Cheap, easy DIY closet storage system with repurposed materials

Hello my fru-gals and guys! I'm the Penny Pincher Postmistress here with loads of money-saving tips. Having raised a family of four kids in a 14 X 70 mobile home, I learned all kinds of tricks to save not only money but space and home organization. And sometimes you have to create space.  Here's an easy, inexpensive DIY guide to maximize your closets, cupboards and storage spaces AND to configure a closet where none exists. 

Skip installed wall mount shelves

In the first iteration of this article, circa 2008 (!) I wrote about a Rubbermaid fastrack wall mount shelving system we installed in what was just basically an alcove off the upstairs bathroom. It was a series of shelves of various sizes that you attached to a track. It served its purpose but was honestly kind of pain to install, can't be moved and wreak havoc if you do.  

And here's why 

Well, a lot of time has passed. The kids grew up and moved out. And THEN, to top it off, the youngest daughter moved out, then back in again for a time. And for reasons known only to her, decided to dismantle the entire closet and take everything to the thrift store. Leaving us with a wall covered with gaping holes where the screws has been. And I can't even find that style anymore. 

I fumed for about a month, finally forgave her (LOL) and had to admit, that, in retrospect, I wouldn't have put in all that hardware. I'd have configured my own from repurposed furniture, shelves and boxes.   Well, now with it out, I had no excuse not to do that (and yes the little rascal shelf destroyer had the audacity to say "You're welcome!")

Cheap, free-standing sturdy shelves

What we created was a homebrew room/ storage place for my husband's hobby. And we used some free standing shelving units I got cheap from Amazon with all my reward points, Prime membership and coupon rebates. I hadn't thought those would work because the carpet is thick and I thought they would tip over. But those nice wide feet they put on shelves prevent that.

Nifty hook hack

The shelves are designed so that you can hang all kinds of goodies from them. You don't even need special hooks. Here's where my improvisor brain really came in handy. I got some of the cheap clip style shower curtain hooks, like 4 for $1. My husband can hang pots, pans, spray bottles, and any other stuff that will fit in the hook. 

DIY closets for teens

I made closets for my kids and teens this way too. I used curtain hooks to hang jewelry, shoes, scarves, bags, toes, garments, belts, accessories, etc. Turn the shelf into a multifunction storage unit. Then, create a space to hang clothing using two large tension rods like the kind for a shower curtain. Place one higher for short coats, shirts and jackets and then one a little lower for dresses. The good thing about tension bars is that they are adjustable. You can even hang some clothing from your shelves. I tried the rolling ones which are okay for lightweight clothing. 

Why I prefer DIY clothing racks

This works so much better than traditional closet hanging arrangements in which all the clothing, regardless of length is hung from the same level, wasting a good deal of space. It also helps to organize clothing by season, style and purpose. By adding baskets for accessories and folded clothing, and placing shoes on a rack or in boxes on the floor, you eliminate the need for a cumbersome dresser. We hung another bar a little way out and added a pretty shower curtain to finish it off. 

My favorite storage hacks

Now for shelves, I've got another several DIY shelving hacks for you. Repurpose old wooden baby changing tables, bathroom shelves, book shelves, wine racks and baker's racks as storage. You may not have heard of baker's racks. They were a 90s thing and I'm glad I hung onto mine (see image with chair). I checked an Amazon still sells bakers racks under $100. Some even have outlets on them. These make fabulous multiuse storage. 

Get some collapsible baskets cheap at Dollar Tree. Or stack things in creative ways. Keep an eye out at thrift stores and garage sales for  older vintage furniture. It's so much much sturdier than the pre-fab cube shelves you have to assemble. You can even make your own from old pallets. 

Cheap prom dresses and bridal party formalwear under $100

 

Where to Buy Great Inexpensive Prom Dresses Under $100 Want to buy a beautiful prom dress, but don't want to pay through the nose? Here's your one-stop Penny Pincher Post shopping guide to looking like a million bucks at prom for less than $100. If you start early and watch the sales you can usually get that show-stopping dress for under $50. 

High school prom can get be a really pricey affair. I know; I've footed the prom bill for prom six times  Is there any way to find cute prom dresses and formalwear under $100? Absolutely! Follow this guideline. 

• To get the best prices on prom dresses, start shopping early. 
• Familiarize yourself with styles and prices. 
• Watch for sales. 
• Subscribe to email coupons from favorite stores. 
• Shop online. 
• Use coupon code finder apps like Retail Me Not. 
• Submit receipts for rebates to Rakuten. 
• Install Honey in your browser to access rebates and find best deals.  
• Use Ibotta for mobile shopping. 

Here are my top picks for cute inexpensive stylish prom dresses under $100.

ASOS is an online-only retailer featuring a nice selection of affordable prom dresses under $100. Great for trendy, unique styles. Their "ASOS DESIGN" line often features maxi dresses and formal wear in the $45–$80 range.

Etsy sells formalwear prom dresses under $100 and some under $50. Check out this beautiful floor length dress priced at $41with a coupon. This is the dress featured in the image above. 

Lulus: Known for modern, sleek designs, Lulus has a dedicated prom section with many floor-length prom dress priced under $100. There are gowns and sequins priced between $70 and $99.under $100. Lulus carries A-line, cut away, empire, halter, strapless, formal length, tea length, just about any style that your prom goer might want. 

Windsor: A go-to for many students, Windsor offers a huge variety of satin and corset-style dresses. While some are pricier, they maintain a large selection of formal midi and maxi dresses under $100.

J.C.Penney: Our daughter was inclined to scoff at J.C. Penney thinking that it was an old lady's' store. We were pleasantly surprised to find a nice assortment of lovely prom dresses, in unique styles, sale priced well under $100, many in the F$50 to $70 range. J.C. Penney prom dresses are well made with lovely detailing.

Poshmark: This is a great site to buy and sell clothing. My youngest daughter made bank reselling thrift store finds. You'll find a huge variety of prom dresses under $50. And the great thing is, once you are finished you can sell it back! 

Consignment and secondhand stores: Don't over-look second hand and resale venues for lovely prom dresses. Since most prom dresses are worn only once or twice, they are generally in near perfect condition. Needless to say prices on second hand dresses are often remarkably cheaper. Depending upon the area in which you live, second hand prom dresses run between $15- $40. Second hand prom dresses are also the ideal choice for the young woman who favors green, eco-friendly shopping.

Prom dress swaps: Share, trade, swap and borrow dresses within your circle of friends who are of a similar size. Prom dresses aren't as seasonal as most people imagine. The basic dress styles remain constant over the years, and every high school prom features an assortment of dress styles. When choosing your prom dress, I advise that you select a dress based on how it's color, cut and design look on you, rather than what dress may be in vogue.

Live green and save green with 100 ways to reuse recycled plastic grocery bags

 April is Earth Month and Earth Day is April 22. "Live green" has the battle cry to save planet earth. One big way to live green is to reduce waste. It's a critical way to save green, as in money, too!  Did you know that yard waste represents the largest proportion of landfill trash followed by paper products, cardboard, newspapers and magazines. But plastic and metal are the deadliest landfill trash. Paper is somewhat biodegradable but plastic lasts virtually forever. One huge landfiller is plastic grocery bags. Some communities have actually banned plastic grocery bags. Here are ways to reduce use of plastic grocery bags and repurpose and reuse recycled plastic grocery bags. 

First, you can switch to reusable grocery bags. This Earth Day, save money making your own grocery bags from recycled sheets, towels and tablecloths, You can also use old clothing. If you choose paper grocery bags or plastic grocery bags, save them. Repurpose and reuse plastic grocery bags in these ways. 

Save money on garbage bags--repurpose and reuse recycled plastic bags as liners for small trash cans. Use recycled plastic grocery bags to line waste baskets in bathrooms, offices, nurseries and even in the classroom. Repurpose and reuse larger plastic grocery bags in 13 gallon kitchen trash cans and recycle bins. Fill with recycled materials and place on the curb on recycling/trash day. Use recycled plastic bags in the car to collect trash. Repurpose and reuse recycled plastic grocery bags to line litter boxes or for cleaning pet cages and litter boxes. 

When cooking or cleaning, tie recycled plastic bags door and cupboard handles. Collect waste from each room or from the cooking area in conveniently located plastic grocery bags. Repurpose and reuse recycled plastic bags in home remodeling projects. Cover paint brushes and rollers at the end of the painting project. This keeps paint fresh for tomorrow's second coat or for touchups. Cover items with recycled plastic grocery bags. 

To live green, stay healthier and save money, pack work and school lunches in recycled plastic grocery bags and dispose after use. Tie recycled plastic bags around a cast or dressing that can't get wet when you take a shower or bath. Make a quick diy shower cap from recycled plastic bags. Tie securely around hair (don't use for children as it might come loose and suffocate). Make quick aprons by cutting the bottom out of recycled plastic grocery bags. Slip over your head and use handles as shoulder straps, Live green and save money on disposable plastic trash bags by using recycled plastic grocery bags to dispose of baby diapers. 

Make grocery bags into puppy training pads. Stash recycled plastic grocery bags in the beach bag for wet swim suits and towels and to dispose of beach trash. Reduce, recycle, repurpose adn reuse to save the earth and save money! For more ways to live green, visit Lady Greenwise and for more ways to save money, scroll through my collection of penny pincher tips! 

Total Wireless Customer Service fails

Total Wireless has been a pretty good cellphone company in the 5 years I've been with the company. Reception could be better and customer communication is poor, however. There is no way to get text alerts on your account. But you have to opt out of ad/spam text from TW, go figure. But that was nothing compared to this latest debacle which has me seriously considering whether the $10 a month savings over Virgin Mobile is worth it. 

Here's what happened. I called Total Wireless to switch to shared plan and spent an hour on the phone doing what should have been a simple task. Then the switchover didn't happen on specified date and when I called I was told that the rep failed to process it. So I spent more time correcting that and also setting up auto-refill. 

Then I get a text saying my service is about to expire, so clearly THAT request didn't process either. When I called to correct, the first rep was freakishly rude, left me sitting for 10 minutes with no communication and finally hung up when I said "hello? anyone there?"

I did a little digging on the website while calling back and discovered that I was enrolled in two separate accounts. The second rep was polite and  deleted one account. But when I tried to get auto-refill set up, she hung up on me. 

Still digging, I discovered she'd also deleted the wrong account, thereby losing me two days of service. When I tried to resolve BOTH messes, I was put on hold endlessly again. Rather than have a fifth inept rep further screw up my account, I said just go with the earlier refill date and credit me $4 for the lost days.

I waited another eternity for her to figure out when I made my payment, when my service began and when my refill date should be--all of which I verified in seconds on my account page. By then, my lunch break was up and I had to end the call. I did the auto-refill myself.

Free Thanksgiving crafts and decorations to print

 I'm a penny pincher who loves holiday entertaining. In order save money, I use free printable decorations and crafts. About Family Crafts has printable Thanksgiving crafts, decorations, table decor and greeting cards. Thanksgiving crafts feature pilgrims, Indian corn, pumpkins and cornucopias. Print gift tags, placemats, napkin rings, cards, coloring pages and more.

Package Tech has free downloads for complete Thanksgiving holiday place settings Themes are snowflake, acorn and petal pink. Each place setting includes placemat, napkin rings, print and fold treat box and decoration. Baby Center has free Thanksgiving printouts and harvest or autumn printouts for holiday decorations.

About Freebies lists a gajillion free printable Thanksgiving decorations. Martha Stewart has a harvest of printable fall paper crafts to decorate your Thanksgiving table. Scroll around the page for harvest and fall table themes, Thanksgiving craft templates and more.

The Toymaker offers vintage holiday decorations and crafts. The Thanksgiving printables feature traditional pilgrims and native American Indians, pumpkins, turkeys and corn. Crafts are beautifully drawn and colored in Dickensian style imagery. There's a 3D stand-up paper turkey centerpiece, a cornucopia nut cup for party favors, napkins rings and old-fashioned Thanksgiving greeting cards.

Print, fold, cut, paste and craft your way to a beautiful Thanksgiving table. Making free printable Thanksgiving crafts provide hours of fun for children, and keeps them happily occupied and out from under your feet. Happy crafting and may you and yours enjoy a Blessed Thanksgiving.

I saved 80% on facial products: money-saving tips on moisturizers, night cream, eye cream

Looking in the mirror while having my hair done, I realized that I'm getting old. To avoid the withered prune look, I'm upping my skin care regimen. Now I'm here to tell you, folks, that moisturizers are not cheap. In fact, one might call it a racket! I love the Lancome night cream for example. After using my sample size, I went looking at Sephora and found it  (are you sitting down?) for $60 for a little pot!!

So I went to my go-to TJ Maxx to find cost-saving alternatives and I wasn't disappointed. I stocked up on cellulite firming cream (another extortion game), retinol cream, collagen oil, day moisturizer and night cream. And the whole arsenal only cost me $30. And I got a huge thing of collagen cream, like professional size for only $7. I found collagen and retinol oil for $5 at Big Lots. So now, bring on the dry skin because this penny pinching mama is ready (and she didn't bust the bank to do it!)

25 tips to save money on college dorm room essentials

As fall approaches, students go back to school or college. And that means time for back to school shopping on college dorm room essentials. Books, tuition, student housing and extra fees are already expensive. Outfitting the dorm room can put parents over the top financially. Here's money-saving mom's budget dorm room shopping guide.

First, focus on dorm room essentials. Skip the funsy-cutsy non-essentials. Stores and colleges would have parents believe college kids need. all kids of junk they don't. Think "need" not want. Get best prices at Walmart, Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree, Dollar General and TJ Maxx. Watch secondhand stores and other store sales. Use Walmart Savings Catcher to make sure your Walmart purchases were the lowest prices available.

Dorm room essentials: (check first to see what furniture dorms provide, typically bed, desk, shelves, closet)
-branched floor lamp (one light for reading in bed and one light for the desk): $10
-microwave oven: talk with roommates about chipping
in on a microwave. Pick one up for $40
-bed set: includes comforter, fitted sheet, 2 pillow cases. Some come with cushioned lap desk: $36. Send sheets and blankets, skip pillow shams and bed skirt.
-pillow: $5-$10 Choose a good comfortable pillow. This is essential for proper rest. Don't allow your college student to use the provided pillow.
-rug or bath mat: $4
-alarm clock: $5
-personal toiletries set in shower caddy or zippered bag. Student should stow supplies in container to prevent spread of germs in shared bathrooms, under $10.
-shower shoes, flip flops or pool shoes for use in shared bathroom
-portable dorm refrigerator: $59. Stock with beverages and food, to prevent temptation to spend big money at the college dining room or cafeteria.
-bath towel set: includes two bath towels, two hand towels, two washcloths: $10 at Wal-mart.
-dorm room appliances: toaster, coffee maker and electric hot pot for heating up soup and canned foods. $7 each at Walmart. Send a hand can opener.
-pop-up clothes hamper and hanging shelf organizer (holds ten pairs of shoes and has three larger shelves for sweaters, tee-shirt, jeans or towels. Hamper zips shut for ease of carrying to laundromat or home. $20 for the set at Walmart.
-back pillow for studying in bed, under $20
-6 plastic totes with lids (18 gallons each): $24 at Wal-mart. Plastic totes are an excellent way to transport and store dorm rooms supplies and clothing. Six should be the perfect amount for supplies.
-dorm chair: don't get a bean bag or orbit dish chair. These are quite uncomfortable for older teens and adults. Get a clearance lawn chair with arms or a plush club chair that folds