simple living series • on spending.

I won't be spending too much extra money during these next few months. Minimal living goes hand in hand with minimal spending, which is a glorious thing in and of itself. (Hi, student loans! I'm looking at you!) This doesn't mean that I going to stop spending money, though. I'll still get dinner with Frank and drinks with friends every so often, and I'll still buy things that I deem necessary. What I won't be buying are shelves, storage bins or racks, hangers, books and magazines on simple living, etc. I won't be buying things to aid in having other things. Silly.

While scanning Pinterest, which is pretty much my go-to for minimalism inspiration, I can't help but notice how many storage solutions and organizing tips involve spending more money. In addition to the items I listed above, Pinterest is full of other decorating ideas that would require me to spend more money and buy more things. Here, organize your q-tips in these industrial vintage jars that you have to find on Etsy. Or here, hang up one jacket and one leather tote on this spray-painted antler hook that you also need to securely mount on the wall! I'm not saying these ideas are stupid or wrong or not beautiful; I'm just saying that's not what I want.

I'm going to try to make use of as much of what I already have. A few weeks ago, I picked up an old milk crate that someone in my neighborhood was throwing away. I think I'll give it a good soak and use it to store a few throw blankets I keep under my bed. See what I mean? I'm trying to get rid, not acquire new things. Granted, I did acquire a milk crate, but at least it didn't cost me anything and has a distinct use. Also, now I can get rid of the cardboard box in which the blankets are currently residing. ;)

Have you ever been on a spending freeze or chill (I guess that's what it would be called in my case)? What are some of your cheap or free organizational tips?