I can hear you groaning. Another post about toilet paper? Yes, indeed. But this simple tip is potentially life-changing for those with young children. Or cats.
A huge factor in saving money is reducing waste. But how do you reduce waste in the bathroom? (No pun intended).
Does this scene look familiar?
How about this one?
Sure, you can save money on toilet paper by switching to a high-quality value brand, like White Cloud, and using coupons. (Just had to throw that in there). 
But to really save, you must simply use less. There is a simple way to prevent the debacles pictured above. I give you… The Roll-Squeeze-Under Technique:
Before you install the roll on the holder, squeeze it together so that the tube is no longer round. For extra precaution against curious toddlers and mischievous kitties, hang it under. This makes the roll unroll slowly and takes a little more effort, thus reducing extra use.
How easy is that? This simple trick will save money and sanity, not mention fewer clogs and flushes.
That works for me! For more frugal ways, visit Life as Mom.
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{ 20 comments… read them below or add one }
Imagine the money we could save, and give to those in need, if we simply used less and reduced waste. Not just in the case of too much TP, but in everything we do!
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 11:44 pm
Shirley- I am right there with you! This is a a topic near and dear to my heart. I believe in saving more, so we can ultimately give more.
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I once read that a grandmother did this every time her grandkids came to visit to keep them from taking too much when they used the potty. I don’t remember the exact amount, but she cut her tp needs dramatically after employing this technique.
.-= Katie´s last blog ..Storytimes =-.
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It works great with cats, too!
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It works on husbands too! My husband is notorious for doing big hand over hand laps (3 times precisely) no matter the quality of tp. This makes his routine a little more labor intensive and I notice the roll is not going down quite as quickly. *wink, wink*
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Alyssa, I could NEVER do this! Yes, I can squeeze the roll – that part is fine. But making your toilet paper roll UNDER?!?!?! On purpose??!!! That’s where I draw the line.
.-= Kami´s last blog ..New FREE Printable Coupons!! =-.
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Bethany Goff Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 1:59 pm
LOL
Oh, I so agree with you! There are limits to how far we can go! I mean, going *under* is completely against the natural order of the universe! lol
.-= Bethany Goff´s last blog ..Website Changes =-.
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Sheryl Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 7:34 am
@Kami,
Amen sista! Gives me the heebie-jeebies just thinking about it!!!!! (I will try the “squeeze” though!)
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Okay, I laughed through that whole post. So funny and so ingenious. I’m going to try it!
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I used to get so mad when the toilet paper would get smashed on the way home. … then I realized the same thing you have… it saves on it. I’ve just never called it the “roll squeeze under”. How funny. Now when my hubby complains that I have “squeezed the charmin and put it on wrong” I’ll tell him there is a name for that!
.-= LisaB´s last blog ..Menu Board for Make It For Monday =-.
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 11:45 pm
Exactly! Not only is there a name, there is a very good reason for it. Ha!
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I’m gonna go try that now! With 3 kids , that LOVE to “use” TP…this is a great idea!! Thanks!
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I read once a tip about using the old, empty TP tube, smashing it flatter and then sticking it inside the new tube, this works the same way by slowing down the tube.
.-= Sonya Mounts´s last blog ..Basement Beautification =-.
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I do this as well! No kids yet, but an over zealous husband! lol
.-= Brandi @ Frugal Farmhouse´s last blog ..Homemade Hamburger Buns =-.
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 10th, 2010 at 11:46 pm
Too funny! Several people have mentioned the husband factor. Who knew it was such a hot topic? {giggle}
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It seems like that when I buy the “cheap” toilet paper I use twice as much, as say Charmin.. Is this just my imagination at work, or is it true? And if true, is the premium TP the better buy??
.-= Michelle´s last blog ..By: Brandi @ Frugal Farmhouse =-.
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I save tp around here by never putting it on the holder. My kids have left it alone since having it off the roll. Guess it took all the “fun” out of it!
That is a good idea though!
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What an awesome tip!!! I did this for a while and just forgot to do it! I will start again! I would be honored if you would submit a link under my Tuesday’s tips at: http://couponomicstimuluspackage.blogspot.com/2010/03/being-disorganized-is-costing-me-big.html
.-= Lori at Couponomic Stimulus Package´s last blog ..Cottage Potatoes =-.
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I never thought of squeezing the tube so it’s no longer round. I bet we could save a bundle (because with 9 kids we go through LOTS of TP.)
.-= Kimberly @ Raising Olives´s last blog ..4 Moms, 35 Kids – Our Schedule =-.
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I think there’s a mom inventor who invented a gadget for this as well, but this is a cool trick. I’m glad I don’t have that problem too much. No pets and my toddlers is now a pre-schooler and is hopefully fearing the punishment of having to roll it back up herself. LOL
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Those are some good ideas! I have been trying to keep my 2 year old out of the bathroom!
.-= Nancy M.´s last blog ..Giveaway and Review- Exergen TemporalScanner =-.
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I am so an UNDER roller – much to my husbands dismay – I do not understand why OVER?? But I never thought to squeeze it – that is AWESOME!!
.-= lynn´s last blog ..Publix Deals 3/11 – 3/17 =-.
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I find if I buy the better quality paper (double rolls and 2 ply, 3 ply is just too much), it really lasts longer. I will try squeezing the tube but I don’t know if I can live with the roll under part, lol! I’m glad to read there are several here who want to save more, to give more. That is my goal also
.-= Joyful´s last blog ..Fantastic Walk to Granville Market – Pt. 3 =-.
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I love it! I’m going to go squeeze mine right now
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I had heard about squeezing the roll before, but totally forgot about it until I read your post, am gonna try it today!!! lol I am not sure if I can live with the “under” part, but will give it a try.
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Alyssa Francis Reply:
March 15th, 2011 at 12:18 pm
@Sharon, It takes some getting used to, but I do notice we use less this way!
Thanks for commenting, Sharon.
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