As I’ve been going though our house this month, I’ve come up with three good reasons decluttering and organizing will actually save you money. Yep, I think getting rid of the stuff that you paid hard earned money for will, in turn, save you money! Here are my reasons:
1. You’ll know exactly what you have on hand
How many times have you come home from the grocery store to discover an item you purchased is already in your pantry? I’ve done this numerous times because things usually get pushed to the back never to be seen again. (or to be discovered once I’ve already bought a duplicate item!)
Take for example the cans of tomato soup we have. I stocked up a while ago during a good sale knowing they’d last until the next sale. Well what do you know, another sale came along sooner then I thought so I bought another flat forgetting how many I had in the first place. If I have been diligent in organizing my pantry, I would have known this and saved myself $5.00. That $5.00 that could have gone towards something that we actually needed that week.
2. You’ll be astonished at how much money you’ve wasted
This one gets me every time! As I have been going through the closets and cabinets I’ve been finding so many small objects and project pieces that I know I’ll never get around to using. When I put aside everything I no longer want to keep, I can’t help but think about how much money I’ve spent on those items. It’s pretty gross actually. That fact alone, keeps me from buying unnecessary stuff, therefore, keeping more money in my pocket. (Although, I’m still learning!)
3. You’ll find unfinished projects
Every once in a while I get an urge to do something creative. When I take the opportunity to do a declutter, I usually discover a few unfinished projects.
Just yesterday, as I was going through my fabric stash, I found two unfinished projects. A purse, which only needs to have the handles sewn on, and material for a sweatshirt I’ve cut out for my husband. I now have two projects to finish to satisfy my creative urge without spending any more money!
Bonus: You’ll save time in the long run and lose the guilt
Let’s be honest, all that stuff can weigh a person down. Not only do you feel guilty about not using an item, but it can take you five times as long to get something finished! Like getting dressed for example. When you have to sort through all the clothes you don’t like and the clothes you do like just to get a decent outfit put together, you’re probably already running behind in your day.
By minimizing what doesn’t work for you in your home enables you to maximize the potential of what actually does! So say goodbye to the things that are weighing you down and breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe put your feet up for a few minutes too, since you’ve most likely got some new found time!
There you have it, my top three (4) reasons why decluttering your home will save you money! Sure, it can feel an awful lot like you’re just throwing money out the window, but it will probably get you to stop spending unnecessarily. Or at least thinking twice about a possible purchase!
Remember, in the long run, decluttering and organizing now, will save you time and money in the future.
I’d LOVE to hear your thoughts on this!
I love the feeling when I get rid of a bunch of stuff that I either do not need or never use. It’s so nice when you have more room in your house and there is less clutter, which makes for less stress.
You can also sell your junk. You would be surprised how many people will want what you think is junk! Clean out your home and make a few extra bucks!
Great Article! I try to purge once in the winter and once in the summer! It reminds you of all the stuff we have. When I get the urge to go shopping or feel like I just have to get something I shop the house and see all the stuff I have and the urge goes away. I think it is very empowering to purge and live with less stuff!
If only I could get my husband on board!!!! He needed a tool the other day and I told him to check one of his 35 tool boxes….NO, he said it is 45!…….and he went out and bought ANOTHER tool!!!!!!( we probably have dozens of the one he needs but it is easier to buy another one than go through that many tool boxes!!!! And don’t get me started on magazines and newspapers!!!!!ARGHHHHHHHHH!
I’m finally sick of being weighed down by all my stuff. My goal this year is to get rid of ten things everyday. I call it “reverse shopping” and, so far, it’s been kinda fun!
I moved across country & downsized to 18 boxes & 2 suitcases. My whole life fit into this minimal storage. I sold everything from my car, house, & belongings. What didn’t sell @ various yard sales were given to friends or donated to charity. Once I got started, no mercy! I felt giddy with not owning anything! I moved to my parents home so didn’t need much as it was already furnished. I basically kept some great framed photos, a couple of awesome accessories, some art, a huge framed mirror & a couple of kitchen appliances. I love having less STUFF!
I sooo agree! I’m clearing out my basement storage of all the little things I keep saving”just in case” or for that Mom to Mom sale in the spring. I’ve posted a bunch on a few sites and if it doesn’t go, oh well – off to the Thrift store! I need to direct the funds to better areas!
Just starting to go through all our STUFF. My health has not been good so our house looks like a hoarder lives here. If mom don’t do it, dad doesnt. I’m going to do a little bit every day except Sunday and surely by the end of 2012 I will get it done. As the Bible says, “I can do all things through Christ who strengtheneth me”.
I hadn’t ever thought of applying Philippians 4:6 to de-cluttering, but that is a good reminder. Instead of being overwhelmed by my borderline hoarder lifestyle, I need to remember that Christ can give me the strength to overcome this addiction of buying and hoarding. I’m going to try to de-clutter a little each day too. You have inspired me, Willie. Thanks for posting.
Hear! Hear! Very well said. I sorted through my GLUT of scrapbook paper yesterday and the amount I have to get rid of is ridiculous. I’m with you – I’m feeling very guilty about all the wasted money. The saddest thing is it’s been sitting for a VERY long time. And that’s just the 12 x 12 paper!!
I hate the guilt… but I like the fact stuff is getting done. I am trying not ti be discouraged that I feel like I move crap from place to place and not purge enough.
I am in the process of beginning to purge. I’m starting with my own closet so that everyone else can see that I’m serious about doing it. I also hate buying duplicates of things because I need it and couldn’t find it.
We keep buying storage containers to put things in to try and organize our house. I have recently come to the conclusion that instead of buying more stuff to house more stuff we likely do not need. We need to get rid of some of the containers we already have and reuse them for the stuff we really need to keep. Not sure we need to keep any of it. Being the mom of a 7 month old that is very active and has always been very demanding has made it hard to get things done. I think I need a goal to get a closet done or something once a week.
I am currently in the middle of a massive purge. I managed to list quite a few things on our local buy/sell/trade page and cannot believe how much $$ I have recovered from my “hoard”. All I kept thinking to myself when I had trouble making the decision to toss was “why am I paying hard earned money to house this?” It is the best thing I have done in regards to home decor/reno in years!
I agree- I had a 20.00 check from my local resale for items I put up for sale last summer. What they do not take, we will sell at M2M sale and donate the rest. But I HATE going thru crap I meant to go thru before and did not …. then the guilt it just sat there.