How to Stop Clutter From Entering the Home

The best way to beat clutter is to not let it come into your home in the first place. Clutter happens when items are not in the proper places, which is typically caused by having too many items in the house, such that organization becomes a major task. If organizing and house cleaning is becoming a burden because of the mess in your home--it's time to stop clutter at the door. Here's how.

Things You'll Need

• Recyclable shopping bags

Instructions

1. Shop with a purpose. Never go out shopping without a list. And stick to the list. If an item looks very tempting and affordable, ask yourself these questions: "Do I really need this?" "How often will I use it?" "Where will I put it?" "Do I not already have one like it that still works?" Your answers will tell you if you're about to bring another piece of clutter into your home.

2. Don't be tempted by bargains. Discounts and "good buy" items are the primary candidates for clutter. Don't buy another pair of table lamps just because it's on sale. A discount item may be half off, but if it ends up among the unused gadgets in your kitchen cabinet; that's still money you spent on clutter instead of basic necessities.

3. Cancel subscriptions that you don't read. Magazines and other periodicals will be delivered to your door like clockwork, whether you read them or not. If certain publications you're subscribed to remain unread and are simply cluttering up the coffee table, it's time to cancel.

4. Use recyclable shopping bags. Plastic and paper shopping bags are great at causing clutter in the kitchen. Keep them out by using recyclable and washable shopping bags.

5. Consider renting or borrowing instead of buying. Some yard equipment and home improvement tools get used only once or once in a while. Instead of buying something that will simply add to the clutter in your garage for most of the year, look into renting or borrowing from a friend.

Tips & Warnings

• Neighborhood (estate, yard, garage) sales are excellent sources of clutter. Even if items are selling for less than a dollar each, always evaluate whether you're acquiring something that will only add to the clutter in your home.

• Borrow party serving accessories and paraphernalia from family and friends instead of buying your own rarely-used sets.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Portuguese
• Conquering Clutter