With the economy in the dumps, people are paying more attention to couponing. By cutting and using coupons, you can save a lot of money on items you use every day. But all this money saving can lead to one issue: inventory management.
Many deals out there either require the purchase of multiple items or the deal is so amazing (like free!) that you take advantage and buy more than one. Deals like this are too hot to pass up, but what is the point of getting a good bargain if the items are going to expire from lack of use or cause you stress because they become clutter? Here are some helpful tips on how to manage your bargains:
• Dedicate space for your extras. Set aside a space on a shelf, in a cupboard or in the garage for inventory. Make it a spot that is as visible as possible so you don’t forget what you have. A shelf in your garage that you walk by daily is a great idea. You will always notice what you have more than enough of and what you might be running low on while simply walking to your car.
• Store like items together in the appropriate areas. All your toothpaste should be together in the bathroom where it is used. If you don’t have space in the bathroom, then store all extra toothpastes together in a designated spot.
• Always take stock of what you have before buying more. Like I mentioned earlier, a bargain can still become a waste of money if you don’t ever use it. So when you see the next amazing deal on cookies, check your inventory. If you already have enough cookies to last you through the next ice age, hold off.
• Follow the grocery stockers lead and maintain your shelves. When adding more jars of peanut butter to your inventory, put the newest jars in back and pull the oldest ones forward to the front where they will be used first. Always keep the oldest stock closest to the front so you use it in a timely manner.
• Keep labels visible. Make your inventory easy to see. Keep labels turned forward and use graduated shelving (can be purchased at Target or Bed, Bath and Beyond) for things like cans that are all the same size. This creates a storage system that is visually easy to manage.
• Remember to donate. Part of keeping track of your inventory, is checking expiration dates. If you find that you have food or perishables that won’t last until you can use them, pass them along to someone who can. Donate to a shelter or a food bank. You should regularly go through your inventory to see how things are doing. Know what you have so you don’t waste money or product.
So maximize your dollars in two ways – by saving money with coupons and by keeping track of inventory. Happy Shopping!
Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Even Bathrooms Need to be Organized....
Even bathrooms need to be kept organized. Here are some tips on how to do it:
• Take regular inventory of medications. Medications have an expiration date which should be followed. When they expire, be sure to put them in the trash and not down the toilet.
• Keep inventory organized. All your extra tubes of tooth paste should be next to each other as should the extra toilet paper, shampoo, etc. This will help you to know at a glance how much you have of everything. When you are down to your last shampoo, put it on the list to get more. This keeps you from running out or having too much in stock.
• Throw away old make up. Make up has a shelf life. If you haven’t used it in a while, toss it. Or if you have been using the same mascara for a year, it may be time to replace it. Keep your skin healthy by using fresh make up. Keep your bathroom organized by throwing away what you don’t use.
• If you aren’t sure about certain items, use the box trick. Get a box and put all the items you aren’t sure about in it. If you have to go into the box to use something, put it back into its proper place (do not put it back in the box). After one month, whatever is left in the box is unnecessary. It can be donated or thrown out (if expired or old).
• Have you been collecting hotel soaps, shampoos and lotions? Or do you have several make up samples that you will never use? If so, either use them now or donate them to a women’s shelter. They are always in need of toiletries.
Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/
• Take regular inventory of medications. Medications have an expiration date which should be followed. When they expire, be sure to put them in the trash and not down the toilet.
• Keep inventory organized. All your extra tubes of tooth paste should be next to each other as should the extra toilet paper, shampoo, etc. This will help you to know at a glance how much you have of everything. When you are down to your last shampoo, put it on the list to get more. This keeps you from running out or having too much in stock.
• Throw away old make up. Make up has a shelf life. If you haven’t used it in a while, toss it. Or if you have been using the same mascara for a year, it may be time to replace it. Keep your skin healthy by using fresh make up. Keep your bathroom organized by throwing away what you don’t use.
• If you aren’t sure about certain items, use the box trick. Get a box and put all the items you aren’t sure about in it. If you have to go into the box to use something, put it back into its proper place (do not put it back in the box). After one month, whatever is left in the box is unnecessary. It can be donated or thrown out (if expired or old).
• Have you been collecting hotel soaps, shampoos and lotions? Or do you have several make up samples that you will never use? If so, either use them now or donate them to a women’s shelter. They are always in need of toiletries.
Meagan Farrell, professional organizer, is the owner of Clear the Clutter organizing services. She can be reached at (360) 631-7268 or at clear_theclutter@yahoo.com. Check out her blog at http://cleartheclutterprofessionalorganizing.blogspot.com/
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Purge First
It's that time of year. The Sunday paper was full of enticing ads for inexpensive organizing materials. But before you rush out to stock up on what you may or may not need, take this bit of advice: downsize first. When organizing clients homes, I have found that organizing products become part of the problem rather than the solution. Purge first and then take an inventory of what you actually need. Happy Organizing! Happy Organizing!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
