Get Organized – Save Money and Time at Home 
 

Lately it’s been a challenge to dodge all of the media coverage about the economy. While several experts have been giving their opinions about what you can do to save money during these times – I haven’t heard anyone talk about how your efforts at home or at work can help you save time and money. For years, I have always said that two of the biggest benefits of living an organized life or working efficiently are: Saving Time and Saving Money. There are several other benefits as well; such as reducing stress, being proactive, rather than reactive, a free mind to think clearly, children that learn good decision making skills, fostering a sense of accomplishment and enhancing self esteem – just to name a few.There is no time like the present to start today and make small changes that make a big impact.
 

 Here are a few ideas for you to consider at home

1. Take inventory of what’s in your pantry. This is a great opportunity to use up what’s been lingering for some time. Be sure to check expiration dates to ensure it’s not past its prime. Before you go grocery shopping, take inventory and make a list. Sign up for a free account at www.cozi.com and you’ll be on your way to creating quick shopping lists that can be accessed from your cell phone. Cozi can help you organize more than just your lists; their online service can help you simplify family life.

2. Before you purchase any more shampoo, conditioner or soap, use up what’s stored under your bathroom sink or in the linen closet. If you can’t immediately put your hand on all of these supplies in your home, it might be time to organize the linen closet or clean out what is under your sink. If you’re never going to use those products, donate them if they’re new or almost new. Look on Craig’s List under the “wanted” ads. There are a lot of families in desperate need of these basic supplies and what you aren’t going to use could be a gift to them.

3. Cleaning out your closets? It’s that time of year, but clothes are going to be difficult to sell or consign. Clothing does not typically sell well at garage sales and many consignment stores are not accepting clothing unless it designer because they are all full. If you still want to look into consignment, call around first and do your research before you spend time preparing your clothing so you aren’t disappointed. Instead – host a clothing/shoe/handbag/accessory swap with a group of friends and shop in your friend’s closets where it won’t cost you anything. It will encourage you to get your closets organized and make room for bulky winter clothing.

4. Do your holiday shopping from home. No, I don’t mean using your computer to purchase things online, locate all of those gifts you’ve purchased in the past that you never gave to anyone and see if someone on your list would appreciate it. One of my clients told me that she’s purchased so many things in the past couple of years for friends and family that she never gave them, that she won’t need to do any shopping this year! Not only do you save time, but you save money and you’re freeing up space at home.

As with the previous ideas for your home, I am talking about “stuff.” Stuff that doesn’t serve a purpose turns into clutter. But clutter disguises itself in many forms, often times at the office in forms that you don’t see or think about. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amount of time and money that is wasted at every day at the office. For example; Office Depot conducted a study with 2500 participants and they found that 1/3 of those surveyed lost more than 15 minutes a day searching for lost documents, re-booking missed appointments or sorting through messy files. Of those surveyed, 67% indicated that they had no idea how to start or maintain such efforts! A company with 100 employees with an average salary of $50K/year where each employee wastes an average of 15 minutes/day due to inefficient processes costs a company $156,000/year. It doesn’t sound like much every day, but it adds up quickly.


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