Containing Clutter Doesn’t Have to Cause a Cash Conundrum
When you’re looking over your living room and realize there’s more stuff than there is space, it’s easy to hit the panic button. Storage furniture can be, after all, expensive — but a flip-up ottoman is not your only option when it comes to cutting through the clutter. The following money-saving tips from LaurensFinancialFreedomJourney.com will help you clear your space and ease your mind. You’ll find that the ideas described below will likely be much cheaper than moving to a bigger house, especially in LA!
It’s Okay to Get Rid of Things
One of your first priorities when it comes to home organization is to purge — don’t be afraid to get rid of things you haven’t used in a while and likely won’t again. Donate duplicate pieces of clothing and appliances. There are a number of charities that will gladly take your unused goods, which will pull double duty by helping you clean and organize and help those in need. The Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity Restore, and Soles for Souls are all great options.
Learn to DIY
If you want to stretch your home remodeling budget even further while maximizing storage, you’re going to need to grab a hammer. For example, there are many DIY projects that can free up floor space. Woodworking expert Sebastiaan Mollema shares how to build staircase drawers, which may be easier than you thought. If you have young children that visit often, you’ll need to keep toys handy. Make your own stuffed animal hammock for an out-of-the-way corner. You can use these in the bathroom as well to store towels and toilet paper.
One of the biggest clutter caches is the kitchen. And if you like to cook, you likely have a half a dozen or more pots and pans wasting valuable cabinet space. DIY pot racks are an inexpensive project that you can tackle on your own for just a few dollars. Many utilize items you may already have around the house or can easily pick up at Lowe’s or Home Depot.
IKEA + TaskRabbit Can Help
IKEA offers shipping and a vast array of seemingly simple solutions for effectively utilizing every last inch of your home’s square footage. If you’re not handy, IKEA’s partnership with TaskRabbit can help you get your inexpensive furniture additions assembled, starting at just $27.
Size Matters
When closet space is a premium, you will need to pay attention to everything. This includes your vacuum cleaner. PrimeReviews.org lists 10 affordable space-saving vacuums that can easily handle messes despite their minimal size. And you can always save money when purchasing a vacuum by signing up for a website like RetailMeNot.
Free Up Shelf Space and Get Free Books
Amazon’s Kindle was a game changer when it came out several years ago — and it’s even more so now. The Kindle Fire, which you can snag on sale for $40 or less about once a month, can hold thousands of books, newspapers, magazines, and games. Once it’s full, all of your purchases remain on the cloud. As an added bonus, Amazon offers dozens of free ebooks including classics such as 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.
Moving Considerations
Decluttering isn’t beneficial to just those staying in their homes; it’s also one of the strategies when deciding to move. Less stuff means less stuff to pack and transport to new digs, which cuts down on the overall expense of moving. Finding professional movers is a cinch thanks to online service directories like Angi, which also feature reviews and ratings on many companies. When choosing a pro, be sure they are insured and licensed, and get a detailed estimate upfront to avoid getting hit with unexpected fees. Paying a reputable moving company doesn’t need to be expensive — expect to pay a team of two movers $80 to $100 per hour for a local move.
If you have the time to search for deals and don’t mind getting out the hammer and nails, there are many ways you can keep your home clean and clear without putting yourself in a cash crunch. Now, all you need to do is get started!
Entrepreneurship to Financial Freedom
You may have some of those resources already available, in the form of your own skills, talents, and ingenuity. This can give you a great boost when starting your own business! You can also explore Lauren’s Financial Freedom Journey for more tips and guidelines in improving your financial situation. Lauren is a huge advocate for starting your own business so reach out if you’re going along that journey!
Guest Post by Katie Conroy
Advicemine.com + katie.conroy@advicemine.com
