A Few More Cost Saving Tips

This letter holder works
great for wallets.

As I was writing the last blog entry I realized I had way to many tips for just one post. Since I tend to be somewhat creative to begin with I hadn't realize how many of these things I actually did until I starting writing them down.

Getting creative can have its rewards and using things in a different way cannot only provide a great solution to a problem but save you money as well.
Cork can sometimes be expensive unless you can find it at a Dollar store, which is what I did. Generally I can find it in the craft and kitchen section of most Dollar stores in the form of trivets. rolls or thinner sheets.  All of which can be used to create a message center at a fraction of the price of buying one already made.  The trivets work great if you're just using them on their own since they are thicker and therefore perfect for tacks and pins.  While the thinner ones work well in frames and can also be doubled up to make them thicker if needed.

A Dollars Store frame with cork added
to make an inexpensive message center.

Magazine holder aren't just for holding magazines, books and paper.  They are also great for storing all kinds of things like plastic lids, paper bags, rolled towels, flip flops, cutting boards, wax paper, tin foil and parchment paper rolls.

Command hooks are great to use inside cupboards (without adding holes or damaging surfaces) for everything from hanging utensils to small organizers and lids.

                                                   Reuse Rethink Re-purpose

The little things do count, so reuse those twist ties, elastic bands and sandwich bags.

Do you have scrap paper with printing or images that are only on one side?  Cut it up into note size pieces and use them for making grocery lists, to do lists etc... Then recycle them when you're done.

Re-purpose household items for different areas of your home. You might be surprised at how well things can actually work in unintended areas of your home.

We used this small corner bathroom shelving piece in a small laundry room where space is at a premium.

It maybe intended for the bathroom but it works 
great in a small laundry room.

Use hanging storage in your entry way closet to store smaller items like kids shoes, flip flops, umbrellas, scarves, gloves, bags, etc...  You can also make use of the space on the inside corners of the closet with hooks. We used Command hooks so they are easy to move around or remove altogether without damaging the wall. It's a great place to store small things like scarves and umbrellas.

Small entryway closet. Hanging shoe organizer and 

wall hooks tucked in the corner to hold scarves.

From bedside table to steps for an aging pet.

And finally this little Ikea stool started it's life as an inexpensive and very useful bedside table which worked great for years.
Now that same little stool is used to help an ageing pet to get to the new window perch that I recently put together. Complete with two places to curl up for those "cat naps" and the all important toy storage.

Need a little more inspiration?  

Check out our Pinterest boards Helpful ideas for the home , DIY Home and Getting organized.