If you’ve browsed Pinterest, HDTV, or other websites for ideas, you might feel like organizing costs a lot of money. While these sites post beautiful Instagram-worthy pictures of an organized home, these are usually unnecessary expensive items. These organization tools are out of reach for most families on a budget.
The good news is that we have several decluttering tips to save money.
If you’re looking to declutter your home on a budget, check out these top tips:
1. Purge as Much as You Can
The easiest way to decide what to purge is to get rid of stuff you no longer use or need. Don’t worry. It’s doubtful you’ll throw out your grandma’s heirloom jewelry or a forgotten Picasso.
While this is straightforward advice, decluttering is a massive task that can initially be overwhelming. Proceed with caution and breaks down the tasks into small increments. For example, tackle one room, closet, or drawer at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have emptied your home of broken, dated, unworn and useless items. The unwanted stuff will be gone and won’t cost you anything.
2. Look at What you Already Have
Resist buying a single storage or organizing solution until you’ve done an inventory of what you already own. Your home may already have extra furniture or shelving units stashed away. Pull them out and give them a purpose.
Repurposing any items you already have is an ideal way to save money when decluttering on a budget. With some imagination, you can turn many items into functional storage. Inventory your plastic bins, laundry baskets, backpacks, duffle bags, and suitcases for hiding things you want to keep out of sight.
3. Buy Second-hand
Dozens of big box stores and online retailers all offer high-quality containers and high-end storage solutions, but they can also be expensive, even on sale.
If you live in an apartment, condo, or small single-family home, you may be unable to make do with the storage solutions you already have. If you need to buy new drawers, dressers, or organizational furniture to help declutter, buying second-hand is a great option to help save money.
Where to find second-hand organizational jewels:
- Search online platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Craigs List, or eBay. These are ideal websites for shelving units, cubicles, cardboard boxes, or plastic bins.
- Shop local furniture and hardware stores’ “as is” section for deep discounts on lightly scratched, dented, or discounted items.
- Visit local thrift stores like Goodwill or St. Vincent DePaul. Don’t forget about neighborhood garages or yard sales.
4. Sell Your Items
There is a market for clothing, furniture, decor, and small or large appliances. If you place these items on a website, there’s a good chance you’ll find buyers.
Some reselling apps include:
5. One In, One Out
After decluttering your home, implement methods to ensure it stays organized and clutter-free in the following months. The sure-proof rule to manage clutter is simple: the “one in, one out” rule. Remove an item for every new thing you bring into the house, and it’s that simple.
Storage Authority understands how easily clutter can accumulate in our homes. If you need additional storage space, consider one of our units. Our goal is to make storage easier for our customers, so if you have a question about an existing unit or are looking to rent a future storage unit, call us at 262-676-8464. You can also visit our website or contact us today to learn more about our affordable rates!