If you are anything like me, you already have a bunch of bins, containers and organizers in your home.  They may be spread out in various spots, but they are there.  This past year, I really kicked my organization in the house to the next level, mainly by purging excess items.  By early fall, I had a huge pile of empty containers in the garage.  I waited to purge these last, because it just felt so wrong to toss out all these items I had bought in an effort to get organized.  Can you relate?

After I gave it some time and wrapped up all the areas in my house, I ended up saving my favorites and ones that fit together fairly well for storage.  I have dug into the pile as needed, and each time I do, it saves me money.  Here are some tips on how to utilize what you already have:

Consider Tupperware or other plastic wear that you rarely (if ever) use.  These containers are usually very sturdy, and if you have several, they should stack well.   Many can fit inside a drawer to organize small items.

As you tackle areas in your house, save any containers that you are able to empty and keep them in one accessible place. That way, you can “shop” at home when you need a container for the next organizing project.  Some items to include might be baskets, glass containers, plastic containers, bins, boxes, folders, drawer organizers and files, to name a few.

Sometimes when I am trying to pare down my possessions I come across something I just love, enough if I don’t use it often.  These items are usually some form of serving dish in my kitchen (I never met one I did not like!).  A favorite cup or small bowl can be beautiful holding paper clips or small items on a desk.  A big bowl can be festive with ornaments, pinecones, acorns or sand and a candle.  Even putting an empty dish on a table can be just lovely.  Finding a purpose will let you enjoy the item every day or at least seasonally, instead of having it clutter up your cupboards.

Move things around. That spare planter could be cute holding some stuffed animals in the nursery or gathering your remotes in the living room.  An old watering can could be just the charming detail needed above your kitchen cupboards.  An unused bookcase could find new life holding toys in a child’s closet.  Before you go out to buy, think hard about the things you already have, but are not using, and see if you can put something to work.

I have been working hard on this simplifying process for a few years, and it has become apparent to me that most of us have more than enough.  Despite what advertisers and society might have you believe, you probably already have more stuff than you can handle (thus, the desire to organize!).  Utilizing what you already paid good money for is only smart.  So, think outside the box about your possessions and let us know what you come up with, we’d love to hear your ideas.

Be sure to check out our other great tips for getting organized on a budget.