Making soap in small quantities.
I have exactly the same problem and question. The biggest amount of hard oil I have is in a 10 lb bucket. The biggest lot I/ve made was 2 1/2 lbs...mostly I make 1 or 2 lb batches. That is a lot of soap for a small family! I have put a hold on soapmaking for a few weeks until this last batch cures out. Of course, I am very new to this...so I expect a lot of icky batches that will not make it to our shower. I don't know the shelf life of some of these oils. I have put my olive, lard and tallow in my extra fridge just in case since I am trying not to make another batch until I see how these turn out. My coconut and PKO and PO are in 10 lb buckets in what is for now a very cool place in my house. I would never consider the larger amounts as it could take quite a while to go through it and I think the savings per bar would not be worth it. Plus, where the heck could I store that stuff...too cold in garage in winter and too hot in there in the summer. Also, I don't know another soaper to share with in my area. I guess this is just the expense of this hobby!!