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I feel happy, calm, peaceful, and like I can take on the world when my life is organized. I, like most people, love the idea of organization but sometimes struggle when it comes to execution. Let’s face it, it’s hard to get organized and even harder to stay organized. It is not a one time thing, but takes constant effort. I do my best to create systems that work for our family, but I’m nowhere close to having it together.
One thing you may not have thought of though is the relation between organization and your finances. If you have no other motivation, work on organization simply for the ways it can impact your pocket book. Here are 8 ways that being organized saves you money.
1. You can find what you need (when you need it)
It’s so frustrating when you know you have something, but can’t seem to find it when you need it. It’s a major time waster and can negatively affect your budget when you have to repurchase the item because you can’t locate it. When your belongings have their own home, you can locate them quickly and prevent duplicate spending.
2. You avoid overbuying
Being organized and knowing what you have on hand helps when you are out shopping. Once you know what you have and what you need, a simple shopping list will prevent you from buying things you already have them at home. Whether it’s shopping for groceries or shopping for clothes for my kids, I almost always have a list with me. My memory isn’t as good as it once was, so I rely on lists a lot to make sure I don’t double buy!
3. You can buy items at their rock bottom prices
One of the smartest ways to shop is to buy when items are at their rock bottom prices (and combining with a coupon if possible). If you plan ahead (which takes organization), then you can save a bundle by purchasing items when they are deeply discounted. Last minute trips to the store happen to the best of us, but you will almost always spend more money that way.
4. You avoid late fees or penalties
Not knowing where bills are or when they are due can result in late payments. Unless it’s your first offense and businesses don’t have a no tolerance policy, those late payments will mean a fee. Sometimes those fees can be pretty hefty too. Keeping your paperwork and mail organized will definitely help you save money!
5. You are less likely to overspend
I’m a huge advocate of budgeting, but it takes some organization in order to even create, much less execute a budget. If you struggle with being organized, I betthat you also struggle with overspending. An organized person who has a plan for their money is much more likely to spend within their means.
6. You can avoid expedited shipping costs
Planning ahead keeps you from spending too much money on shipping. I hate paying shipping costs anyway, but having something expedited because we forgot we needed it is even more painful. Organizing your schedule and keeping a good calendar(this is the one I love)* will help save on these costly shipping fees.
7. You can save money on fuel
Planning your errands so that you aren’t making multiple trips to the same stores will definitely save you money on gas. Organize your schedule so that you are running errands while you are already out near certain stores. Or plan your route ahead so you aren’t driving back and forth across town.
As much as I try to stay organized, I’m definitely a work in progress too. What works now may not work later, so our organization systems and routines will have to fluctuate as our family dynamic changes.
Related Post: 5 Must-Have Routines for a More Peaceful Home
If you are struggling in this area, I hope you’ll considerthe financial ramifications so that it fuels you to make some progress. Whether you realize it or not, being organized saves you money. You might be closer to meeting yourfinancial goalsthan you think.
How do you save money by being organized?
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