Cut the Clutter and Save Money

The uncertain economy has caused us to become more budget conscious. One positive aspect of this shift is that we are buying more consciously and less impulsively. We are making serious efforts to reuse what we already have. This will impact our planet in a powerful way, reducing waste in the landfills and clutter in our homes. That is certainly something to look forward to, but in the meantime, many households are packed with items accumulated over the last few decades. The good news is that there are simple ways to cut clutter and save money in the process.

Use what you have.

Storage solutions don’t have to be expensive; just get creative. Before rushing out to buy bins and baskets, look around your home for containers you can re-purpose.

• Egg cartons or ice cube trays can be used to organize earring sets, cufflinks, or hair accessories.
• Plastic baby wipes containers stack easily on a shelf and can be used to store crayons, markers, first aid materials or sewing supplies.
• Baby food or mason jars can be used to keep touch-up paint, spare buttons or screws and nails.
• A mug holder can be re-purposed into a scarf or baseball hat holder.
• Empty tissue boxes can hold plastic grocery bags or, with the top cut off, packets of gravy and instant soup.

Re-purposed Tissue Box

• The large clear plastic container that you buy pre-washed salad in is perfect for storing special occasion shoes, keeping them visible yet dust-free. They are also useful for storing yarn and other craft supplies by color; the clear boxes let you see your materials at a glance and they look attractive on a shelf.
• Zip bags can be used to organize the contents of your drawers by storing like with like. Place elastic bands in one bag, cotton swabs in another. Use them for band-aids, cosmetic sponges, and bobby pins. Items remain sorted, clean and dust-free, and you can see the contents clearly.
• Cardboard tubes left over from gift wrapping or paper towel rolls can be placed inside boots to keep them upright.
• Old cassette cases can be used to store USB cords or earphone.

For more smart storage ideas:

Corral coin clutter.

Do you have loose change in every part of your home, from your junk drawer to the kitchen counter? Grab a clear jar and label it ‘fun funds’. Now you have a designated place to deposit those coins, both reducing clutter and creating a little nest egg. Once the jar is filled, treat yourself to a small indulgence and then begin again. You might even want to create individual ‘fun fund’ jars for each family member to encourage saving while cutting coin clutter.

Why buy when you can rent or borrow?

The next time you need something, rather than automatically driving to the store to purchase it, take a moment to consider a less-expensive, clutter-free alternative. Try a rental store, a library, or ask friends/family to borrow the item. That way, you don’t have to store it forever.

Save the trees.

Want to reduce the amount of paper piling up in your office, and save trees and money as well? Pull the paper out of your printer and store it in a file folder across the room. Although this may seem counter-productive, you will actually be saving time in the long run. By making it less convenient to print, you will begin to print more consciously and less often. As a result, you’ll have fewer papers to pile, sort through and file later, and you’ll spend less money on print cartridges and paper.

Dress for less.

Before you go shopping, eliminate the clothes you don’t wear to make room for new additions to your wardrobe. Use the one/in one/out rule: for every item you bring home, let go of one. You will spend less because you’ll know what you already have. You can buy clothes that co-ordinate with existing items, which will stretch your wardrobe. And you will be able to get dressed faster because there will be fewer decisions to make.

Go on a non-shopping spree.

If you can’t seem to go to the store without bringing something home, even if you don’t need the item, perhaps it’s time to take a break from shopping. For the next three months, go on a consumer diet; challenge yourself to buy only the necessities. Not only will you be saving money but excess things won’t be accumulating and you may actually find you feel better in your space.

Have that garage sale.

Have you been saving items in the garage or basement for years with the intention of having a garage sale, but never seem to get around to it? Pull out your calendar today and book a definite date to have it in the spring or early summer. Blocking the time now increases the likelihood of following through with it later.

Getting organized doesn’t have to be costly. Implementing these ideas will not only help you save money, it will prevent you from wasting it.

Do you have any tips to share on re-purposing items in your home for storage? Please share in the comments below.