Using what you already have
Avoiding Clutter
Sometimes you just have to work with what you already have. I mean how many times do we see something we really want to try and yet we end up with a ton of new stuff that we don’t know how to use. We end up accumulating stuff that just occupies space. I have been guilty of this for sure! That’s the point of this post, using what you already have.
To avoid amassing things that just take up space I have to be intentional. One of the ways that I have been able to keep clutter from taking over is simple. I have been putting things I already own together in a new way.
My Hubs is an anti-clutter type of person. He is very intentional and organized and Hates having things he does not use. I am guilty of purchasing things I’m not totally sure I will use under the guise that “it was on sale.” I really, really love getting things on sale. I just do. Tell me I’m not alone!? People collect all types of things. I like to collect things that are marked down, and trinket dishes. Hahaha
Why you don’t have to break the bank
I have saved a ton of money purchasing things that are on sale, even if it’s to just give it away. [In my mind] that’s totally fine because I saved money and kept someone else from paying the higher price as well. That’s what I tell myself. I would say I am mostly reformed from doing this (chuckles), “mostly reformed.”
Try other venues and you can save a lot, and you don’t have to break the bank in order to have nice things. There are so many new apps that allow you to purchase gently used items from people in your local area.
Apps such as Offer Up, stores in your area like the Good Will, or Salvation Army are great options. Good Will and Salvation Army give back to your local community by creating jobs.
Honestly, I don’t shop at these places as much as I used to before becoming a Mom tbh. I used to shop at Thrift shops twice a week! Since things have changed I typically purchase online, Goodwill even has an online website here. Iv’e found some really great deals for decor and storage items. All it takes is an eye for what is possible. I have been known to spray paint a purchase or two just to give new life to a picture frame or candle holder for instance.
Using What You Already Have: My take on Minimalism,
Currently, I’m back to skimming, and purging things that I am not going to use in the very near future. After having a child, I have become bothered by things that take up space and are not “really “ useful. I don’t like to open a cabinet or drawer and have stuff jumbled all together. It all of the sudden bothers me.
I am not by any means a super Minimalist, but I do appreciate Not having clutter. Less stuff and clutter is my take on “Minimalism.”
Organizing was not always my strong suit but, I enjoy the end result of the task. Similar to exercising, I do Not enjoy the process but I greatly appreciate the outcome. I am a results driven person, and I love a tangible result, because it keeps me motivated. There are a few things that I enjoy the process of doing: designing, creating, cooking, eating, reading.
However, the process of organizing is not really on the list of things I enjoy.
I have to amp myself up and remind myself of how great it will look when it’s organized. Keeping myself motivated is key!
Using What You Already Have
One of the things I have started doing was using the rule (my own personal conviction) of using what I already have first. When I utilize what I already have I’m able to truly save, because it’s free in the sense that I didn’t go and purchase something brand new. That makes it a win-win.
My Hubs is excited I’m putting things to good use and I’m excited because I didn’t have to schlep around with a toddler looking for items I may already have. Again, Win-win!
I can not tell you how many times I have looked in my closet and realized that I basically purchased the same thing a few times. I know it makes total sense to see what I have first, but I just don’t always do that. If I’m honest, I just want something new.
Whether clothing shopping or grocery shopping, I’ve purchased things I already own. In order to remedy this waste I am taking the time to go through things I already have. I’m reeling it in by putting myself on a specific diet of using current resources First.
That looks different in different areas of our lives. Here are a few areas in our household that have helped to cut down both waste and clutter.
Using What you Already Have: Groceries
I have been creating meal plans for the week. Obviously I didn’t create this concept it’s simply something I didn’t really do before. It was something else I had to add to my list of to-dos. I just wanted to “wing-it” when I went to the store but, planning is necessary. I’ve learned that It saves me the unfortunate task of throwing away food.
Growing up in a large family (I have 6 siblings) that didn’t have a lot of money it Really bothers me to throw food away. This happens because I simply didn’t check to see if I already have a particular item in my pantry. Ugh I just don’t like throwing away food. Does that bother anyone else?
Having a meal plan for the week cuts down on waste and keeps it simple. I do this in a few ways. I check to see what we already have that needs to be used so that we don’t allow it to ruin and need to be thrown out.
For example: before I even make my Meal Plan and subsequent grocery list I check the Freezer, Pantry, and Produce Chiller drawer. If I have potatoes I will create a menu item that has potatoes in it. Easy-peasy. If there are frozen berries in the freezer already I can create an item for the week that features the ingredient: berry muffins, berry smoothies, or just toppings for dairy free yogurt, or oatmeal.
Bam! It’s that easy
Here is a secret, full disclosure…… I sometimes take on too many tasks and make things harder on myself than they need to be. I’m working on this for sure…. Moving along.
Using What you Already Have: Clothing
In the area of clothing I have begun to do an Audit on what I already have before making decisions about purchasing something new. Organizing what I currently have so I’m not adding yet another Black T-shirt to my collection. I have like 6, I’m not even kidding.
I try clothing on that I have not worn in a while. If in the current season I can Not fit that piece of clothing I just give it away. I will keep it and say I’m going to list it to sell, but that never happens.
When I get rid of things I can’t wear I have cleared the way to buy something that I can fit right now! How many of us have “vanity” jeans? You know the jeans or other clothing item you have not been comfortable in for a while. I had to get rid of some things since having a child that my pride didn’t want to admit. Mind the fact that I am the same weight on the scale, but changes have happened that have changed my shape. This is not at all a body shame thing. Having a little is the best thing ever! Everyone’s body is different some people change, and some people look the exact same. My point is what once may have been comfortable just isn’t post par-tum.
Using What you Already Have: Makeup
This is another area that I tend to need to de-clutter. It’s necessary to go through and audit my makeup every 3-6 months. There were gifted makeup I received around the Holidays, that I have yet to wear. I recently did an audit and found pallets of eye shadow that were still sealed. I opened it and looked at the colors and I knew after looking at it with fresh eyes (no pun intended) that I was not going to ever where those shades. Why keep it then? I put it in a stack of give away.
I know what looks good on me and colors I have never worn because they don’t work for me. I stick to pretty much the same hues with the occasional eyeshadow I may throw into the mix. I just don’t look great with blue eyeshadow. If the palette has only 2 colors out of 6 that I will actually wear, I just have to give that away.
Using What you Already Have: Accessories
This is another area that needs a constant Audit. I LOVE accessories. Jewelry, Shoes, and Jackets specifically. I can let these areas get out of hand if I’m not careful. I shop for shoes even when I’m not shopping or shoes. Truth!
I go to buy a pair of pants and come back with shoes instead. This has happened on many occasions I can not lie. I guess it’s because I believe that Jewelry, Shoes and a Jacket just make an outfit come together.
I almost feel like it’s okay if I have a few more than I need. But I know that I need to be real with myself. If I have not worn these items in a while I need to purge them and let them go. I purchased a Jacket that was on sale and super cute, it wasn’t my size in the arm length, but I purchased it anyway. As I type this I’m thinking, that sounds ridiculous but it’s the truth. I decided I would get it and just roll up the sleeves. Hahaha so that’s what I did.
I think that having things and being able to buy things is a Blessing. But as I heard someone say. “Having things is great, just don’t let your things have you.” I’m not sure who to give credit to for that quote but I think it’s a great point.
Using What you Already Have: Creatively
Using what you already have is a creative approach to managing (stewarding) well. You are prompted to think of new ways you can use and implement something you already own.
Home décor is one of the things that I often repurpose. Sometimes you have to tweak things to give them a new look. Most of the time a fresh coat of spray paint, adding new drawer pulls, distressing, or using something in a new way can bring new life to it. I just recently took some baskets I already owned and used them for storage in a different area of my home and just like that, they look new.
I really wanted to switch up the bedding in our room and decided to simply purchase a Duvet cover and put the existing throw pillows in a pillow cover I hadn’t used. For $40 (I Love IKEA) we changed the entire look of our room.
As my Husband says It’s really saving money if we are [actually] going to use it. He’s a wise man I must say.
Organizing with great deals is a new Love of mine. It gives me another way to make things efficient, and give a good flow to high-traffic/ high-use areas in the home.
I will share that in another post as I’m currently in the middle of a few organizing, and remodeling projects around our home. So stay tuned for that!
Some Stores I love for Organizing and Decor
- IKEA
- Wal-Mart
- Marshalls
- Target
- TJMaxx
- Michaels *I always use a %40 off Coupon here
- Hobby Lobby *I always use a %40 off Coupon here
- Ross
- Amazon
- The Container Store
- Dollar Tree *you have to purchase minimum quantities but for $1.00 each it’s worth it for some items
I will be sharing in future posts some great finds I have purchased at these stores. These are the stores that I will purchase from as opposed to waiting to find them else-where. TJMaxx, Marshalls, and the Dollar Tree may not have the items you had your eye on if you come back at another time. The stock fluctuates so much. If I see an item I really like, and we actually will use it, I don’t wait to purchase it if it fits into my budget.
What are some of your favorites shops for organizing and Decor? I would love to know in the comment section below!
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