Clutter Busting: Decorating on a Shoe String Budget

Decorating on a Shoe String Budget: Part 1 “Guilt Free Shopping”

Why do I have clutter? Often, the answer is very simple… because I simply buy too much. In order to win the battle of clutter, we need to first correct the behaviors that created it!

A common mistake made by many of us is buying unneeded items with the justification that it is on sale. A sale is not going to save you money! Seriously, I know we have trained ourselves to calculate to the penny exactly how much we save when we buy… but the truth is, if we spend money on things we don’t need, we are not saving a dime. Worse yet, we are taking money from much worthier expenses such as: vacations, retirement, college, or paying off debt.

This week I want you to challenge yourself to redecorate an entire room simply by using things from other rooms in the house. This is fun exercise to get the children involved! This is also a great time for you to invite a friend over to help. Make up a pot of tea, grab some snacks and have fun! Pick a room and take out everything except the furniture. Now, start shopping around your home. Groupings can be created either by like objects not of the same color or like colors, not the same type of objects. Experiment and have fun. Only put items back into the room that really work for you. This is your house and there are no rules! You certainly can feel free to swap furniture from other rooms as well!

Once your room is complete, I want you to take a good look at what is left behind. What items did you not want to put back into the room? If it is because it no longer fits into the room, simply find a new place in your home for it. Take this time to purge out those items that you don’t like! It is ok for you to get rid of items that don’t fit your style. Do not create clutter for yourself by boxing these things up and sticking them in the attic. Call your friends and family and offer up these items to them first. If you can’t find any takers, simply donate!

Have fun guilt-free shopping and creating a new space with your own items!! The feeling of accomplishment will be amazing. Make sure you take before and after pictures! I would love to see your achievements!

Betsy