Want to go shopping and not spend a dime? Try reverse shopping around your home.

When my little apartment starts getting cluttered, I pick up a paper or plastic bag with handles and begin shopping.

Only this shopping doesnt cost anything, and instead of shopping for things I need or like Im shopping for things I no longer need, and dont like.

I start in the storage room out on the back porch.

Now what havent I used or looked at in over six months?

Into the bag it goes, unless of course it has sentimental value, or belongs to one of my daughters, and sometimes, even then it goes into the bag.

After the storage room I head into the living room and wander about looking at things, especially the things that annoy me, and drop them into the bag.

From the living room to the kitchen, opening cupboards, looking in drawers, and then on to the bathroom, the bedroom, etc.

If Im not sure I want to get rid of something, thats okay, because as soon as Im finished filling the bag, or bags, I place them in the back of my truck. There they will stay until Im positive I want to take them to Good Will. If one of my doubts is real Ill keep thinking about that object and go out and retrieve it. Or if one of my daughters asks, Hey, where are my red tennis shoes? they will mysteriously re-appear.

Sometimes I let things set in the back of the truck for a couple days or more until Im sure its safe to take them away.

Im amazed at how a few minutes of reverse shopping can lighten the apartment up and make it seem roomier and airy.

You dont have to get rid of everything; just a little can make a big difference, and not to worry if you missed something, you can go shopping at home anytime you like.

Its free.