Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the clutter in your house? Are you constantly tripping over items, forgetting where you put important things, or just feeling stressed out by the state of your living space? If so, you’re not alone.
Many of us have habits that lead to unnecessary clutter in our homes. But the good news is that by recognizing and changing these habits, we can create a more organized, peaceful, and enjoyable home environment. Here are the 15 clutter-causing habits I finally gave up.
1. Buying Things Just Because They’re On Sale
We all love a great deal, but buying items just because they’re discounted can lead to clutter. I used to stock up on sale items, only to end up with a closet full of things I didn’t really need or use.
Now, before I buy something, I ask myself if I would want it even if it wasn’t on sale. If the answer is no, I put it back. I’ve found that this practice helps me to be more mindful about my purchases and prevents me from bringing unnecessary items into my home.
2. Keeping Things “Just In Case”
This is a big one for many of us. We hold onto things because we think we might need them someday. But in my experience, “someday” rarely comes, and these items just end up taking up space.
Today, I try to only keep things that I use regularly or that have a specific purpose. If I haven’t used an item in the last year, I either donate or throw it away. It’s amazing how freeing it is to let go of the “just in case” mentality.
3. Not Putting Things Away Immediately
One of the easiest ways for clutter to accumulate is by not putting things away as soon as you’re done with them. It’s so easy to say, “I’ll put it away later,” but later often turns into never.
I’ve made it a habit to put things away immediately after using them. It only takes a few seconds, and it prevents clutter from building up. Plus, it’s so much easier to find things when they’re in their proper place!
4. Keeping Sentimental Items Out of Guilt
We all have items that we keep because they were gifts or because they have sentimental value. But if these items aren’t serving a purpose or bringing joy, they’re just causing clutter.
I’ve learned to let go of the guilt associated with getting rid of sentimental items. I take a photo of the item for memory’s sake, and then I donate or throw it away. This has been a game-changer in reducing clutter.
5. Not Regularly Decluttering
Even with the best intentions, clutter can sneak up on us. That’s why it’s important to set aside regular time to declutter.
I’ve made it a habit to declutter every month. I go through each room in my house and get rid of anything that’s no longer serving a purpose. It’s a little bit of effort, but it makes a huge difference in maintaining a clutter-free home.
6. Shopping as a Pastime
Shopping can be fun, but when it becomes a pastime, it can lead to clutter. I used to spend my weekends wandering around stores, often buying things I didn’t need just because I was bored.
Now, I try to find other ways to spend my free time. I go for walks, read books, or spend time with friends. Not only has this reduced the amount of clutter in my home, but it’s also helped me save money!
7. Buying Things Without a Place to Store Them
Before I buy something, I ask myself where it will go in my home. If I can’t think of a specific place, I don’t buy it.
This simple habit helps me avoid bringing unnecessary items into my home. And it ensures that everything I do bring in has a proper place, which reduces clutter.
8. Keeping Unnecessary Paperwork
Paperwork can quickly pile up and create clutter. I used to keep every receipt, bill, and statement, just in case I needed them.
Today, I’ve gone digital. I scan important documents and store them on my computer or in the cloud. Not only does this reduce clutter, but it also makes it easier to find documents when I need them.
9. Holding onto Broken or Damaged Items
We often keep broken or damaged items with the intention of fixing them. But let’s be honest, most of the time, these items just end up collecting dust.
I’ve made it a rule to either fix or get rid of broken items within a week. If I don’t have the time or resources to fix something in that timeframe, it probably isn’t worth keeping.
10. Buying Multiples
Buying multiples of the same item can lead to clutter, especially if the item isn’t something you use regularly.
I now only buy multiples of items I use frequently, like toiletries or pantry staples. For everything else, one is enough.
11. Not Using Storage Solutions
Storage solutions can help keep clutter at bay. I used to just toss things in drawers or closets, but this often led to a messy, disorganized home.
Now, I use storage solutions like bins, baskets, and organizers to keep my belongings tidy and easy to find. It’s amazing how much cleaner and more organized my home is with these simple tools!
12. Keeping Every Book I Read
As a book lover, it was hard for me to part with books. But the truth is, keeping every book I read was causing clutter.
Now, I only keep books that I truly love and plan to read again. For all others, I donate them to libraries or schools where they can be enjoyed by others.
13. Not Sorting Mail Immediately
Mail can quickly pile up and create clutter if not dealt with promptly. I used to let mail accumulate on my counter, but this just led to a disorganized mess.
Now, I sort and deal with mail as soon as I get it. Bills go in one spot, letters in another, and junk mail goes straight into the recycling bin. This keeps my counters clear and my mind free of clutter.
14. Keeping Clothes I Don’t Wear
Many of us have clothes in our closets that we don’t wear, whether they don’t fit or just aren’t our style anymore. These clothes take up valuable space and create clutter.
I’ve made it a habit to regularly go through my clothes and donate anything I haven’t worn in the last year. This keeps my closet organized and makes getting dressed in the morning so much easier!
15. Not Asking for Help
Sometimes, decluttering can feel overwhelming, and it’s easy to put it off. I used to try to do everything myself, but this often led to procrastination and more clutter.
Now, I’m not afraid to ask for help. Whether it’s a friend, a family member, or a professional organizer, having someone else’s perspective can make the decluttering process much more manageable. Plus, it’s always more fun to tackle a big project with a friend by your side!