Spend Less On Toilet Paper With These Helpful Tips

In today's economy, finding ways to cut down on household expenses is more important than ever. One of the daily essentials that often goes overlooked in this regard is toilet paper. From savvy shopping techniques to alternative products, there are a lot of practical tips to help you save money on toilet paper without compromising comfort or hygiene. Whether you're a single individual or managing a bustling household, toilet paper can get easier and cheaper, one roll at a time.

The first step to saving money on toilet paper is to understand your household's usage patterns. Pay attention to how much toilet paper is used on average per day or week. Once you have a rough idea of the amount, you can start implementing strategies to reduce this usage, buy the supply according to demand, and start saving money. 

Begin cutting down your toilet paper budget with better habits. Educating your family members, especially children, about responsible and appropriate toilet paper use is crucial — lead by example. The placement of your toilet paper dispenser can also influence how much paper is used. The "under" toilet paper orientation (versus the "over"), with the paper facing the wall, can lead to more economical unrolling habits. It also prevents pets or children from unraveling the toilet paper, as they tend to do. Encourage household members to use three to four squares of toilet paper at a time instead of rolling it around the hand excessively and to fold the paper instead of crumpling it.

Once you've mastered the fine art of sustainable toilet paper use, the next best thing is getting a toilet paper subscription service. That's right! You can get anything from meal delivery to beauty box subscriptions delivered to your door, like clockwork — including TP. Toilet paper subscriptions deliver a set number of rolls to your doorstep monthly for a fixed price. You never have to worry about running out; the convenience and peace of mind are unrivaled. Types of rolls on offer vary, from bamboo toilet paper to recycled, with many eco-friendly brands offering carbon-neutral free shipping and septic-safe TP that doesn't harm the environment. Costs range from $20 to $60 for about 24 rolls.

Ultimately, purchasing toilet paper in bulk can lead to significant savings. Larger packs often cost less per roll than smaller packages, and subscription services tend to bring further discounts. Look for sales and promotions at bulk stores or online retailers. Bippy offers three-ply, ultra-soft, dual-sided bamboo toilet paper with a 15% discount on their subscription service, coming to $32. Who Gives A Crap, a B Corp-certified company that donates 50% of its profits to charity partners, sells 100% recycled toilet paper with a 20% discount on your first order, which comes to $49.60 for 48 rolls. Their cost per 100 sheets is $0.34, versus $0.47 for Charmin or $0.36 for Cottonelle. There are also Amazon TP subscriptions that come with hefty discounts and flexible delivery plans.

Not all toilet paper is created equal. Some brands offer more sheets per roll or have thicker sheets, which means you'll use less. Compare the price per sheet instead of per roll to find the best deal for your bulk purchase or subscription. While premium, ultra-plush toilet paper may be more comfortable, it's also more expensive and often less sustainable. Standard, recycled options can be equally effective and much more affordable. Be open to trying different brands that offer better value for money.

Bidet toilet seat attachments can also drastically reduce the need for toilet paper. While there's an initial investment, the reduction in paper usage will save money over time. This bidet from TUSHY is a good option as it fits 95% of American toilets, takes 10 minutes to install, and simply uses your home's existing tap water. With a bidet, no TP is really necessary (except for serious occasions).

For those willing to try a more sustainable approach, reusable cloths, such as those from Net Zero Co., can be a good alternative. These can be washed and reused, though they may not be suitable for every situation. Reducing the amount of money spent on toilet paper is a realistic goal that can be achieved with mindful practices, smart shopping, and a willingness to try new products and methods. Every small saving contributes to a larger impact on your household budget, one roll at a time.