Keep Wrapping Paper NeatWhen I have a large roll of wrapping paper, I will only take one half of the cellophane off the wrapper and cut pieces of the top half of the wrapping paper, leaving the bottom still intact in the cellophane and nice and neat.
Journal For Organizing And Daily PlanningHere is a good way to organize, plan, and set goals. You can do this with a journal, calendar, notebook, or even a chalkboard. This organizing tool is helpful to write down thoughts and goals. You may want to save money for a future item.
Recycled Drawer OrganizersYou can an empty egg carton (top part) as drawer insert organizers. It is a good size and can help you stay organized. Can be for any drawer; like your kitchen, desk, vanity, etc.
Storing Stuff in Other StuffI have posted about moving things in other things to keep them protected. This is as handy to have in that little place in the back of your mind you keep tips! I had jars, small balls of thread and just incorporated them!
Don't Forget 'Under the Table' StorageI am moving and sat a stack of cake pans near my side table for donating. The pan slid a bit under my table and inspiration struck!
Extending Time on Your Kitchen TimerI was fixing a chicken recipe in my slow cooker yesterday that needed to cook on low for 6 hours. At the same time, I was not going to be home for a couple hours. Suddenly, the light bulb went on. I have a calculator that also has an alarm clock, so I set the alarm for 6 hours later.
Empty Your Purse for Tidy LivingThis is one of the many tips I adopted from Marie Kondo's method. This tip tells us to empty our purses every day, and find one drawer, shelf, or station, hopefully near the front door, in which to keep the contents while we are not actually using it/in transit.
Straw Pendant Necklace HolderThis is a great way to organize your pendant necklaces so the chains don't get twisted and you can see which necklace is which.
Never Lose Your Remote AgainI cannot even count how many times I have spent the evening searching for my TV remote. Add a piece of Velcro to your remote and attach it to the edge of your coffee table. Attach overtime you're finished with it.
Tidy up Your Leads (Cords)Have you got a box full of tangled leads or electronics cords? Some, or most of them will fit inside a toilet paper roll middle so you can keep them neat and tidy. If you want to be extra organised, don't forget to label them. It is surprising how quickly and easily you can forget which is for what.
Over the Door Medical Supply HolderMy husband came home from the hospital with an open wound that has to be changed every day. The home nurse ordered all the dressings, tape, saline, and bandages we needed. This will need to be done everyday for about 6 months. It was a huge box of supplies that we had to organize.
Bandana Storage Tube for Plastic BagsI line my small waste cans with grocery store bags. My DIL gave me a little fabric tube to hang them in my kitchen and several years later when it was too old to use any more I measured it to make another one. A cotton bandana was the perfect size with no raw edges or extra cutting.
Hiding House Key for Emergency PersonnelWe all have our favorite key hiding places for our own use. However, to tell the location of a well-hidden key for a 911 call may not be easy, especially by the person who may be in need of emergency personnel.
New Year, New CalendarAs the new year quickly approaches, I purchase a new calendar and write down all the birthdays of people I want to send a card/give a gift to. I use the old calendar and go month by month to do that.
Using Cans to Organize Colored PencilsWe have a ridiculous amount of colored pencils. Tons of leftovers seem to come home at the end of every school year and I frequently can't find where I stashed them so we end up buying more. I finally took the time to collect them all together and wanted to organize them.
Saving Ideas from MagazinesAs I look through magazines, I often see an idea or recipe I'd like to try. I do one of three things
Add Plastic Drawers To Rolling CartsI am submitting this tip from the nurses at our clinic who use rolling carts, but had only one small drawer on top to store all their items. They needed more storage and they came up with the idea of adding one of the plastic 3 drawer filing cabinets to their rolling cart. They just hold it on with bungie cords in the back. Now they have much more room, and it is not too heavy to roll around and it is very inexpensive.
Sugar Dispenser for RibbonGlass sugar dispensers are inexpensive and work perfectly for containing those bundles of curling ribbon. Tuck the ribbon into the jar, then thread the ends through the opening in the lid. No more lost ends and tangles messes!
Keeping Cords Under ControlMy pet peeve is the cords hanging behind my TV or an open table. Recently we had some problems with a bad cord and had problems making them all neat and out of the way.
Hiding a Spare KeyI am forever going outside to my laundry room only to return and find the door has locked itself and I am locked outside.
Storing Carpet RemnantsWe have a few carpet remnants that we saved when we removed our carpeting last year. It was in good enough shape that I thought it might be useful in recovering our cat tree.
Stop Irritation with Candle Earring TreeEarring sometimes irritate my ears, no matter what the post or wire is made of. The easiest solution I found was wax. Put the posts in a candle. The wax of the candle coats the earring making it so they won't ever bother you again.
Taking Care of YourselfWe talk about things, finding them, and saving money on them, but the body needs to be at those places to save money and care for others. So the big savings is in getting ready and not have to loose time or money in getting to the savings. Here are some good habits for getting your day underway:
Organizing Toiletries When TravelingI have a soft sided "train case" for cosmetics and toiletries. When traveling, the contents would all shift, and upon arrival at my hotel I would spend time reorganizing and putting bottles upright, etc. until I came upon an inexpensive solution.
Storing Cookware on a ChainThe best way I've found so far to store unused cookware, is on a chain (nail was already there) using older metal shower curtain rings through the hole in the pot handle.
Use an Egg Timer to Avoid Being OverwhelmedI find sometimes with 5 kids at home things can seem very overwhelming. I recently purchased an egg timer. I set it for 10 minutes and do things in 10 minute increments. I seem to get more done instead of trying to finish everything all at once.
Identifying Lost PhoneAs a school secretary, we end up with many cellphones left on the property or playgrounds during off school hours by groups using our building. It was difficult to find the owner of the phone just by checking "contacts" and many phones had to be sent to the recycle center.
N.E.T. Syndrome: Symptoms, Causes, and CuresN.E.T. (Not Enough Time) syndrome is the acronym I have given to those occasions when I feel like there simply isn't enough time in each day for me to do the things I either need to do or think I need to do.
Reuse Pet Food Containers for StorageOne day after completing a craft project, I had left over materials with nowhere to put them. After searching around the apartment, I looked in my sink and remembered these Beneful containers that were soaking before being put in my recycle bin.
Getting Library Books Back On TimeWe have a wall hanging appointment calendar in the entry porch. When we come in from the library with a new load of books, we mark the due date and the number of books due on that date. Easy-peasy! I haven't had a fine yet.
Prevent Forgetting Items With Car KeysOne of the banes of my existence always has been forgetting key items and taking multiple trips back to the house from the car when on my way somewhere - usually making me late in the process.
Maximizing Small SpacesI used to live in a small one-bedroom apartment with my 4 year old son. We didn't have a lot of room so the space we did have was very important! Some of the inexpensive and easy ways I used to maximize space were:
Magazine Organizer From Recycled Wine BoxI'm sure I'm the only one who drinks boxed wines, but in case there are others of you, here's a great idea. I had the box laying on the dryer waiting to be torn down for the recycle bin when I noticed the size is just about the same as a cardboard magazine organizer.
Organizing Jewelry With Ice Cube TraysUse ice cube trays to organize jewelry. A few trays will fit nicely into your bureau drawer, and you can use the divided compartments to keep earrings together and to separate small-chain necklaces.
Using File Cards For Organizing AddressesI use a 3x5 inch recipe/file box to alphabetically organize personal names, addresses, phone numbers and any other information. I use the tabbed dividers for keeping this in alphabetical order.
Store Special Occasion Dishes in Plastic BagsAfter I wash all my pots and dishes that I don't use very often, I put them into polythene bags and seal them with ties. Then when I need them, I don't have to re-wash them before use.
Dollar Store Calendar BooksI can't remember my busy schedule without a calendar book. I like the ones with only one year per book. These can be expensive, but I found them at the Dollar Store and they are perfect for my purse.
Binder for Great Thrifty IdeasThis may have been suggested before, but I have not seen it. After finding so many great ideas, some I wanted to do, or try, right away, and some I wanted for future reference, I came up with this plan.
Organizing Useful TipsI have found so many wonderful tips on ThriftyFun and know I can't remember them all so I came up with an idea.
Using Pencil in Address BooksWhen putting names into an Address Book, write them in pencil. This way when an address or name is changed all you have to do is erase! The Address Book will serve you longer and save you money.
Use a Recycled Box to Store NotepaperA Muellers' Spaghetti box works great for holding the supply of note paper I have cut from paper received in the mail. It is attached to the side of the refrigerator by flat magnets glued to the back of the box making the paper so accessible for making my grocery list, etc.
Storing Wrapping Paper With Elastic BandsI found a really neat way to keep your wrapping paper from unraveling, without tearing or spoiling your paper. Use a coated elastic band used to hold ponytails.
Make Your Own Magazine HoldersMake magazine holders by covering cardboard cereal boxes with material and/or contact paper, then labeling them by name and dates.
Organize Notes Into Sections of a Spiral NotebookI'm not sure about you, but regardless of the fact that I'm very organized, I still used to find little pieces of paper everywhere with little notes, lists, etc. Here is what I did. I took a regular spiral notebook (a big one) and got some of those sticky labels that you can just stick on a page.
Stacking Wire Shelves Make Great Space SaversI live in super-tight quarters, so I'm always looking for "space saving" ideas! To add extra shelf space to your kitchen cupboards, spend $3.99 and buy several of those 5 inch high stacking wire shelves at your local variety, liquidation or discount store.
Hide Emergency Cash in a Lipstick ContainerA good place to hide extra cash is in an empty lipstick container and then just toss in with odds and ins and only you will know it's there.
Ultimate Earring Organizer!Years ago, I bought a lovely crocheted tank top from a local thrift store (possibly on half-price day!); I hung it on a pretty wooden hanger, in my bathroom, and used it for holding all my earrings.
Repurposing a Cabinet for StorageI've been organizing and reusing items as much as possible. I have a laminated white cabinet made of particle board with holes drilled along the inside for shelves but the shelf pins I have didn't seem to work.
Keep Important Info in a NotebookI keep a notebook for recipes, important numbers, educational resources, and other important information. This has really kept me more organized!
Have a Master List of Important Cards and NumbersBecause my husband and I travel so much, we came up with a way to have the most vital information in one easy and small space in case a wallet or purse is ever lost or stolen.
Send Yourself a Running Email Of TipsFor places to leave tips like this: Send yourself an email, subject matter of "Tips to Use". Keep a running list by forwarding it to yourself. Remember to delete the "forward" in the message.
Protecting Sheets of StampsKeep stamps from sticking together by storing them in-between sheets of wax paper. Wax paper also works well for saving stickers, just put them on the shiny side of the wax paper.
Use Pocket Planner Covers For CheckbooksAll through the year when out shopping, I keep an eye out for those "pocket planners". I use the vinyl and picture part for checkbook covers instead of having to settle for the dull and undesirable ones that usually come free with your boxed checks.
Clipping Keys To Your PurseI have a "hiker's clip" attached to my purse handles. When I get home and inside, I immediately attach my car and house keyring onto the hiker's clip.
Saving Just the Tips You WantI love all the tips I read on this site and I often want to keep something in case I want to use it later on. I have found a good way to keep the information handy for later on.
A Magnet for Keeping Small Metal Items TogetherA few months ago, I accidently dropped a small magnet in my purse which sank to the bottom. When I fished around and found the magnet, it was attached to my nail clippers.
Store Picnic Items in Pringles CansI used them for napkins and plastic tableware for picnics. It help keep out insects and dirt.
Wrapping Books to MailWhen mailing out books, save money on costly padded book mailers by cutting cardboard the size of the book, putting 2 pieces around the book and sticking a rubber band or two around it to hold it in place.
Organize With Clear Plastic ContainersHere are a few small tips for getting and staying organized.
Different Bags for Different TasksSome days I may do several stops that require different materials or supplies. I have each activity's stuff in a separate tote bag, and just grab the bags I need that day.
Write Down Phone Card InformationI lost a 200 minute phone card after only using 15 minutes. I was bummed. Now I write down the 800 number, the PIN number and the customer service number, so if I lose the card I can still use my minutes and they always tell you how much you have left.
Using a Window Shade as a Bulletin BoardIn my office, I don't have any room for a bulletin board. So I use my pull up/down window blind for the same purpose as a bulletin board, but with tape instead of pushpins.
Breaking Down Tasks Into Smaller PiecesWhen I'm just not up to doing a particular multi-part task, I can usually get it done by breaking it down. I can pull the laundry out of the dryer and set the basket in the laundry room and grab a handful, just a handful, every time I pass that way.
Organizing Your Home CalendarBuy just one calendar and hang it up by the front door or in the kitchen. Hang a pen on it so everyone in the family can write down important things to remember.
Bottle Opener on KeychainKeep a bottle opener on your keychain. You never know when you will need it.
Using Clear Vinyl Pocket OrganizersIf you're short of room around your house, try using clear vinyl pocket organizers in: In the linen closet to hold items such as lip balm, thermometer, band-aids, sample sizes of medications, tweezers, nail clippers, etc.
Multi-Tasking at HomeMost homemakers are very adept at multi-tasking, but the art form of getting it all done can always be refined.
Tip for a Multi-Level HomeIf you have a multi-level home, put a small container near the stairs. Put items to go upstairs or downstairs in it so the next time you go up you can take it. It saves running up and down the stairs.
Keep Grocery Bags By Your DoorLeave a few grocery bags by your door. If you are working outside or forget something you can just slip them over your shoes so you don't have to take them off before walking across the floors and carpets.
Prioritizing The Easy WayAnytime you are taking notes from a speech, making a grocery list, or just getting you chores organized, use any size paper that's handy, divide into four sections by either folding in it or drawing a line down the center and one line across the middle.
Storing Banners and Small PostersSave the tubes from paper towels. They make a good thing to roll up a small banner or poster: i.e. Happy Birthday.
Keeping a Pen and Pad HandyI try to keep a memo pad and pen or pencil by my chair in the living room, close by. You never know when a commercial might be for a certain store offering a special sale on specific days.
Crisco Stick Shortening Tubs As Cheap Drawer DividersThose clear plastic Crisco stick shortening tubs make dandy drawer dividers in bathrooms and girl's dresser drawers. They make it really easy to find what you are looking for.
Expiration Dates on MedsSave time and frustration wondering when those over the counter meds expire. Before you store them away, put the expiration date on the bottom of the box or bottle with a black marker.
Jenny in KY
Organizing Christmas PhotosI finally did it after all these years. I purchased a great Christmas Photo Album at a reduced price of $1.00. It has a holiday motif on the front and back and has 2 clear pockets on each page with a total of 100 pages.
Organizing School SuppliesAs a teacher, I'm surprised by how many kids don't know these easy tips. It requires staying a bit organized, but it pays off.
Emergency Reading GlassesKeep a pair of $1.00 store reading glasses in your cars in case you forget your regular glasses.
By Syd
Safety Pin Handy Fix ItCarry a small safety pin on your key ring. You can use it if your glasses lose a screw or you need to make a small wardrobe repair.
Binder For Important School PapersI keep a three ring binder with my kids' school papers that I will need for future reference. For example: medication permit forms, schedule of events, concert announcements, classroom parties, etc.
Keeping Useful Items HandyI keep a pen and small pair of scissors in my back pocket. It always seems like I end up using them around the house at some point in the day.
Write Reminders On MirrorsHang small dry erase makers beside all the mirrors in your house and when you think of something that needs to be done or something that you need to buy, grab a pen and write it on a mirror!
Birthday And Anniversary Reminder ListIn addition to having a reminder a few days prior to the birthday or anniversary of a family member or friend, I also have a list on my computer, wordpad program.
Keeping Funnels HandyI keep a funnel under the bathroom sink and in the laundry room for filling small bottles from large ones. Funnels can be found for 3 for a $1. Having them handy saves the time of looking for a funnel and then putting it away.
Storing Placemats Under Seat CushionsA neat and easy way to store placemats is to lift up your chair and sofa cushions and put them under the cushions. This will keep them flat and out of the way thus freeing up valuable storage space.
By Carole
Quick Touch Ups Before Going OutKeep a lint brush by the door for quick touch-ups before going out. Works great on pet hair. To clean quickly, rub the lint brush in the "wrong" direction with a damp washcloth.
Uses for VelcroI love sticky back velcro. I have velcro'd a large clip on top of my rolltop desk to put outgoing correspondence into, velcro'd a scratch pad to the visor of my car, and my personal favorite...
Keeping Important Items HandyIf you find you lose things perpetually, you can buy a simple CD holder, hang it up, and store all your small but necessary items in it. It works great!
Velveeta Box Drawer OrganizersDon't throw away the bottom of your velveeta box when the cheese is gone, they make great drawer organizers! They hold any little bits.
Prepare for Company the Night BeforeMy tip is something my Mom did when she had company staying over. Before she went to bed each evening, she would set the table and prepare everything possible. Then the cereals and jams were set on the table.
Easy to Remember PasswordNot necessarily a "thrifty" tip, but a time/trouble saving. If you're need a security code word or password you can use a phone number of a friend or family member that's ingrained in your long-term memory, along with their initials.
It's Garage Sale Season!A garage sale is a great way to get organized. The less stuff you have the less you have to organize. Clean out the garage and determine everything you are ready to get rid of.
Egg Cartons for Storing EarringsI use the bottom of empty egg cartons to store my earrings. They each have 12 separate compartments and you can store them one on top of each other if you just use the bottoms and throw away the tops.
