Are Internet Freebies Taking Over Your Home?

Admit it, you are a freebie queen. Proof of this lies in the cabinet and boxes full of samples, coupons, and contest wins. In fact, in a few days, you're afraid you'll no longer be able to walk through your home without wading through a bucket full of free stuff.

Girlfriend, it's time.

Time to clear through those irresistible promos and clear out some of those "must haves!"

Here's a few ideas to inspire and get you started on the path to freebie-freedom:

Share. The simplest idea of all, it's sometimes over-looked. Put a pack of samples & coupons together for your family members, friends, and neighbors. They'll be delighted to have the extras and will admire your savviness for a long time to come.

Donate. Do you have a local women's shelter? Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other femine and children's product samples will be well appreciated. Local teen shelters, food shelves, and other charities may also be interested in what you have to offer. Consult your Yellow pages directory or check Americas Charities http://www.charities.org/ for a national listing of non-profit organizations.

Sell. Have you won a prize or received a full-sized sample that you haven't used? If it's eligible for resale, consider auctioning the item or offer it to a friend at a reduced rate. This way you'll still reap the benefit of the prize, and so will your purchaser.

Trade. Maybe you got a little freebie happy, or maybe you've received a few things that you inadvertently don't need. Consider trading these items with a fellow freebie queen, or host a freebie swap with your freebie queen friends. Have your get-together at a kid-friendly restaurant or at your home. Ask each guest to bring their stash, place all the items on a table and let everyone pick through the items to find what suits them. Take all the leftovers and donate them to the local charity of your choice. This is a great way to get together and to share the wealth

Give-a-way. Are you having a garage or yard sale? Consider having a "free" box available with all your extras available for the taking. Do you have a coupon box at your local library? Gather all your extras and leave them for others. Will you be grocery shopping this week? Consider leaving coupons for others near the product. In essence, find ways to help make the world a brighter freebie place!

Gift. Group items together for a spectacular gift basket for a mom-to-be, or a pampering gift basket for a friend's birthday. Add a few dollar store items and you'll be amazed at the results, as will your recipients.

Guests. Put together shampoo, soap, toothpaste, and other samples for visitors. Place in a plastic baggie or wrap in a washcloth. Your guests will be thrilled to have the essentials at hand.

Use 'em! One thing conservative freebie divas do is collect freebies way past their prime. Use your freebies, experience new products and enjoy the samples. After all, there are always more new products to enjoy down the road. Don't let your samples expire, it's not beneficial to the companies who wish you to use their product, nor to yourself, who will lose out by having to throw out good items down the road.

Whatever options you choose, be sure to maximize your freebie experience and clear out the clutter!