Now, this should be common sense to the frugal-minded.
However, this is something that is difficult for me to do as I am not very creative. It's not always the easiest for me to "think outside the box" because I tend to be very concrete in my thinking style. Making do with the things you have is the easiest way to save money. Containers for salsa, margarine, sour cream, and so forth can be used for food or other storage. Clorox or Lysol wipes cannisters and coffee creamer cannisters can be used as yarn dispensers rather than buying the expensive store-bought version. An eye-makeup remover jar can be used to store elastic bands. I recently did a mailing for my dissertation and received well over 60 manilla return envelopes. Rather than throwing them away, I cut them open, turn them inside out, and use to wrap books that need to be mailed. Try to look at things in a different way to see how what you already possess can make your life easier. Works for me! Go check out the other great ideas at Shannon's.
4 comments:
I am always looking for ideas like this... thanks for the wonderful tips! If only everyone would try to re-use at least one thing per day... we'd be onto something!
I agree-one reused item a day! My dh makes fun of me for saving stuff all the time. He says, "What are you going to do...make something?! Yup!
I heard someone mention that they save the coffee creamer canisters to put homemade hot chocolate mix in, then give as Christmas gifts. As you well know (think THE CLOSET)I save alot of things...but the key is to keep it neat and accessible so you know where to find that re-useable item....
Reusing is always a great idea. Here's another one: take an empty gallon milk container and wash it really well. Cut a hole towards the top, opposite of the handle and under the opening. I guess it will be about 3 inches across by 2 inches or so deep. Then cut another whole near the bottom, about 2 inches high and as wide as the one side of the container. Now...stuff all your plastic grocery bags in the top and pull them out one at a time at the bottom! You can throw the whole kaboodle under your sink. You'll be surprised how many bags you can stuff in a gallon milk jug!
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