Somewhere along the way, it just added up —
six shampoos, six body washes, eighteen moisturizers.

This is me pressing pause on buying more and choosing to use what I already have. One product at a time. One tiny step toward a simpler, less cluttered home.

This is Project Pan — and I’m starting today.

What Is Project Pan?

Project Pan is about intentionally using up what you already own before buying anything new. It’s a mindset and a process that encourages slowing down consumption and clearing the clutter quietly building in your drawers and cupboards.

The phrase “hitting pan” comes from the beauty world, meaning you’ve reached the bottom of a product container. But Project Pan goes beyond makeup or skincare — it applies to any product collection that tends to pile up: body care, hair products, even household items.

What I love about this approach is that it’s not about tossing things out or forcing minimalism. It’s about honoring what you have and making space for what truly matters by clearing room — one empty bottle or finished product at a time.

Step 1: Gather Everything

I started in the bathroom, because that’s where most of my extra products were hiding. I pulled open every drawer and cupboard, peeked behind shelves, and even checked baby products (turns out she had her own little stash too 😅).

If you’re starting Project Pan, here’s what helped me:

• Grab a basket or tub to collect everything in one place.
• Separate your products from your baby’s or partner’s.
• Lay everything out where you can actually see what you’ve got.

Even though I don’t think of myself as a product hoarder, I was genuinely surprised by how much had quietly built up — freebies, hotel minis, gifts, products I meant to try but never did.

Step 2: Sort Into Categories

Next, I grouped products by type to get a clearer picture: skincare, hair care, body products, makeup, and so on. Sorting helped me see what I have multiples of and what I actually use regularly.

Step 3: Take Inventory

Taking stock isn’t about creating a perfect spreadsheet — it’s about knowing what’s waiting to be used. This step made me realize how many things were just sitting, forgotten and untouched.

Step 4: Put Out Products You Use Daily

I chose a small selection of everyday items to keep handy: my go-to skincare, a few makeup staples, deodorant, sunscreen, lip balm, and hair oil. Everything else got tucked away in a basket under the sink, ready for its turn.

Step 5: Clean & Restock Your Bathroom

With fewer products cluttering surfaces, I took the chance to wipe down shelves and counters. Cleaning felt easier with less stuff to move around. This also gave me space to restock mindfully when I do buy something new.

Step 6: Change Your Mindset — Say No

The biggest shift isn’t in the products but in the mindset. Project Pan is a gentle way to say “no” to impulse buying and “yes” to appreciating and using what you already have. It’s about being intentional, not perfect.

What’s Next?

This whole process took me about 30 minutes during a baby’s nap — and I even managed a quick coffee break. It doesn’t need to be overwhelming or all at once.

Whether you’re aiming to be minimalist or just want to stop wasting money and space, Project Pan is a simple, practical step. I’ll be sharing updates as I go — maybe even mini reviews of the products as I finish them (and a few honest confessions if I find something I don’t want to finish!).

Watch My Project Pan Journey

To help you get started, I’ve shared my own Project Pan journey in this video. I talk about why I’m doing it, how I’m approaching it, and what I’ve learned so far. If you’re curious, overwhelmed, or just need a gentle nudge to begin—this is for you.

Watch on YouTube

Final Thoughts

If you’re a busy mum juggling all the things, you’re not alone. Small changes like this can bring more calm and clarity into your space and your life.

Do you have a few products you could start using up today instead of buying more? Drop a comment below — I’d love to cheer you on!