Use What You Have and Cut the Clutter

Using what you have on hand before going out and purchasing something is one of the basic rules of living frugally. This can be a great way to both save money and get rid of clutter.

If you are looking for something different to wear for the day dig into the back of the closet, or check that tote in the basement. Dig into the back of the pantry if you can’t find the ingredient you are looking for. Wanting to change around the décor? You might start by looking in those mystery boxes in the basement or attic.

Recently my wife decided to round up all the items from around the house of a particular collection she has. Once she saw all of them together she realized that
1) she had way more than she thought and 2) she didn’t even like some of them. The result was a paring down and putting the unwanted for sale online. Last fall I was cleaning out along a basement wall to make way for replacing a drain pipe and came across an unopened box of brand new dinnerware. Neither one of us could remember where it came from, or how long it had been down there. We didn’t need new dinnerware so up on Craigslist it went!

When you think you are out of something, want something different or are feeling the want to go out and buy something, stop and look around. You might be surprised at what you already have.