Organizing Your Home on a Budget

It is finally spring and time for spring cleaning.  Not only is this a great time to throw out items that are broken, it is a great time to get rid of things you no longer want.  You can make some extra cash selling items online on Craigslist or by selling them at a yard sale.  If you are feeling charitable, you can donate unwanted items in good condition.

Of course, once you are done throwing out items, it is time to organize what you are keeping.  It can be difficult, especially if you do not have much money.  However, it is possible. 

If you are selling unwanted items, take some of the money you made to buy low-budget items to help you get organized.  Some products you can purchase for a low-cost are:

Shelves
Shoe holders
Fabric organizers
Metal carts
Plastic crates
Under the bed organizers

If you are not able to afford to buy anything to organize your home, don't forget to look for some free items.  You may be able to find them from work or from friends and family members.  Free items you can use to get organized are:

Boxes (old printer paper boxes are the best!)
Paper bags
Milk carton crates

If you prop up the boxes or crates just the right way on their sides, they are practically like shelves.  Of course, the boxes and bags are great for storage.  Don't let being on a tight budget ruin your ability to organize your home.  You can do it!

Low-Budget Hairspray is Not Always a Good Idea

I am a fan of hairspray.  I have thick, uncontrollable hair, so I have to use it.  I sort of believe I can't live without it.  I am kind of a hairspray addict.  I typically buy very cheap hairspray, such as White Rain or Suave.  However, due to desperation and a thriftiness, I decided to go even cheaper and buy hairspray at a dollar store.  Mistake!

I decided to glance at the back of the hairspray and much to my surprise, it contains propane.  Ummm... propane on my hair?  I am not too excited.  Furthermore, it says something about only being "55%" hairspray according to regulations.  What the hell does that mean?  Is my hair going to fall out?  Now I am concerned.

So tomorrow, I will be going to Target to get my normal low-budget hairspray.  I have learned my lesson the hard way.  Don't buy hairspray from the dollar store!

Low-Budget Mother's Day Ideas

Mother's Day is right around the corner, and believe it or not, there are some low-budget gift ideas out there.  You don't have to spend a small fortune on jewelry for your Mom.  You can find some great items for a low-cost.

For instance, many dollar stores are loaded with spring items right now.  I am not saying your only gift should be from the dollar store or that you should just give one gift that costs a dollar, but you can make a nice gift basket with items from the dollar store.  Right now, the Dollar Tree has a solar-operated flower that dances, wind chimes, colorful bowls, and pink flamingo glasses.  If your mother likes tacky stuff, well, she is going to love seeing many of those items in her basket.  As a matter of fact, you can even get a basket there!

If you are not willing to go that route, there are plenty of other options.  You can buy a nice potted plant at just about any store.  You can also buy flowers for fairly cheap if you know where to get them.  Farmer's markets, discount stores, and Trader Joe's are great places to purchase flowers and house plants.  You can even order flowers and plants online at Amazon if you live far away and need them shipped to your mother.

You also do have the option of getting an expensive item if you'd like.  This is especially the case if the gift is from more than one family member.  Some mothers actually appreciate electronics like Kindles, iPods, tablets, or a Nook.  The standard Kindle is about 70 dollars right now, but a Kindle Fire is a little under $200.  It might sound pricy, but if several people are chipping it in, it can be a bargain.

So don't worry too much about gifts for Mom this Mother's Day.  There are some really nice deals out there.  And if all else fails, cooking her a nice dinner is always appreciated.