I love getting rid of “stuff” cluttering up my place and organizing the space to look its best.

You can do this without making organization pretty, but if you want to make it look like a picture in a magazine you’ll likely run into the dilemma — money.

You’re going to have to buy baskets or bins to put your things in, or buy things to optimize your space. Sometimes you’ll end up buying something just because it pulls the whole look together. I’m currently re-organizing my bathroom on a tight budget. It’s frustrating, but certainly possible. Here’s how I’m doing it.

Competitive Pricing

Before going out to purchase something you think will help you organize your space, check around online first and make some casual visits around stores. Sometimes the store down the street offers an item cheaper than the discount store you thought for sure would offer it at the cheapest price. Take the time to do this and you could end up saving a lot of money over time.

Using Coupons

Don’t be afraid to go coupon hunting and clip through that newspaper. Just be careful not to fall into the trap of buying something on discount you didn’t need in the first place. Stay focused on the items you’re trying to buy!

Used Items

Sometimes places that sell used items like eBay, Amazon, or even the thrift store will have what you’re looking for at a dirt cheap price. If not, it doesn’t hurt to wait a while and see if something comes in. I’ve seen many great baskets and ceramic trays at the thrift store! Perfect for organizing.

Selling Junk

My favorite way to afford organizational items is to sell my junk and use the money I gain to purchase them. This encourages you to get rid of things you don’t need. Plus, you’ll enjoy the extra space when you organize using your newly purchased goods!

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4