Have you ever been cleaning out a closet or cabinet and thought, “Why did I even buy this?”
A clutter clearing session can bring out buyers remorse in even the most savvy shopper. Here are 3 tips to help us save money, be smart consumers, and ultimately limit the clutter we bring into our home.
Have a budget
A budget forces you to prioritize your needs from your wants. I didn’t fully appreciate the power of following a budget until we became a one-income family. With every area of our budget cut and trimmed (including toiletries, clothing, home repairs, electronics, and even food), I discovered a greater sense of creativity when I had to do without for a little while.
When I have to wait to purchase an item, I find myself making better decisions about what I really need to bring into our home and don’t buy things just because “It’s a great deal!” With a budget, you realize (slowly!) that you don’t need everything you think you need. As you practice putting off or cutting out purchases, the result is less junk coming into your home.
Use the one in, one out rule
If you are browsing and about to buy (insert weakness here), set a rule for yourself to get rid of a similar item when you get home. As juicy as that new bestseller looks, you might rethink your purchase if it means purging a book you already own.
Along the same lines as the ‘one in, one out’ rule, is to use a container as your de-cluttering guide. When your magazine basket is full, it’s time to purge. I strictly enforce this rule throughout my house, including a bin for children’s books and two hanging racks for shoes.
Become and stay organized
Yes, it has to come back to being organized. There are just so many benefits! Once you are organized, it is easier to keep clutter out. An organized home provides a greater understanding of what you have and what you will actually use.
Like items are stored with like items and so you know what you have and where it is located. Knowing how much wrapping paper you have, combined with thinking realistically about the amount you will actually use in a year, might give a pause long enough to resist the impulse to purchase more on your next shopping trip.
What are your tricks to keep clutter out? Has becoming organized ever had a resulting effect on your shopping? Do you have a weakness for certain purchases or collections that can easily become clutter? Magazine clippings anyone?
