- Use the time rule: Instead of throwing something into your online shopping cart and purchasing it right away, leave it in the cart for an hour, a day, or even a week to give yourself time to figure out if you really need/want that item.
- Use a shopping list: Always head to the store with a written list; when using a mental list it’s way too easy to both add items to the list as you shop that you don’t need and also to forget needed items.
- Uncover your “clutter weaknesses”: Your “clutter weaknesses” are items that you seem to buy quite often that you don’t really need. These items could be toys for your kids, collectibles, clothing, etc. It’s important to identify these items and to make a conscious effort to cut down on buying them.
Buying less of these items will not only save you money, but it will also cut down on the clutter in your home.