How To Declutter Quickly And Stop Buying Stuff

I’m talking about how to declutter quickly and stop buying stuff we don’t need today. You may remember me talking about my 15-minute timer trick. If you look at your home, whether large or small, it can be overwhelming to know where to start decluttering quickly.

There is something about looking at clean horizontal counters, dresser tops, kitchen counters, etc. I LOVE having nothing sitting out on the counters. Yes, I have the toaster and my cooking utensil holder on the counter ready to use.

Having an organized home actually reduces anxiety and promotes less stress. If you have a clutter-free kitchen without many kitchen gadgets scattered throughout the room, you’ll feel more prone to spend time there preparing meals. Knowing where things are saves so much effort; if you do it right, you can find what you need quickly.

I love having my closets organized and items in labeled containers. Now that we have moved up north, we have decluttered quite a bit. It’s funny that even after moving into our smaller home, I still get rid of stuff. Plus, at my age, I know my family won’t want to dig through things they’ll not want or need after I’m gone.

Anyway, let’s go back to how to declutter quickly. The picture below gives me anxiety. Luckily, my house doesn’t look like this. Yikes!

I shipped an extra sewing machine to my granddaughter, who is going to Boise State in Idaho. I sent her some sewing supplies with a sewing box (pink, of course), and she has taught herself to sew several items now. She even made herself some pants. Oh my gosh, the joy this gives me! Thank you, YouTube! She sends me pictures of what she’s made; I’m one proud grandma!

Declutter Quickly

Grab some black 33-gallon garbage bags for trash or broken items and some 33-gallon clear bags for donation items or items to sell at a garage sale. Yes, boxes work great as well. If you haven’t worn something in a year or more, remove it from your closet and don’t look back. Donate it so someone can buy it at a thrift store. Let it go, and you will feel fantastic, I promise.

Put the items from your wardrobe that need cleaning in a hamper or clothes bin. Take the time to start the laundry since you can be cleaning and organizing while the clothes are being washed. You may be surprised at what you find on the closet floor or under your bed. Don’t feel guilty, be happy you’ve found that lost item since you’ll be able to start wearing it again.

Taking on a more minimalist approach to “things” makes it easier to let them go and move on. If you’re grateful for what you do have, you’ll be less prone to buying things you really don’t need. It will also help change your shopping habits such that there are fewer impulse buys.

You can use a timer if that would help you get started decluttering. I have the same kind of timer my mom had growing up: a Minute Timer. Next, turn on music or upbeat audio while organizing one room at a time. Don’t get bogged down trying to clean and organize the whole house at once. Try to stay focused and don’t let negative emotions creep in. You’ll find that simplifying your life will bring joy in the long run.

This is one of my all-time favorite audible books: You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jan Sincero. I’ve given the hard copies to several friends; I like it that much. I’ll caution you about the language, but it’s a very upbeat book. I’ve listened to the audible book at least 10 times because I love the lessons I learn each time.

If you have some music you love, crank up the volume and start decluttering one drawer or closet at a time. It feels incredible, I promise.

Declutter Quickly- Stop Buying Stuff

One thing about decluttering is how great you feel when you see less in a closet or less on shelves and countertops. Now, this is where we need to be disciplined about not buying more stuff to replace the junk we let go of by selling or donating. Let’s be honest here: How much stuff do we need? Very little. Sometimes, I look at stuff and say, “Why did I buy that?” Good grief! I like the motto, “When you buy something, donate something”.

When I shop for anything, I think, “Will I be donating this stuff in a year?” When we lived in Southern Utah you rarely could find many desirable things at the local stores. I missed having the more well-known retail outlets available. We started to typically shop online and I’ve continued that approach. I spend less gas driving around looking for something. I’ve changed many of my shopping habits and make fewer shopping trips. We make few impulse purchases and spend time researching the best options. I find I’m taking fewer things back and truly buying less.

I buy a lot on Amazon because it saves me time and money 99% of the time. Remember that we need to stop buying stuff we don’t need. Period. It’s so easy to order online, but I want you to think about what you buy and why. Think hard, whether it be at the brick-and-mortar stores or online. Do I need this, or will I be donating it a year from now? I have laughed with my daughters and with friends about this statement.

Things To Think About

Instead of buying stuff, some things may work for you and your family to bring simplicity and happiness into your life rather than thinking you need the stuff to make you happy.

1. Gift-giving: slow it down, trust me, less is best.
2. Teach pioneer skills to your family and friends; it may save their lives.
3. Share your love of making bread with everyone you know.
4. If you sew, teach others.
5. If you can piece a quilt like my great-grandmother (and myself), you can teach others the joy of seeing those fabrics that were once a unique dress or shirt incorporated into a quilt.
6. If you can cook in a fantastic Dutch Oven, teach others how to do it.
7. Invite your neighbors to a potluck at your home. Gatherings like this beat shopping and bringing stuff home that you will eventually donate to a thrift store.
8. Share your time, energy, and laughter with friends and neighbors.
9. Visit the older people in your neighborhood; they would love to talk to you, I promise. (This is me NOW! LOL)
10. Please get to know your neighbors; people need people.
11. Be kind to one another and listen to your tone of voice when you speak to others.
12. Send notes of kindness to people you love. You may not get another chance to mail one.
13. Think about what you buy before you buy it, and you may not need it.

How Does Decluttering and Simplifying Improve My Life?

Some things to think about are:

• Fewer dollars added to your credit cards
• A clutter-free home is one where you find more joy in the simple things
• You’ll have fewer items in storage areas and stay motivated to stay organized
• The urge to splurge is minimized
• You won’t regret the time and money spent as often
• Hopefully your kids will learn from you and request fewer toys and trinkets
• You won’t be as concerned with a particular trend for clothes, furniture, or other wants

Simplify Your Life by Linda

Final Word

May God bless you and your family and help you be prepared for the unexpected. Please be safe and teach others to be self-reliant as you simplify your life. May God bless this world. Linda

Copyright pictures: Pile of clothes: AdobeStock_65947771 by Luanateuzi, Bedroom picture: AdobeStock_1106456 by Joseph Helfenberger, Drawer With Clothes Organized AdobeStock_549883037 By By Юлия Ефимова