Leave Your Favourite Toiletries at Your Parent’s House So They’re There Next Time You Visit

Leave Your Favourite Toiletries at Your Parent’s House So They’re There Next Time You Visit

Six years ago I relocated from North Carolina to San Francisco. The majority of my good friends still live in NC, which means a few times a year I end up visiting for at least a week at a time, sometimes longer. The first few of those lengthy trips brought up a dilemma: what do I do about things like shampoo and toothpaste?

Because I’m allergic to my parent’s pets/the furry friends they’ve replaced me with, I always stay with the same friend. Yes, she has things like soap and whatnot I can use and I did for the first few trips, but then I realised a better option: I bought full-size toiletries and left them in the back of the cabinet in her guest bathroom to use the next time I came.

Visiting for a few days and using someone’s stuff is totally reasonable. If you’re visiting somewhere for a long period of time (I’m here a week this time) and are doing it a few times a year, then you are putting a significant dent in someone’s shampoo reserves.

Yes, I could bring it from home, but then I have to check a bag. And my friend doesn’t use the same stuff I do, which is fine for a day or two, but when you’re talking about a week I start to miss the smell of my favourite body wash and my conditioner’s ability to make my hair not look like a complete train wreck. You use some things because they work great for you, which is likely not what your friend or your family uses on the regular.

A few years ago I hit the supermarket on a trip and just bought a full size of everything I use at home regularly. It was maybe a $30 investment and included toothpaste, mouthwash, shampoo and conditioner, a razor and a bonus toothbrush.

I talked to my friend before I did it (don’t leave random soap in your friend’s house without an explanation) used it for the week I was visiting and then shoved it under the sink when I left. The next time I came I didn’t even have to pack a toothbrush, I knew it was all here waiting.

I think we’re probably three years into this arrangement and it’s always sort of comforting to know I have my own things here. I don’t have to make any last minute trips to the drug store because I forgot something and she doesn’t feel like she needs to gather anything for me when I get here, I’ve got it covered.

It’s something I’m not sure I would have ever considered doing before, but it’s made travelling home a lot easier since I have. If you’re spending a long weekend with family this weekend go ahead and intentionally leave your toiletries behind. When it comes time for another trip in a few month you’ll be happy you did.


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