Gas Prices and Storage Lockers - Part 3: Spring Cleaning Your Finances by Sorting & Getting Organized

We’re looking for more financial dust bunnies and ways to clean them up for good!​ Here’s Part 3 in our series of Spring Cleaning Your Finances, where we tackle storage lockers and gas prices. 

In Part 1, we tackled fees for bank accounts and communication services. In Part 2, we looked at what it costs to depend on credit cards and how to save at the grocery store.

Now see what you can do about what’s lurking in the corners of your garage or closets:

What's the REAL Cost of Renting a Storage Locker?

Stashing your stuff can cost you cash, a lot of it each year, actually. Instead of paying the monthly fee to rent a storage locker, which can add up to over $1,000 a year, make the tough decision to get rid of what you don’t need.

A good rule of thumb is that if you’ve lived without needing something for a year, you likely don’t need to keep it. While there are some exceptions to this rule, it’s a good place to start. If you’re not sure if you want to get rid of something, find a free or less expensive way to store it until you’re ready to decide. Or better yet, use it.

If you have stuff in a storage unit or out in a jam-packed garage, you may end up wasting money buying more of the same because you forgot what you already had. Out of sight; out of mind should apply to keeping your money safe from yourself, not hiding your stuff from yourself.

Saving on Gas Prices is All About Organization

Gas prices have seen some dips, but as the summer approaches, the only dips we’ll likely see are at the pool. To save on fuel costs:

Maintain your vehicle properly to keep it in good running order, e.g. inflate tires properly, do regular oil changes, repair damage.

Take stuff out of the trunk that you don’t need to schlep around and remove your roof racks. The extra weight or wind resistance decreases your fuel economy.

If you’re considering selling your car to save money, park it for a month or two first to see if it makes good financial sense. Even if you have to occasionally take a taxi or chip in for a car pool, it’ll still cost less than operating a vehicle of your own full time - potentially $9,000 less (the average vehicle owner spends over $9,000 per year to own and operate a vehicle).

The Best Way to Save on Gas & Fuel Costs?

Watch how you drive. Racing from one red light to the next because you’re late – again, is not only hard on your vehicle, it uses more gas or fuel. The same is true of idling in traffic. An engine is designed to drive, not idle endlessly in traffic.

A Little Organization Goes a Long Way

Get organized, in your garage as well as with your calendar. Adjust your schedule with the aim of reducing your stress level. Your driving and fuel mileage should improve as well....not to mention the extra miles you get out of your budget.

Every Little Bit Counts When We're Talking About Gas Prices and Storage Lockers 

The bottom line with gas prices and storage locker rent? Every little bit counts, so start by sorting one closet or carpooling one day a week. Instead of looking for one big way to save a ton of money, save in lots of small ways and see your pennies add up!

Related Help to Organize Your Finances:

Interactive Budget Calculator to Help You Know How Much You Should be Spending

Your Turn

What tip can you add? Leave your comment below.

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