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!

Finding Extra Money

It is that time of year when we all start to feel kind of bummed out because the bills are coming in from Christmas spending.  Many of us couldn't afford to buy gifts in the first place, so now figuring out how to pay for what was purchased is a pain.  It might be time to think of ways to bring in more money.

The first way many Americans think of bringing in more cash is by filing taxes.  If you are one of those lucky people that is getting a lot back from taxes, good for you.  If you are somebody that is going to have to pay your taxes, well now, you have a whole new problem.  So on to plan B.

For many of us, finding a new job that pays better than our current job is not even an option.  I've been looking for a better paying job for about a year now and still can't find one.  I am someone with a lot of experience and a college degree, and still no luck.  The best advice I can give is finding a second job.  It can be a real drag, but it can be done.

Luckily, due to tax season and refunds, many people start spending money again in the spring.  This means stores are willing to hire people.  I suggest taking a second job at the mall or at a store if possible.  You might not think you have the extra time to do it, but since you are so broke (I mean, you are reading this blog, aren't you?) you probably don't have the money to go out and do anything fun.  So I would suggest giving a second job a try, at least for a little while.

You also do not have to necessarily work outside of your home for a second a job.  Did you know you can make money blogging, or answering questions, or writing articles?  It is possible!  You won't get rich quick, but you can sign up for Google Adsense or Amazon Affiliates and start making money.  There are several sites like Blogger, HubPages, and WebAnswers that will allow you to earn money in your spare time if you enjoy writing.

Last but not least, don't give up on trying to make money just by looking around your home.  Is there an old couch you are not using?  Are you never going to drag out that old computer monitor to use again at your house?  What about making crafts and selling them?  There are plenty of items you can probably sell right now.  The weather is getting warmer and you can think about a yard sale.  You can also sell at a craft fair.  Even if you don't feel like doing any of that, you can still post items on Craigslist.  So don't give up hope!

There are ways to pull in extra money and we can sure all need it right now.  And never forget, always look for sales and coupons to help save extra cash at the grocery stores!  Every penny adds up!

Start Clearing Some Stuff Out

Of course, anyone that knows me knows I am all about a bargain.  If you know me, you may know I am all about going on a vacation, too.  For years I have not been able to afford to go on a "real" vacation.  It has been all about day trips for me.  Well, I am trying to change that. 

One of my friends is going to the beach next month and she has invited me to come with her.  This means I need to come up with some cash and I need to do it fast.  So you might ask, "How can a person come up with cash as quickly as possible?"  The answer is: sell some stuff. 

I am trying to determine if I want to participate in a community yard sale this weekend.  Quite frankly, I work in customer service and I do not feel like dealing with people trying to bargain hunt at a yard sale.  I've determined a better course of action is to sell stuff to stores.  In my area, there is a music store that buys DVDs and CDs, and there is a book store that buys used books.  The time has come to start clearing some stuff out.  I need some cash and I need it fast! 

I highly recommend cleaning out your own closets and seeing if you can sell items.  Don't forget - you can always sell clothes at consignment shops, too.  I don't seem to have luck with that, but books always seem to bring in money.  If all else fails, you can post items on Craigslist.  People are usually willing to buy the craziest things on Craigslist. 

The time has come!  I need to start clearing out and cashing in.  I hope you do the same!