Whether you live in a an urban apartment or on a ranch on a huge multi-acre spread, organizing is one of the top resolutions for many people this New Year. It usually comes in third on the list, right behind health related and financial related issues. I believe that if this were the only goal for the New Year, it would do the trick. I am not making a criticism, because I am in great need of taking my own advice on this. Being organized helps in so many areas of life on the homestead, but for the sake of this one entry, let’s just focus on saving money.
Look around. How much is out of place, over cluttered or just plain messy? (Oh I hope you can’t see into my kitchen pantry through this blog)
When we are organized we:
- Save Time: When we can find stuff, we don’t waste time hunting it. And for everyone from the homemaker to the CEO, time is money. Saving time now means using it for income, chores or to spending time more wisely later (like with family or on projects around the homestead).
- Save Brain Power: When our minds are free of ‘controllable’ stresses, we can be more creative in ways to earn more income or become more creative to save the income. Disorganization is a number one stressor in daily life on the homestead. Well, for that matter anywhere.
- Save on Duplicate Items: Have you ever bought something because you couldn’t find an item that you just ‘knew’ you had one around somewhere? Then when going through a cluttered cabinet you find the first one? Isn’t that just lovely? Organizing will help avoid that duplicate purchase expense.
- Save on Groceries: A planned menu and all ingredients in the house helps to keep us from eating out and keeps tabs on the food expenses. Shopping based on the sales or seasons is also an organizational issue. This again adds up to money saved, just because we organized it.
- Save on wear and tear: Upkeep of vehicles, appliances, smoke alarms and more can be organized on the calendar. Check them and make sure to care for those ‘less thought of ‘ items once in awhile. This organizational step can save money in the long run, but more importantly, it’s for the safety of your family.
There are so many examples of how simplely organizing can save money.
So if I could pick only ONE New Year’s Resolution for 2009 – let it be to GET ORGANIZED on this homestead. I’m excited to watch how far this one reaches into our lives in areas other than money!
Best Blessings!
Popular Questions
How can making organization the one big New Year’s goal for the homestead improve daily work?
Organizing the homestead can reduce time spent searching for tools, feed, seeds, and household supplies. Start by listing the areas that cause the most frustration, then assign each item a clearly labeled storage location. Keep frequently used equipment close to the work area and return it there after every use.
What should you organize first when setting a New Year’s goal for the homestead?
Begin with the homestead area that creates the most waste, clutter, or repeated work. A practical starting point may be the pantry, tool storage, seed collection, barn, or animal-care supplies. Sort everything into keep, relocate, repair, donate, or discard groups before buying additional storage containers.
How do you organize homestead tools and supplies as part of a New Year’s organization goal?
Group tools and supplies by task, such as gardening, livestock care, food preservation, repairs, and cleaning. Use labeled bins, hooks, shelves, or drawers so each item has a visible home. At the end of each project, check for damaged equipment, low stock, and misplaced items so the system stays useful.
How can a family maintain the homestead organization goal throughout the year?
Create a short weekly reset for returning tools, clearing work surfaces, checking inventory, and removing accumulating clutter. Give each household member specific responsibilities and place simple labels where supplies are stored. Review the system at the start of every season and adjust locations as gardening, preserving, livestock, and maintenance needs change.