This might seem like a silly tip, but it will save you time and money. Most people have to walk to the curb to get their mail. On they way back to the house stop at the trashcan or recycle bin and go through your mail. Instead of bringing junk mail and magazines into your home, you can dispose of them immediately. This saves time because you aren’t moving piles of stuff around your house for weeks.
I have also found that this can save money. When I look at catalogs it creates an appetite for more, more clothes, furniture, electronics, toys, kitchen items, etc. Usually I am pretty content with what I am blessed with, but I find that when I look at catalogs I start to think my stuff isn’t so nice. If I do need something from a catalog company I go online and shop for the specific item. Throwing my catalogs into the recycle bin before I read them keeps me from wanting to spend money on things I don’t need.
Angela says
I do the same thing – junk mail does not even come inside our house!
Amanda says
I actually call/e-mail those companys and take myself off their mailing list. Save some trees!
Sherry says
I just had to comment. I floated over from somewhere. Actually I think I started at Thankful Thursday with Sting my heart and somehow ended up here.
I love your blog and want to read more. But I wanted to comment on your sorting trash. It is a great idea. I don’t receive catalogues but I get them from my mom and daughter and I get wonderful ideas. Especially the pottery barn one. I attempt and getting the look by doing it myself and reusing or repurposing items.
I love to sew and craft and create and try and figure out how to do it on little or no budget. It’s fun.
Thanks for sharing I am back to finish your blog and then make my way back to where I started.
Blessings,
Sherry
Storm says
I would be careful with your address being on the catalogs and junk mail – rip that part off before putting it in the recycling bin, and then shred it (or burn it if it’s winter and you have a wood fireplace) once you are inside.
If theives see a lot of catalogs in your bin, they might think you order a lot of things and are a good target. If you get a lot of catalogs you are not interested in, call and have them remove you from the mailing list.
There is also the identity theft problem.
Better safe than sorry! 🙂
Jen says
I’ve used catalogchoice.org since January and we receive almost NO catalogs now. There have been a few I’ve had to call b/c they won’t participate, and some it does take a few months to remove, but all in all we are doing our little part to save money and the environment!