I had planned to move on to "wear it out" today, but then I realized that I have more to say about "use it up."

First, it's always better to avoid getting into trouble than to try to get out of it. The best way to avoid having to use up too much stuff is to avoid accumulating too much stuff in the first place.

When you shop for food, buying the big economy size isn't always your best choice. I live alone. While I recognize that buying milk by the gallon is cheaper, there is no way I can use a gallon of milk before it would go bad. So, I either buy my milk in smaller quantities or I stockpile recipes that use sour milk. Before you automatically reach for the larger size of something, think about whether you will use it all before it goes bad. That's why I don't buy fruit at Costco anymore. I can't use it fast enough. You haven't saved any money if you throw half of a product away or toss it into the compost bin.

With beauty products, it's always best to buy a sample size first (unless you were ale to try the product at the store). Once you've opened mascara and decided that you hate it, you can't take it back (and even if the store offers returns, it still goes into the trash for health reasons). Try a little. If you find yourself using it regularly, then buy the bigger size.

Try to avoid buying things "just in case." Really, when was the last time you had a stationery or DVD or candle emergency?

For me, the biggest challenge is gift cards. I always want to save them for a special purchase. Or I could just buy what I need. Really, how many life changing purchases do you make at Amazon or Target? Companies rely on people not using their gift cards. They already have their money. If you don't use a gift card, you might as well have walked up to the store manager and handed her cash. If you really aren't going to use a gift card (maybe you hate the place or their clothes look horrid on you), donate it to a charity. Someone would probably love it.

Another obstacle to using things up is the desire to save things for the right moment. You can't use that bubble bath. It's for a special spa night. Those are the "good" candles. That's the expensive perfume. 

What are you waiting for? Carpe diem! Wear the expensive perfume (in moderation please) to haul stuff to the recycling center. Burn the good candles because it's a rainy Tuesday and the family is all together. Take a bubble bath because you are spending the evening at home. Enjoy it. Appreciate it. Use it up!