Disorganization Costs You Money
While inflation makes our lives more and more expensive, it is very important to be as conscientious a spender as possible. The last thing you want is to keep wasting money on the usually avoidable expenses associated with being disorganized. As someone who has dabbled in being a disorganized procrastinator, I know how costly distraction can be. I have paid my fair share of late fees, cancellation fees, and generally all fees related to lost items, missed appointments, and putting everything off until the last minute.
And now, as a person who has seen the light (read: gathered his thoughts), here are the most useful tips on how to get organized and avoid unnecessary expenses.
All the ways to be disorganized are expensive
While “absent-mindedness” may seem innocuous, the costs of disorganization quickly increase:
- Scattered mail leads to missed invoices and late payments.
- Missed appointments mean a cancellation fee.
- Postponing travel plans led to last-minute price hikes.
- Misplaced items (like clothes or kitchen utensils) means wasted replacement money.
- Panic shopping means losing free shipping or potentially cheaper options.
- No products or meal plans will force you to splurge on takeaway food.
- Missed loan payments can hurt your credit score.
- Small daily purchases resulting from unconscious spending can add up over time.
When we are disorganized in various areas of our lives, we do not have the freedom to make deliberate decisions to cut costs. Below are our tips on how to control your spending and stop taxing yourself with disorganization.
How to clean up and cut costs
If you leave things to the last minute, you can turn into a restless and unreasonable spender. Here are some ways to be more deliberate so you don’t lose money where you could save.
- Make lists before you go shopping. It’s helpful to physically write down the things you want to buy before you buy them. That way, as you read through the items on this list, you will be able to make a more informed decision about what you really need.
- Book travel plans as soon as you know about them. Airfare and train tickets usually get more expensive as you get closer to the date. Here is the best booking to book your flight, hotel and car rental.
- Set reminders for birthdays and holidays a month before the actual date. You will have more time to find affordable (and thoughtful!) gifts.
- In general, find a scheduling system that works for you. For example, you can combine all your scattered appointment reminders into one Google Mega Calendar.
- Get your house in order. I know it’s easier said than done. Here’s our guide to using hooks, document baskets, and more to organize your home so you don’t waste money re-purchasing misplaced items.
- Set up automatic payments – for most recurring accounts . It makes sense to make sure you never miss a rent or credit card payment. On the other hand, make sure you don’t lose money from automatic charges for things like unused subscription services .
The bottom line is that there is a heavy price to pay for being disorganized and putting things off until the last minute. You can spend less and save more with small, achievable improvements in your organizational skills. In other words: handle your shit and your bank account will thank you.