Saving Money... In Your Closet!

1. wear an apron while cooking and cleaning. It will help to prevent stains on your clothes.

2. buy at the thrift store/yard sales/consignment. Often times you will be able to find clothes that still have their tags still on them at a fraction of the full cost! Look for clothes with minimal wear and no stains. I have been able to find TONS of modest dresses, skirts, and tops at the thrift store without looking very hard.

3. buy your children's clothes at the thrift store/yard sales/consignment stores. Really. Children's clothes are a little harder to find in good condition, but if you look, you will be able to find what you need.

4. take care to wash your clothes properly. To prevent piling on knits, wash them together. Piling happens when fabric fibers of different lengths rub together in the wash.

5. hand your clothes on a line outside. This will also save on your power bill. Especially try to hang your whites and diapers outside. The sun will bleach them and help to disinfect your diapers. (The sun will also help to kill yeast on your diapers)

6. do not be afraid of hand-me-downs. A woman told me once that the only reason why she works is so her children can wear those really cute boutique children clothes. (although I'm sure this was a slight exaggeration)

7. learn to do simple repairs to clothes yourself.

8. buy clothes at the end of season sales. For children buy a size or two larger to account for growth. I have found some great deals on clothes that were less expensive than the thrift store.

9. do not buy trendy clothes. Find classic pieces that will not go out of style. You will find that your are not having to replace your entire wardrobe every few years. (and really, unless you are a size -0, skinny jeans are not flattering. sorry to be the bearer of bad news)

10. buy clothes that can be worn in more than one season.