Clutter Busting: Shop like a Professional Organizer in 7 easy steps

Step 1: Be careful about Stockpiling –

If it’s on sale, stock up on it, right? It sounds innocent enough. You know you are going to use it eventually, so why not spend a little extra now, to save a lot down the road. Here’s the problem. I have discovered some people have turned stocking-up into an obsession. Filling cabinets, closets, attics, basements, and even entire rooms with “just in case I need it” items. Now, this is not to say that I think buying ahead of time is a bad idea, I just encourage a plan. If you want to stock up on pantry items, make sure you have an area to place these items and that you alternate the expiration dates so that the items that will expire the quickest are placed in front.

Are you an early Christmas/Birthday/Holiday shopper? This is fine, just create a list of who you need to buy for and keep it in your purse/wallet. If you see a great deal, pull out your list and figure out who would like it. It is reasonable to keep a few extra gifts for different occasions, but try and keep track of what you have purchased and who you need to purchase for, so you don’t end up with a room that looks like the stockroom from your favorite store! If you have a serious problem with stockpiling, you may want to go cold turkey by only buying when you are out of a particular item. The world will not come to a crashing halt if you are out of your favorite window cleaner for 2 days!

Step 2: Shop with a list-

I suggest writing a list and having a plan whether you are headed to the grocery store, pharmacy, or mall. Often the biggest clutter offenders are impulse purchases. Sure there will be times when you need to waver from the list, but having a list is just a small insurance policy to help keep you on track. While creating your list be sure that you don’t already have the item that you think you need! It is best to shop your home first!

Step 3: Don’t buy stuff to simply store stuff-

If you want to organize a space, the first step should not be to go to your favorite department store or boxes & container supplier. I would highly suggest you purge first and then figure out exactly what needs to be stored. Often times I see clients who purchase a storage container first and then try to make it work for them. De-clutter first, and then decide what organizing item needs to be utilized. Also, get creative and try to use items that you already have!

Step 4: Try it before you buy it-

Just because it is in your size, does not mean that it will look good on you. Seriously, take a few moments and visit the dressing room. If you are online shopping make sure you check the return policy first. There are quite a few retailers that offer online shopping with in-store returns. I cannot even begin to tell you the tally of all the clothes with tags I have seen hanging while organizing clients’ closets simply because they did not try it on first.

Step 5: Don’t just shop the back of the store-

Ah, yes… the back of the store, the penny pincher’s nirvana… This is the area where all the clearance items have found themselves. Now, I am not going to lie to you and say that I never step foot in the back of the store, because I do. But as I said before, if you have a plan or a list, you will be looking for something particular, not just a bargain. I have seen my share of “good deals” hanging unworn in closets, and stuffed in client’s cabinets! It is a waste of valuable real estate to store a retailer’s unwanted merchandise in your closet, regardless of the savings off of retail, if you never wear/use it!! A real eye-opener is when I tally up some of these “bargains” and clients’ see how much they spent while “bargain shopping.”

Step 6: Use a budget-

Some find it easier to use cash, and some can find the same restraint when using a debit/credit card. My only concrete suggestion is to know exactly what you have to spend before stepping foot in the store, and sticking to that budget! Need help? Ask a good friend to help you, and I said “GOOD” friend to “HELP” you. Your favorite shopping buddy may not have what it takes to help you show restraint!

Step 7: Balance out need versus want

Oh, the vast difference that lies between our desires and our needs. Often times our “wants” today will come at the cost of our “needs” for tomorrow. Shop with a plan and know the cause and effects of your purchases. Gain control over your spending and you will notice a feeling of control over your life and your future!

Betsy