores like Bath and Body Works will accept returns of new merchandise without a receipt for store credit. You can then gift the credit to a friend, or keep it for a rainy day when you need a quick gift.  I usually only use this method if I’ve bought something that either doesn’t work for me (skincare) or just isn’t to my liking (fragrance).  Be careful, as stores do track what you return and you can actually get blacklisted for chronic returning.  I’m suggesting this only as a one-time fix to help you get a jumpstart on this particular challenge.  The real challenge is learning not to buy because we feel sad, bored, lonely, hungry, or other reasons for ‘retail therapy’.  In addition, SALES are a double edged sword because although we can get good (or great!) deals, sometimes we buy too much.  Think of sales as the Chinese Food Buffet of shopping.  Once in a while is okay, but not frequently,  and even when we do decide to indulge, there is still a need for moderation.

5. Pamper others. Speaking of gifts, you can make someone’s day a bit brighter by surprising them with a bit of scented happiness. And finally, if you’ve REALLY got a big stash, consider donating it to a homeless or battered women’s shelter. Think of how useful and treasured your items will be to the shelter residents, and think of the tax deductions…

There is actually a sixth way to clean out your stash, but it is not recommended to everyone except the die-hard pack rat. If you’ve really let things go, there may be a few or many products that are just not fit to use anymore. Sadly, the best thing you can do at this point is to empty out the container and recycle it. You wouldn’t keep spoiled milk in the fridge would you? Maybe you would, but if you think you might REALLY have a problem with compulsive shopping, hoarding, or other OCD-type issues, my little list probably isn’t much help. The FlyLady is also not for everyone but her method will help chronically disorganized people recover their homes and their lives.

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