I like having my daily moisturizers and makeup on my bathroom counter so it’s easy to access
every day, but I don’t want it to look messy. So, for years, I’ve kept everything in a decorative container that has worked great. Recently, though, I changed the towels in my bathroom to a different color, and suddenly that container no longer matched as well as it did before.
I was ready to browse Amazon for a new one, but thought I’d poke around my house first. I went down to the basement where I keep my crafting items, and lo and behold, the perfect container was sitting there holding my crafting ribbons. I grabbed it for my makeup and switched my ribbons to the container from the bathroom. It looks great...and I didn’t have to spend a dime.
We’ve all been tempted to run to the store or hop online for something new, but sometimes the best solution is already in your home. Shopping your own space before making new purchases can help you save money, reduce clutter, and find creative ways to repurpose items. Here’s why it’s such a smart move and how to do it effectively.
Shopping your
home is like finding a treasure you forgot you had. Not only does it help you avoid unnecessary purchases, but it also gives you a chance to refresh your decor without the hassle of shopping trips or deliveries. Plus, when you repurpose items, your home feels more personal and unique.
1: Start With a Quick Sweep:
Before you make that list for the store, take a walk through your own rooms. Open drawers, peek into storage areas, and scan your shelves. You might find a basket, frame, or decorative piece that’s been forgotten or could be repurposed in another room. Think of it as a little treasure hunt.
2: Make Use of Forgotten
Decor: It’s easy to overlook items that have been tucked away in storage, but those could be just the pieces you need. Maybe there’s a vase or tray that didn’t quite work in your living room but would look perfect in your bedroom or on your entryway table. Think of where these items can serve a new purpose and give your home a fresh look without spending a thing.
3: Look Beyond the Obvious: Be creative when it comes to repurposing. For example, a pretty jar or decorative box could store everyday items like remote controls or keys in a stylish way. Or, that old picture frame might work as a chic tray on a dresser. You don’t need to limit yourself to items already labeled for a particular function—let your imagination run wild.
4: Rotate and Reimagine: Sometimes, all you need to refresh a room is to move things around. Swap decor items between rooms, try rearranging a shelf, or rotate your favorite artwork. It’s amazing how much of a difference you can make just by giving existing pieces a new home. Bonus: It keeps your space looking fresh without adding clutter!
5: Keep an Inventory of Items You Can Mix and Match: After you’ve done a full sweep of your house, consider keeping a physical inventory (a paper list or digital list) of decor pieces that can be mixed and matched. Lamps, throw pillows, baskets, and other accessories can easily move from one room to another. The next time you feel like you need
a refresh, refer to your inventory and swap things around instead of heading to the store.
Shopping your home before the store is a great way to save money and get creative with what you already have. By taking the time to look around your house, you might just find the perfect solution—like I did when I swapped out my bathroom
container for one I already had in my basement.
It’s amazing how a little creativity and resourcefulness can make a space feel fresh without spending a dime. So, next time you’re tempted to shop, take a tour around your home first—you might already have exactly
what you need.
