Organize EVERYTHING Without Spending Money

We’ve all fallen victim to buying organizational tools, shelving units, and storage boxes. All those things certainly have their merits, but how often do we see lasting results from all that spending? What most of us really need are simple techniques and a little bit of sheer will to get it done. Fortunately for all of us, there are lots of ways to organize all your stuff without buying ANYTHING. Intrigued?

1. File Your Clothes Away

OK, so you aren’t going to keep your clothes in folders in a file cabinet. But you can fold them in ways that keeps them just as neat. We’re talking small, neat little squares of clothes, and it’s amazing.

2. Categorize

Instead of a box or drawer of random stuff, use smaller storage you already have and break things into actual categories: makeup, light bulbs, batteries, and cleansers are just a few ideas. No more “miscellaneous!”

3. Skip the Folding

Yeah yeah…we just talked about folding. But on things like blankets and towels, you might find that they stay put a lot easier — and take up less space — if you roll them up.

4. Use the Can

Most of us have at least one extra trash can lying around, big or small. After you wash it, of course, use it to store sports equipment, wrapping paper, yard tools, whatever! Idea from Organizing Made Fun. 

5. Shoe Boxes

This idea has you buying the shoe-box-sized plastic bins, but I’m sure you have a few of those “too good a box to throw away” shoe boxes lying around. But of course they can be used for a lot more than shoes. How about craft supplies, pantry stuff, or keeping things neat under the sink? Cover them if you want, or leave them as-is.

6. Coffee Cans

If you drink coffee or have those large #10 cans lying around, they’re super useful for all sorts of organizing adventures. Sure, it might take you some time to drink all that coffee (or simply ask your friends for their empty cans), but you can make a whole organization system with them. Plastic bags, tools, art supplies, yarn, bathroom items, pantry…you name it.

7. Free Printables

Need to organize your life? Free printables abound on the Internet for everything from paying bills, to calendars, budgeting, passwords, menus, grocery lists, to-do’s, and more.

8. De-Junk

This isn’t what everyone loves to hear, but de-junking is the BEST way to get organized without spending money. If you have a garage sale, you could actually make some cash. Or, if you donate your extra stuff, just ask for a receipt for a tax deduction. If you forgot you had it, it doesn’t fit, or you haven’t used it in a year, chances are, it can go.