The Financial Benefits of Getting Organized

I read an article in The New York Times last fall about the trend of consumers focusing on home repair projects, rather than discretionary spending, in a down economy. Judging from what I have seen, this is definitely true. While we aren't out spending money on vacations and luxury items, this becomes a good time to evaluate our home environments.

Couple that with the cold, snowy winter we are having in the Northeast, and I think the time is right for taking a hard look at how well your living space is functioning. You can add value to your home and environment without spending a lot of money. In fact, organizing can have many financial benefits that will directly impact your wallet:

• Spend less on items you don't really need by figuring out what you already have. Take stock of your wardrobe, kitchen pantry items, and more, and be better informed when you head out shopping.
• Find those missing gift cards, gift certificates, and cash. I can't tell you how often we turn up real money when I am organizing with a client.
  
• Donate unwanted/unnecessary items for a tax deduction, or sell your stuff online or through a consignment shop.
• Avoid late fees by getting your bill paying center set up and paying bills on time.
• Clean out your storage unit and avoid the monthly storage fees.
• Get more out of the things that you already have and love.
  

With February vacation around the corner, why not set aside a day or two to tackle some trouble spots around your home?