Staying Organized and Saving Money
We all go through phases when we try to keep everything organized, that week or two where the office is neat, the kitchen is orderly and overall we feel like a better person. But then life starts to get hectic, we neglect staying organized and our homes become cluttered once again. We tell ourselves that we are too busy to organize, that we will do it later when we have more time on our hands. But often, this is when being organized would be the most advantageous!
Being organized and staying organized can be beneficial to your life for several reasons. Not only does being organized present you as a more well-kept person, but it can also save you a lot of time and money. The key is not only becoming organized, but maintaining that organization and utilizing it for your benefit. Here are some good ways to get organized in different areas in your life, and how that organization can lead to more money in your pocket.
Your Office
The office can often become a jungle of papers in just a matter of weeks, but it is also a room that, if organized, can save you a substantial amount of both time and money.
In the office it is important to have a place for everything, and to make sure that everything is in its place. That means keeping stationery, pens and pencils in a drawer or bin that is tidy yet accessible. Create a filing system with labels so you can store away some of your paper work. Use rubber bands or zip-ties to de-clutter some of your computer wiring. It is also important that your office not become the room where you stash everything you get in the mail. Know what to keep and what to throw out; shred any materials that you are getting rid of that have information about you on them.
Keeping an inventory of office supplies helps you know what you have and what you need, but you can’t do this unless you know where everything is. Being organized also gives you more room in your office so you can stock up on supplies and have a place to store them.
The Kitchen
Our kitchen pantries provide us with an excellent opportunity to get organized and save money.
How many times have you returned from the grocery store with an item that you thought you needed only to find you had three of hiding in the pantry? We all fall victim to this at some point, that is why it is important to keep your pantry organized and up to date. Consider purchasing a FIFO (first in first out) food rotation system. Not only do these shelves save you space, but they allow you to know your canned food inventory and access cans with a closer expiration date.
Try to keep your cabinets or pantry as tidy and arranged as possible, avoid putting items in places you are not going to remember or where they can’t be easily read or accessed. Also consider making an inventory system and checking off goods after you have used them. Bring your inventory with you to the grocery store and stock up on goods that you will need that are on sale and won’t expire.
Your Diet
What you eat can have a huge impact on your family and your budget. Getting organized in this area can lead to a healthier life-style and more money in the bank.
Many people don’t take the proper time to plan out what they are going to eat. Instead dinner becomes a mad scramble and can often lead to something over priced and unhealthy. Take some time at the beginning of each month to plan out what you will be making for dinners. Look up recipes, write down the ingredients you need and make note if you already have it. If you know you are busy on certain days, plan meals that are time appropriate. Planning gives us a better opportunity to cook healthier foods and explore new recipes and ideas.
Creating a dinner schedule allows you to plan healthier meals for you and your family, and gives you something to look forward to on nights your favorite dish is coming up. Knowing what you need ahead of time can also save you time and money on trips to the grocery store. It is okay to eat out, but this can often be very costly, planning your diet ahead of times can help you to cut back on this expense.
Your Finances
Organizing your finances can obviously save you a lot of money, but it can also spare you from stress and wasted time.
Getting organized when it comes to finances has many economic benefits to you. It can help you to better know where your paycheck is going and also to budget and save. If you have a hard time dividing your money between spending and saving, have someone else do it for you. Have a portion of your monthly salary directly deposited into a savings or retirement account and the rest into your checking account. Research online banking and set up automatic bill pay where appropriate.
Another area that it pays to be organized in is your bills. Often people pay off their bills when it is convenient or when they find time to, but this can be costly to you and your credit score. Try organizing your time so you have two days a month (two weeks apart) to pay bills. Make sure you are paying your bills on time to avoid any late fees and high interest rates. Make sure you are paying off all your bills by having a pile that needs to be paid, and filing those that have already been.
Your Day
Creating a daily schedule not only can save you time and money, but also helps you remember everything you need to do.
Organize your day by making a checklist of the things that you need and want to do. Try to plan it so you can do all of your errands in one trip, which will save you time and money on gas. As you accomplish your tasks, cross them off the list. Don’t forget to schedule some time for yourself as well!
Your Chores
Household chores can easily be neglected if you don’t have a plan of attack, organize your chores in a way that will ensure that you have time for them and that you house will stay clean.
Create a monthly chore calendar. Some chores may need to be done weekly while others can be done only once a month. List out what chores need to be done and how often; then schedule accordingly. If you have kids, divide some of the chores up among them to save yourself some time.
Cleaning and maintaining your home not only makes you more presentable, it can save you money. If you clean and perform routine maintenance on your homes furniture and appliances, chances are they will last longer and you won’t have to spend money replacing them as often.
The more organized you are, the less likely you will be to lose things and need to replace them. You will also have more control over your day-to-day life, and you’ll spend less time looking for things and more time relaxing. Staying organized saves you a sizeable amount because you are knowledgeable of what you need and what to stock up on when it’s on sale. Being and staying organized provides you with a more positive outlook on life, and it is always nice to receive a compliment on how coordinated and well kept you are!
