The high cost of disorganization

**Daisygirl** · 01-06-2008, 01:53 PM

I have been talking (ok, whining) about going through my basement this weekend and sorting things out. To my abject horror I have discovered, so far 47 gift bags in perfectly fine condition. I have also found tons of tissue paper as well. I always put this stuff aside when we get presents, but can never find it when we need it.

I purchased a big tub to hold all the gift bags neatly standing up. I also got a tall wastebasket for the many rolls of paper I found squished under things on my basement floor. I used a couple of clear bags that once contained blankets or sheets sets to hang on the wall. One of these contains bows and the other tissue paper.

My children went to approximately 15 birthday parties last year and I bought gift bags and tissue paper for every single one of them. Although it was bought at the dollar store, my disorganization cost me more than $30 for kids parties alone. This does not include all the stuff I got to wrap my own kids birthday presents in - gifts for my mom and friends -- OUCH! The list goes on.

To make a long story short I probably blew $100 buying things I already have, that were free for the taking! My days as a disorganized slob are numbered, ladies!

I am way too cheap for this!

**wulong32** · 01-06-2008, 01:56 PM

I hate when I buy something, only to find later that I had it the whole time. Ive been working on being more organized for that very same reason.

**krbshappy71** · 01-06-2008, 02:03 PM

Have you seen this book? I found it in the library and really enjoyed it:

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Its-All-Too-Much-Living/dp/0743292642"]Amazon.com: It's All Too Much: An Easy Plan for Living a Richer Life with Less Stuff: Peter Walsh: Books[/ame]

That's funny you posted this, I just did the same thing after Christmas. I am the one swiping gift bags and bows during the Christmas hubbub to keep them from being thrown away. As I put away my Christmas decorations I organized it all into tubs that I had.

**frugalfriend** · 01-06-2008, 02:04 PM

Bravo, way to go getting organized!

Yesterday I bought one of those Rubbermaid wrapping paper roll holders at 90% off at Target! Can't wait to get more organized too! Every time there is a gift to wrap I'm digging around trying to find things. My gift bags and tissue paper are in a ripped cardboard box. I like your idea about using a big tub to hold all of it, I'll have to do that too!

**shoiji** · 01-06-2008, 02:15 PM

I have been going though my closets and drawers though out this past year. Throwing out stuff and organizing more. It has been slow but I am always surprised at what I have. I also just started buying more containers for closet shelves. Would just use a cardboard box but for some items it is best I can see what is in the container.

It is getting to feel good that I am more organized and I actually am starting to get more room in closets because of tossing stuff. YEA!

So try to remember, with all the stuff you find that is less you need to spend this year.

**AmyBoz** · 01-06-2008, 02:21 PM

Well, I'm glad you found it and have created a system to deal with it! Think how much money you'll save this year after the New Year, New Home challenge???

**emily_hope** · 01-06-2008, 02:29 PM

At least you have found it now and will save money this year! WTG on your organization!

**KJayEsq** · 01-06-2008, 03:03 PM

Argghh! I hate it when that happens! Just think of the money you'll save on those things in 2008!!

**peanut** · 01-06-2008, 03:16 PM

LOL! I've been noticing this about myself for years. Lately it's been tape of various sorts. We have tape upstairs...in two places, tape on the main floor, tape in the basement in two places. I have no idea what's a duplicate and what isn't, but I do know I will not be buying tape in the near future! It's starting to bug me, so it's time to organize it.

Jean

**changed4life** · 01-06-2008, 03:22 PM

Whoooo boy...did I ever learn that lesson too! Now, I am an organizational freak and drive my family nuts. But, I save lots of money when I know EXACTLY where everything is!

**Mamaw** · 01-06-2008, 04:04 PM

This post got me to thinking. I have a cat litter bucket in the closet in which I put rolls of wrapping paper 9 standing upright) I bet I could have DH but the botton off one of the cat litter buckets and duct tape them together ( tops matching) to protect the paper even more. I also have a box in on the top shelf of the same cupboard in which I put sheets of wrapping paper, bags and tissue paper. I agree that when I am not organized ( most days lately) I waste money like crazy!

**ironmaiden** · 01-06-2008, 04:36 PM

I know somewhere in this house there is an entry rug. I'm determined to find it and NOT buy a new one. We had it in the back hall and the old dog started peeing on it, so we removed it. There's no way I would have tossed it. So it has to be in the cellar or attic SOMEWHERE!!!

**Edna_E** · 01-07-2008, 06:41 PM

Consider the savings for the next year or two! Just use up the supply for a while, and put what you would have spent into an account so that you can see what it adds up to.

**frugalnana** · 01-07-2008, 06:48 PM

Sounds like my basement. But since about Thanksgiving I have been going through different containers and reorganizing and then putting a label on the outside telling me whats in it.
I also have been giving my oldest son things that are his, like trophies for sports, his first baseball mit and pictures and things he made. Letters from his deceased great grandparents to him. For all the other kids they have different containers downstairs that are they'res and I'm just sorting to give them. I found a box of old old receipt books that havent been used when dh owned his own business. I gave them to a friend since she owns a thrift store.
But it is amazing the things you will find when you start looking,.