Clutter can be unhealthy and add stress to your life, but
did you know it can also cost you money? Consider the following examples, where
clutter and disorganization may result in unnecessary expenses:
A bill arrives in the mail. The family member who checks the
mailbox drops the stack of unopened mail in the backseat of his car or tosses
it on a cluttered table somewhere. By the time the person who pays the bills
discovers it, the payment is overdue, and a late charge has been applied.
You buy a pint of fresh, juicy strawberries and then stuff
them in the refrigerator behind some other groceries. By the time you wonder
what happened to them, they are covered in mold.
You have a discount coupon or a gift card for your favorite
restaurant, but you can't remember where you put it. You end up paying full
price for your meal. When the coupon finally turns up, it has expired.
You need a black turtleneck to go with a new outfit you plan
to wear next week. When you make a place in your closet for your new purchase,
you discover another black turtleneck, perhaps the same size and design, with
the tags still on it.
You love to shop when you travel, and when you find the
perfect holiday or birthday gift for someone on your list, you buy it on the
spot, regardless of season. Only problem, when that gift-giving occasion rolls around, you buy
something new, because you forgot where you stashed the original present—or
even that you had it.
A little organization and clutter reduction can simplify
your life, and save you money as well.
For example, automate as many bills as possible or set up
email reminders so you don't miss a payment. If you pay your bills by check
through the mail, establish a system, such as a special folder or in-basket
that is monitored regularly. Know when payments are due, so if a bill gets
misplaced or lost in the mail, you can rectify the situation before your
account becomes delinquent.
Take inventory of what is in your closet. Get rid of clothing
you no longer use, so you can more easily locate the garments you still wear.
Set aside a drawer or area of the closet for gift purchases, and check it before planning a shopping
trip for a gift-giving occasion.
Designate a spot near the door for keys, lists, coupons,
library books, borrowed items, purchases that have to be returned. Think of the
time you'll save looking for these things.
Arrange your refrigerator and pantry shelves so perishables
are visible, and food items with the oldest date are used first. Do a quick
review of what you have on hand and make a list before you go grocery shopping.
And if your efforts to save money through organization lead
to a less-cluttered, less stressful life, so much the better!
What tips do you have for reducing clutter? I would love to
hear your comments.
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