Being frugal - with our space

This past Spring, I moved into a super-small studio apartment (once again channeling my inner Carrie), and realized that the only way to survive my space limitations was to be a lot more frugal - about clutter! 

The truth is, I have a lot of random stuff. (And that doesn't even include my sample closet!) But I am not alone: According to a recent survey by Kijiji.com, a free local classifieds website, the average household has approximately 35 unused items sitting around the home, and American households spent an average of $3,600 acquiring these items.

So why do we do this to ourselves??? And how do we know when it's time to say goodbye?

* Hopeful Hanger-Ons – People who think they may wear their hyper-color T-shirt again should, well, think again…but also place the item somewhere visible, like the kitchen table or on top of the dresser, so that they are reminded to use it. If the item is not worn during the season, then odds are it won’t be missed.

* Sentimental Squirrels – Forget about squirreling away unused items for sentimental reasons. Sell the old camcorder to someone who can put it to good use and make new memories.

* Hectic Hoarders – Sorting through unused items can be quick and painless. For instance, if you sell them on Kijiji.com the online marketplace is easy to use – all it takes is a clear photo.

* Multi-Generational Collectors – While the sentiment is nice, odds are by the time the kids have grown up, they won’t want to wear their mother’s high-waisted pants anymore. They’ll be looking for the next big trend…hello, spacesuits!

* Antique Accumulators – As iPhone owners can attest, the longer an item is held onto, the more it devalues, especially when it comes to electronics and computers that are dependent upon new technologies.

 According to the survey, 4 in 10 of us are hoarding our excess crap - for lack of a better word! - for no good reason at all. Sell it and make some cash to spend on stuff you may actually need!