Organize This! Understand How Long to Keep and How To Let Go of Bathroom/Self-Care Products

By Stephanie Calahan (Calahan Solutions, Inc)

What do you get for a woman that has everything?  Why bath products, perfume, soaps, lotions and makeup of course!  Bath products and personal care items are an easy gift to give - everyone could use some more lotion right?  Often we struggle throwing these items out if they have not been used.  Consider these two points when looking at your things.

1 – Personal care items expire

Any color of makeup you have found that you do not wear at least once a month should be thrown out. (If it has not been used, you can donate it, but please do not donate used makeup.) For a great summary of how long to keep various items, visit this article.

2 – You can only use a finite amount in a given period of time

In reality, there are only so many personal care items that we can use in a given amount of time.  If you find that you have an overabundance of lotions, perfume, shampoo, etc. consider donating it to people that would really appreciate it. 

“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” 
(1 Corinthians 13:13 KJV)

1 -- Local domestic violence (DV) shelters -- Many women who find themselves living in a DV home have had to leave their homes quickly and often have nothing but the clothes on their backs.  Consider donating your items to women who would love to be able to have some luxuries in life.

2 -- Homeless shelters -- Basic necessities are not as common when you don't have a regular place to live.  Shelters are often looking for toiletries.  Check your local churches that help out homeless families too.

3 -- Our service men and women -- Organizations like VFW and Am-Vets frequently hold drives at this time of year to collect items to go overseas in holiday boxes for our troops.  My son's school collects items every year, so take a look in your local papers for opportunities.

4 -- Back-to-work programs like Dress For Success -- There are a number of great programs worldwide that support women that are going back into the workforce.  The Dress for Success program in our area provides interview clothing, two work day outfits and a few other items to help care for the woman's appearance in addition to giving them work skills training.

5 -- Cosmetology/beauty schools -- Our local high-school has vocational training that teaches students the skills necessary to go into the salon field.  They love getting new products they can use in their classes.  (Note:  There are some cosmetology schools that focus on a specific product line.  Call and ask before you take the items.)

6 -- Food Banks/Food Pantries -- Many food banks/pantries collect non-food items too.  Check your local facility.

7 -- Nursing/Senior Care Facilities -- Many nursing homes would love these items for residents.  Sadly, there are many seniors that never get visitors or gifts for holidays or their birthday.  Check with the facility first, but consider wrapping the lotions, etc. and giving as gifts to those that would appreciate some self-care.

What locations have I missed?  Share them in the comments, OK?

To your success!

Stephanie is the founder and CEO of Calahan Solutions, Inc. She is a nationally known speaker, media personality, author, publisher, productivity & organization consultant, and business coach. She believes that organizing is about making time and room for what is important to you and that life was meant to be lived. Stephanie lives in Illinois with her husband, 10-year-old son and Havanese puppy. You can find her on Twitter and at Productive and Organized, Daily Productivity Tips, and at Stephanie Calahan.