Clutter Control: Put off Purchases

If clutter is driving you crazy, you might think the first step would be to start paring down and getting rid of things.

But how can you control the clutter when more keeps coming through the door?

Step one: Stop the mindless purchases.
 
Instead of buying on impulse, try this technique to give yourself a little more time to consider new acquisitions.

1. You see a dress/power tool/throw pillow that you really like (online or in a store) and have a strong desire to throw caution to the wind and buy it right now.
(Excuses abound: It's so cute! I deserve a little pick-me-up! This would make things so much easier! It would pull together the whole look of my living room!)

2. Don't buy it! Instead, enter it into your list app (Use my link to get TickTick, my favorite list app)  or calendar app with a reminder set for one month from now.

3. When you receive the notice a month later, check in with yourself to see if you even still remember the item, much less still want to buy it.

More often than not, you'll realize you really don't need that thing and maybe not having it has helped you better appreciate the things you already own. If you're still undecided, postpone the decision again with another reminder set for one more month. If you find you still really want the item, it's OK to give yourself permission to buy it. Feel good about having made a considered decision not a mindless purchase.