It’s a new year – time for new resolutions and goals. Here’s one to help you get organized while avoiding the post-Christmas financial slump: Use what you’ve got. You’d be surprised how many items you have lying around that you’ve never used. Items that, when used, will create more space in your home and save you money. For example:

1. Use the gift cards and certificates you received in the last year. It’s a great way to get what you want or need without spending money. You can even extend its value through end-of-season sales. Just be sure to check the expiration date before using them.

2. Those decorative candles? They were designed to be turned on and off, so use them before you buy new ones.

3. Check your books and magazines. There is always one you haven’t read. Consider canceling subscriptions to any magazines you don’t read regularly, and getting rid of any articles you won’t read.

4. Take inventory of the food you have and think of ways to use it. Do you have pasta and tomato sauce? Add meat and cheese to your shopping list and make lasagna. Your freezer may even have several items you can prepare. This will save you money and reduce clutter in your cabinets and fridge.

5. Why rent when you can catch up on movies you’ve collected or shows you’ve recorded? When you’re done, grab any movies you don’t need to keep and donate them or give them to a friend.

6. Have you accumulated a lot of points on your merchant loyalty cards for air travel, products or services? Now is the time to redeem them.

7. You probably have more beauty products than you think. It’s time to take stock and start using them. This is also a great way to clean out produce that is past its expiration date. If you have items you don’t plan to use, such as shampoo, drop them off at your local women’s shelter.

8. Do you have a lot of loose change in your house? Gather it and use it. You can roll it up and put it in the bank or divide it up and give it to your kids as lunch money.

9. Instead of a new hobby or trade, revisit one you put off. You will save money on supplies.

Remember, when it comes to excess or unused items in your home, everything old is new again. For example, consider cutting up old towels to make new cleaning cloths. And consider giving your extra or unused bedding and kitchen items to someone who just bought a new home or rented an apartment.