Space Saving Strategies: Save those samples!

As I was packing things up for our camping trip this past weekend, I came across a stash of fast food condiments–which reminded me of some other sample-sized products I had been saving for our travels. We love using samples because they reduce what we have to take in the camper, both in weight and space. This used to be particularly important when we had a pop-up camper and space was at a premium.

You can start your own sample stash for your camping and touring adventures:

• When you dine out, don’t discard those leftover but unopened ketchup, mayo, or dip containers. Bring them home and toss them in a bag or bin in a kitchen cupboard so you’ll know where to find them before your next trip. Then instead of having to bring along multiple containers, the handy single-serving samples might suffice.
• When you go to the dentist, save the trial sized toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss.
• If you or family members stay at hotels for business travel, collect the toiletry samples, like bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner. Some hotels even leave out little bottles of mouthwash and body lotion.
• Start requesting free samples. I used to do a lot of couponing in our early years of marriage–I have Money Saving Mom to thank for all the ways I saved money during some lean years. One of her tips was to sign up for free samples because they almost always come with a coupon for the product. It takes a few moments to fill out the request form, but the coupon savings is worth it to me and then I have the added bonus of a sample that is great for camping and traveling. Some of the great samples I have received over the years include:
  • Tea and coffee
  • Dish soap
  • Laundry detergent
  • Tissues
  • Shampoo and conditioner
  • Body wash
  • Shaving cream

When I was digging through my bin of travel samples I discovered I have accumulated enough laundry detergent samples to cover 12 loads of laundry–that will be great for the West trip so I don’t have to haul a heavy bottle of laundry soap!

If you are looking for places to sign up for free samples to begin building your camping sample stash, Money Saving Mom is a great place to start.