Getting organized can save you money

This just in: getting organized can save you money. We all knew that having a “place for everything and everything in its place” would likely save time, but it can also keep some extra cash in your pocket. Even if you’re organizationally challenged, there are things you can do to keep track of what you own, get rid of the things you don’t need, get the most out of the things you do, do more with less and come out ahead.

Lorie Marrero created The Clutter Diet program for people who need to get their lives back on track. In today’s uncertain economy, making the most of what you have is even more relevant.

Here’s why:

You can save money by knowing – and using – what you have. Any missing household item can affect your spending habits whether it’s a bag of unopened socks in the back of the closet or a box of unused Ziploc bags in the cupboard. In fact, it’s costing you more money if you forget you have it and go out to buy a replacement. Taking inventory and knowing what you have is crucial in staying on top of your finances.

Reduce costs by organizing your spending and saving habits

With the economy the way it is, this seems like a no-brainer, but do you really know where all your money goes? Getting organized with bank statements, online banking, receipts and even a computer or web-based budgeting system can help you cut costs.

Saving time means better efficiency

When you’re not wasting time searching for keys or that phantom $50 purchase than time is on your side to accomplish other tasks. That may even mean spending time getting ahead at work, playing with the kids or grocery shopping economically and healthily, just to name a few.

If you think practicing better organizational habits sound great, then you must handle your time and money better. Have you not had good luck in the past? Lorie suggests considering your relationship with your stuff. She believes that, “there is rarely an organizing situation that is not solvable except for the people themselves getting in the way,” implying that most of the time, good sorting, tools, and systems can work. The problem comes when you’re not willing to minimize or unwilling to open up to something new.

Hang on to only the things that you need

If you have seasonal items or clothing that you’d only wear on special occasions, consider having it stored somewhere to give you more livable, functional and workable space.

Create a space that works

Whatever that space is – your home office, desk, kitchen, and where you pay bills – make sure that the space and items are accessible. Above all, make sure as you’re organizing that you’re going to remember where you place and store an item. If the location is a poor spot for a certain item, you’ll likely forget it was there, defeating the purpose!