Decluttering Can Save You Money … here’s some of the ways

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This week I had a great little conversation with a reader in the comment section (Hi Rose!) and it made me want to write this post to share with everyone. Here is her initial comment that started our chat –

“I really love your posts. Lots of tried-and-true wisdom, and well-written! I always loved to organize but realized over time I was actually hoarding too much stuff and just got really good at “managing” it. About 5 years ago, I sold/tossed quite literally half my house and have not looked back. Living decluttered is also much cheaper and helped us keep a budget. I (try to) spend money only on things I truly enjoy, which makes those purchases that much more special and less guilt-ridden. Anyway, less stuff is a key to happiness IMO. 🙂”

Decluttering can save so much money in multiple ways. Let’s talk about it.

One of the ways decluttering saves money is that when you go through all of your stuff decluttering and your storage isn’t hidden behind clutter anymore, you realize what you already own. That alone is a powerful way to save money – stop buying duplicates or more of something you already have!

Another way to save money, which will make the biggest impact, is through buying less clutter. I’ve shared on the blog before that I actually really enjoy shopping, but by now I’m very good at only buying things I really need or love. The idea of buying junk is actually painful to me. This is why I’m so intentional with stocking stuffers, Easter baskets, and party favors. When you learn to appreciate living without all the extra clutter, you’re naturally going to buy less clutter! Many people that have participated in the challenge over the years have reported back about this change in them too. The longer you consistently work on decluttering, the more you’ll see this change.

Ask yourself some version of this question – “will this item end up in a donation pile?” It is such a powerful question that forces you to really think about wasting your money!

Another thing I do is force myself to picture bringing it home. Where will it go? Does it have a spot it can go right now? Will I have to move a bunch of things to make room for it? How often will I use it? Where will I store it when I’m not using it? Forcing myself to think about these tough questions usually inspires me not to buy something.

I mean, really, if buying the item involves a bunch of effort I’m not prepared to make right away, then I don’t want to buy something that is sitting in a corner as clutter taunting me. I may change my mind entirely before I even get to it. This alone has helped me stop my habit of buying supplies for “future projects.” Future projects is another way of saying “projects I may never actually do.”

I loved her other comment too –

“Yes!! I ask myself the same thing…”🤔 will this end up in a donation pile?” Most of the time, it’s “yes.” I also agree that now I can better identify items that I’ll enjoy (and usually last longer). I now treat myself to grocery store flowers – easy to enjoy and not a permanent decision!”

I know this is a short little post, but I hope it gives you more things to think about as you declutter, change your habits, and change your life for the better. Keep going!

From my home to yours,
Mary