By Brianna Llewellyn, Staff Writer
The summer is quickly approaching and more than anything college students need to save money. One way to save some extra cash is to consider going to the dollar store more often. Most people see stores like Walmart as the ultimate savings store. However, there are some things you can buy at the dollar store for more affordable prices. Also, although it may seem too good to be true, the dollar store accepts coupons! Here are a few tips that can be used to maximize your savings!
1.) Purchase reasonably priced beauty products at the dollar store. Products like nail polish, nail polish remover, and cotton swabs can easily be purchased at the dollar store for a fraction of the price a student would pay at Walmart.
2.) Let the dollar store become an organization oasis. Medium sized plastic storage bins stacked neatly on top of each other can be easily styled to make a dorm room neater. Then, use glass or plastic vases to store pens and pencils to give cluttered desk spaces a nice touch. Colorful waterproof baskets bought at the dollar store can be used to eliminate cramped storage spaces and make getting dressed in the morning a breeze by placing all personal effects on one side of the sink. Also to save time when ironing clothes and avoid pesky wrinkles buy a few clothes hanger sets to hang up formal wear.
3.) The dollar store can make DIY Pinteresting more affordable than ever. Check the arts and crafts aisle for glitter, glue, markers, construction paper, or any other craft supply you may need. As a matter of fact, craft supplies at the dollar store are so inexpensive feel free to buy more than one for those class projects that require a little more creativity than usual.
4.) Purchase basic culinary essentials such as spatulas, basting spoons, grilling forks and other utensils at the dollar store with just as much quality as department store brands for a fraction of the cost. Although it may seem a little weird at first, do not shy away from purchasing food at the dollar store. Buy canned goods, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings from the dollar store to change up meal time for the better.
5.) Celebrate frugality by purchasing decorations at the dollar store. It is easy to create memories with friends with such a large selection of affordable party favors and holiday decorations.
6.) Get started on spring cleaning with home cleaning essentials from the dollar store. For most people when sharing dorms bleach is a necessity. Purchase bleach and detergents for washing clothes, bathrooms, and dishes at prices that could be considered a steal. Most dollar stores sell brooms and mops at much more affordable prices than a department store. It would be wise to also purchase a few brand name air freshener products at the dollar store as well. Lastly a few trash bags are always useful and since they are disposable after each use do not waste money on overpriced bags at department stores.
7.) Some dollar stores also have great deals on health products. For example, items such as hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and antiseptic creams all contain the same active ingredients as brand name products sold at some pharmacies but are sold for less at the dollar store.
8.) Get a head start on moving. The dollar store sells a range of different types of tapes. Use tape to seal and label moving boxes to make your transition from campus to off campus locations less stressful over the summer.
The dollar store is home to a variety of brand name products at discounted prices. However, there are few things that are not worth purchasing at the dollar store such as electronic appliances unless the item is only needed as a replacement for a short period of time. In order to maintain affordable prices stores like the dollar tree consider all sales final unless the item is unopened with a receipt. So as to return policies be sure to ask if refunds are available in case one is needed in the future.
Most people do not know, but many dollar stores also accept coupons. So, for extra savings browse the web and check the weekly newspapers for coupons and discounts. Some good sites for coupons include coupons.com, smartsource.com, and of course the dollar store’s website.
