Probably like many of us, I have a habit of going shopping for clothing, toiletries, and snacks right before I leave for a trip. As I’ve been buying last-minute toothpaste, sunscreen, pants and even a rain jacket (which now I’ve found out that I might not need one), I realize that the dollars and space limit on my credit card could be better spent some place else. That some place else is my upcoming destination.
In getting ready for your excursion, here are 5 ways to save money on travel necessities.

Re-shop your closet and drawers. First, check out what you’ve got before getting something new. Pull out hangers and shoes and create two piles for what you would wear on your trip, and what you probably won’t. If you’re like me, you might have a number of pants you can bring, t-shirts that can be switched up, flats that can be good for walking, cardigans for cold nights and required arm covering and a simple dress for nights out or hot days. While going through what’s in your bedroom and living room, head to the bathroom and look at what you’ve got, and what you’re missing, with toiletries. Plus another bonus is that you’re doing serious cleanup, tossing, and donation sorting—and seeing what you forget you had.

Look out for a good sale. It can pay to get travel-related items on sale, even when you’re not leaving just yet. As off-season fashions are pushed to the discounted rack, keep an eye out on reduced priced pieces that might come in handy in the future (think summer/winter shirts, swimwear, jeans, backpacks/luggage, and weatherproof gear). And multipurpose items such as shirts, undergarments, or comfortable footwear can be worn at home or away. To some extent, this tip can also apply to buying marked down health and beauty aides. Band-Aids can linger on your shelf, but with medicines and vitamins double check on their expiration dates before buying, especially if you doubt that you’re going to use it within the next few months or the “use by” period is coming up fast. If it’s still got a secure date of maybe two years, then consider it. Snacks, too, can also be bought right before you go.

Bottle it up. I haven’t tried them out yet, but consider buying bottle set kits where you can pour in your favorite shampoo, conditioner, bath gel or lotion. Most often their sizes are TSA-friendly, and I’m assuming that you can probably get close to toping off at the lid. And if you think about it, these bottles down on excess waste too. Another bottle friendly/money saving idea is to reuse travel size bottles. I had bought one with ibuprofen and decided to hold onto it once it was empty. Now, I refill it with tablets from a larger bottle at home, so this saves me time as well. Or even grab a pill container to store pain relievers, vitamins or another essential medication.

Be a sampler. These one-time use products will always come in handy. Beauty stores like Sephora and Kiehls are good about offering trial versions of available skincare, haircare, and cosmetics. Even the most unlikely sources can help. Have a dentist appointment? See if you can get a free toothbrush, trial-size toothpaste or floss to take with you. Or street demo or festival where a vendor booth is promoting merchandise or have coupons on them? Or consider signing up for rewards programs at your local pharmacy or companies like Dollar Shave Club, where apparently you can buy razors for less than a packet at the store. And don’t be shy about taking the toiletries from your hotel bathroom.

Or become a swapper. Have a set of good travel pals? Consider seeing if anyone has an item to exchange or might be parting with. Maybe they have a backpack or dress you can borrow or one they’re looking to get rid of.