Organizing Your Way to Extra Savings

When I moved into my new home a couple of years ago, I was so happy that I finally had a place that had an actual pantry. I always wanted a pantry. Now I would have room to stock up on great sales at the grocery store. Something I could never do with just the regular kitchen cabinets. Well, having a pantry has turned out to be a blessing and a curse. It is so big that things get lost. Items get pushed to the back of the pantry never to be seen again. So, I decided to clean out and reorganized my pantry, which led to reorganizing most of my cabinets and closets. In doing this, I found a great way to help save money and help my budget in these difficult times.

First up the pantry: How did I save money by organizing my pantry? After pulling everything out, checking dates on boxed goods, and viewing all of the canned items that were hidden, I found the ingredients for at least 8 different meals. I may have to buy one small item or perhaps a protein or meat item to make them complete, but otherwise; I had 8 full meals at my fingertips. That is over a weeks worth of groceries I do not need to buy.

I found I had many duplicates of items because I just could not see what I had. I put out a couple of bucks at the dollar store for some basic organizer items, baskets etc. Now I can see what I have and will not be buying so many duplicates.

I did the same thing with the spice cabinets and bathroom vanity. I found 4 jars of pumpkin pie spice…that is a lot of pumpkin pies! I just could not see what I had. In the bathroom, I found 3 brand new still shrink wrapped tubes of toothpaste and many unopened bottles of lotion, shampoo etc (I have a very large double vanity cabinet). I will not need to buy those items for a very long time.

So, take a few minutes to organize your cabinets and see what you actually have. You may find yourself with several quick meals, extra toiletries and other items you normally have on your shopping list. You have just saved all that money! It is just one more step on the road to a sensational life and future!

Next time: how to generate some cash with unused items around the house.

Happy savings!

Debbie