Extreme couponing is the latest craze to hit the U.S., with promises of grocery bill savings up to 90%. Although effective, extreme coupon use almost always come hand-in-hand with buying in bulk, so you'll likely be left with a surplus of products that will take you weeks, if not months, to use – especially if they're toiletry products. Don't let those bargains go to waste with these 3 tips.

Keep an Eye Out for Expiry Dates and Ingredients

Although toilet paper and feminine products don't have an expiry date, other toiletry products like lotions, shampoos and conditioners do. For example, you should only keep unopened bottles of shampoo and conditioner for no more than 3 years. The expiration symbol located near the product's universal product code (UPC) usually denotes the number of months you have to use the produce after you open it, and not the storage expiry date.

You don't want to stockpile on products with a best before date on them – especially if you don't think you'll be able to use it all – since it'll only go to waste. To extend the product's shelf life, buy products that come in spray containers or tubes, as there is less of a chance for water droplets or oxygen to enter the containers. Toiletry products that contain additives and preservatives also tend to have a longer shelf life. You'll have to be more careful if you prefer products made from natural ingredients only.

Place Products Susceptible to Mold, Mildew and Insects Off of the Ground

If you decide to stockpile on products like toilet paper and feminine products, you want to keep them off of the ground if possible. If you place these products on the ground, they become much more vulnerable and susceptible to mold, mildew and insects. Moisture will easily accumulate between the floor and the product, as temperatures inside the storage units fluctuate.

Place these products on top of wood pallets, so air can circulate freely underneath. If you don't have any wood pallets lying around, you should place these products on high ground, like on top of cardboard boxes and plastic sealed containers. Also, make sure you don't put any products against the walls of the self storage units, as they tend to heat up significantly as well.

Choose a Unit with Climate-Control Features

Excess humidity and fluctuating temperatures can degrade toiletry products. High heat can damage the chemical composition of crucial ingredients inside toothpastes, lotions, shampoos and conditioners. In addition, high humidity levels can end up soiling paper products. To prevent having to toss the bargains you've found in the trash, store everything in a cool and dry place – preferably in a climate-controlled unit.

A climate-controlled unit will maintain a constant temperature and relative humidity. Check the directions on the products to determine what the ideal temperature and relative humidity range is. For example, one leading toothpaste brand recommends storing their toothpaste at temperatures below 86 degrees Fahrenheit in order to preserve the efficacy of its active ingredients. If you store the toothpaste at temperatures exceeding the recommended maximum for extended periods of time, the active ingredients may not be able to whiten or remove plaque as effectively and efficiently.

Conclusion

Don't miss out on crazy bargains just because you have to buy the products in bulk. If your household already needs a self-storage unit, take advantage of the additional space for storing all of your purchases. Do remember to rotate the products based on when you purchased them, so that you use the products as you buy them and never leave anything in storage for prolonged periods of time.