Yesterday’s post talked about creating a daydream file to save items you want rather than impulsively buying them. I think it’s fairly obvious that the list you create could become a pretty handy wishlist if the occasion ever came up…So what about using it to give?

I’m probably more apt to compulsively buy something if it makes me think of someone else. “Oh, my [sister | mom | bff | boyfried | brother | dad | friend] would LOVE that!” is a phrase that commonly precedes me immediately clicking “add to cart.” But then a birthday finally comes around and now I have all this stuff to give them and maybe the inside joke that prompted it is so old by now it makes no sense anyways…well you get the picture. I had a cluttered closet with gifts that never even saw a gift bag.

Using the same concept as a daydream file, I created a digital presents file. If you use the Amazon wishlist feature, you can easily create additional lists for people you shop for often. In Evernote you can create a gift notebook and tag each gift with names of friends and family. (Make sure to set them to private!) 

This way I still get the joy of finding something that fits someone’s style oh-so-perfectly, without overburdening my closet or my credit card. When a gift opportunity comes around, I go through the file and pick out the best option. The ones that don’t make it? You can always send the person a link to the product (even if it’s just a random Tuesday) with a little note saying “this made me think of you! hope you’re having a great day!” on Facebook or email or wherever, because as you know, it’s the thought that counts.

*Photo credit: Muffet (Flickr)

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I saw this idea on Unplggd and had to share it because it’s already how I organize my wires and cords. Using plastic baggies to organize your wires is perfect because it’s cheap, you keep them from getting tangled up, keep all the same types together, and can use the label provided to write in what it is. In fact, I use this for arts and crafts supplies and for my medicine drawer as well.  As organizing tools, plastic baggies are cheap and easily adaptable to whatever situation you need them in.

A good rule of thumb for cleaning out your wardrobe is “If you haven’t worn a garment in a year, you will never wear it again, so get rid of it.” This year I’m putting that rule into action. Last night I tied a piece of yarn around every hanger in my closet. For the next twelve months, when I wear a garment, I will remove the string. At the end of the year, anything that still has the yarn on it, will be removed from my wardrobe. Exceptions will only be made for specialty items – like my snowsuit.

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My life was forever changed by a $9.99 purchase. It’s true – the little set of drawer organizers send me into a burst of happiness every time I open my dresser drawers. White socks separated from colored socks? Check. Sports bras separated from frilly bras? Check. The list goes on, but the point is the same – organizing your drawers with separators or open storage boxes can ensure a tidy dresser, even when you are folding laundry in a rush. I love the Ikea Komplement set, which as you may have guessed is only $9.99.

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