How Clutter Causes Overspending And What To Do About It

You’re likely not overspending because of your budget. You’re overspending because of your clutter. Look around at all the stuff that used to be money. Clutter isn’t just a home organization problem; it is a financial issue that overwhelms families trying to stick to a budget.

Disorganization leads to overspending because buying a duplicate item with free shipping is easier when you can’t find something, but it perpetuates the problem. Decision fatigue is real, and a cluttered home means spending more money on dining out, takeout, and convenience purchases.

You’ll never need to organize something you did not buy. Removing things from your home and reducing what comes in work together to create more organization and help you build wealth with the money you save. Decluttering feels lighter and freer. It shifts your spending habits to not just buying less but a desire to own less too.

Here are three habits that will have an immediate impact on your budget and organize your home at the same time.

Inventory First

Adopt a use-what-you-have mentality. This is especially helpful with consumable items. Cook meals with ingredients only from your existing inventory. Look up substitutions, and you will find one. Observe how, in as little as a week, the fridge, freezer, and pantry become emptier and easier to organize as inventory is used up. And just when you think there are no more meals in the house, try again. Get creative, and you’ll find another one.

Shopping Moratorium

If you find yourself buying a specific item often or shopping in a certain store or website, resolve to not buy for at least six months. Use your bank’s online tools to review your purchases and see the potential savings by category and by store. Delete shopping apps from your phone. Disconnect your credit card from websites. And tell a friend who can be your accountability partner when you’re tempted to shop.

Borrow, Repurpose, Or Do Without

Let’s normalize believing we do not have to own everything, and it does not have to be new to us. The next time you consider buying something, ask yourself the following questions and make the purchase your last resort.

Can I borrow this from a neighbor?
Can I repurpose something else to meet the need?
Can I wait a week and see if the need passes or if I solve the problem differently?

Gaining control of your home and your budget is freeing. It eliminates the guilt you feel about rebuying things you know you already own.

It’s easy to feel embarrassed and even ashamed about your financial situation and the state of your home. But you can gain confidence in how you spend and save your money by adopting these habits — not to mention the organized and peaceful home it creates.

Remember, when you reduce the volume, spaces have a way of organizing themselves.

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About the Author: Amy Slenker-Smith is a living simply coach and writer at Simply Enough. She lives near Washington DC with her husband Steve, son Zack and Zeke the cat.