As a teenager, I begrudgingly learned the lesson of frugality from my mom. Now, as a mother, I have applied that lesson through a simple rule of thumb: One to use, one to spare. With this idea, I not only reduce my spending but also prevent my home from becoming crowded, cluttered, and messy. Now, that doesn’t work with everything, like toilet paper and kids’ snacks, but it can work with things I don’t use as often. My hallway closet is a perfect example of this method.
Minimal backup items
With only one storage closet, I have to make the most of it. Four of us are on three beds so I have six sets of sheets and eight towels. With half of them in current use, the quantity of linen in my closet is minimal. I also keep our medicine in the closet sorted into bins of purpose. These Linus bins from The Container Store are helpful: they are clear, easy to label, and I fill them with items we’re currently using. Backup items are organized in a storage room in the basement. When something becomes empty and is tossed, the backup from the basement replaces it and I write it down on my shopping list. I apply the same method for bathroom essentials. Currently-used items are most accessible, while backup items live under the sink. Keeps it simple!
Likewise, the “one to use, one to spare” mentality saves me from buying too much and keeps me from throwing something in my shopping cart just because it’s on sale. If I don’t need it right now, I won’t buy it. I’ve noticed that I don’t throw out expired items as often, either, because I don’t have many that are unused or half-used.
Also, I keep my shopping list on a magnet pad of paper on my fridge where everyone in my family has access to it. (Old-fashioned, I know!) My boys are 11 and 15, and through their own recent experiences of not having what they need, have learned to keep the list updated. It is a great opportunity to teach them responsibility and takes a touch of stress off me.
What do you really need?
This week, take a few minutes to decide how often you use particular items. Is it enough to warrant having multiples? (For me: spatulas, undershirts, and lotion are necessary in higher quantities.) If not, will “one to use and one to spare” suffice? (For me: I only need a couple of serving bowls, hats, and perfume.) Don’t rush yourself and cause stress; take your time and just be honest. Do you really need the 5th sheet set, 15th beach towel, or 50th travel shampoo? Or are you ready to pass them on to someone else who can use them? Finally, as you assign a home for those things you’re keeping, give them the space they need to breathe. Keep just enough of what you need so that you and your home can feel comfortably filled, not cluttered.
Above all, here at The Whole Package Organizing, we’re happy to help you pare down your clutter. Sometime it helps to have a cheerleader who can walk you through the process. Just head to our contact form to get started with a free phone consultation!
by Jessica Balderas, WPO Level 3 Organizer
