7 Types of Clutter You Should Stop Buying

You know how it feels right before you buy something new. Your heart rate picks up and you’re breathing a little faster, smiling as you imagine all of the different ways this recently discovered thing will be used and cherished. For some items, the rush was real: As the years go by, you return to these pieces again and again. But for other purchases, as painful as it may be to admit, they often lose their spark quickly. Before you know it, you have a collection of clutter. 

“I have noticed that rushing leads to cluttered homes,” says Katrina Teeple, professional organizer and founder of Operation Organization. “When we are running from one thing to the next, we don’t have time to put things away properly. But when you can slow down a bit, you become more mindful of what’s in your home and can take the time to care for it.”

If you have slowed down recently, or simply noticed the situation happening on nearly every surface of your home, then you know that a decluttering session is probably in your future. And while there’s definitely a streamlined way to go about that—namely, by deciding what to trash, donate, or keep—these experts want to help you avoid clutter once it’s gone. Michelle Hobgood of the Tidy Trainer and Annie Schmidt of Schmidt Organization Systems join Teeple in sharing tips on the seven things you should stop buying for a more organized and relaxed home. Read on to get their list. 

Toys

Kids love playing with new toys and will always see a must-have whenever they cruise these aisles in stores. In addition, well-meaning loved ones will shower them with new toys for milestones and just-thinking-of-you treats. The problem? Your living room routinely resembles a daycare, and the thrill of a new toy wears off fast.

“Children quickly outgrow toys—and not to mention, their attention spans can quickly be lured away, leaving behind a trail of unused items,” Hobgood says. “To fix this, implement a toy rotation system or encourage loved ones to give experiences instead.”

Kitchen Appliances 

There usually is an appliance that promises more efficiency as you whip up a recipe, but there’s a catch: It’s probably only good for that one quick job. Too many of these small appliances can stack on countertops and fill cabinets, so Schmidt says to think twice before purchasing them.

“Fun kitchen tools are addicting to buy, but often get overlooked for more practical items in the kitchen,” she says. Unless you’re sure you can implement this gadget into multiple weekly meals, be skeptical of how desperately you need it. 

Trend Purchases

Trends will come and go, but their stuff remains. “Stanley cups and things like ice cube trays with teddy bear molds frequently find their way into kitchen cabinets to collect dust after the novelty wears off,” Teeple says.

While it is fun to be a part of the moment, try not to get swept up in every single one that arrives—especially if you’re not that interested in it to begin with. “The more trendy a product, the more likely it is to become household clutter,” Teeple adds. 

Makeup and Skincare

While you should feel free to buy makeup and skincare to suit your needs and style, the clutter comes when you don’t limit your shelves to what you know you’ll use until the last drop.

“There’s a constant allure to buy the next night cream that promises miracles,” Teeple says. “Makeup can also take over a drawer when most is rarely used. I remind my clients that all these products expire within about a year, so it helps them be more thoughtful about the time and space they have for more practical beauty routines.”

Study your skin type, or even get tips from a dermatologist or esthetician, and stick to what works. Too many different products can ruin a good thing!

Fast Fashion

The opportunity to buy fast fashion is ever-present, particularly if you’re scrolling social media… late at night, in bed, with a glass of wine—we get it. These in-season picks look great in your feed and seem like such a steal for an upcoming event, but clothing hauls can add up in your closet fast.

“Not trying on the item doubles the stakes, because the chances are low that you’ll spend time returning it,” Hobgood says. “Shop with intention by taking stock of what you already have in your closet. Make a list of what you need and specifically look for those items, knowing that you’ll also save yourself the trouble of buying duplicates.”

Bulk Shopping

It may seem economical to buy in bulk, but as any family knows, it pays to be strategic rather than impulsive. “Do you really need bulk buys of spices and ramen noodles? No,” Schmidt says. “My team and I often throw away expired items that were bought in bulk. What seems like a good deal upfront is really more money wasted!”

Unless you’re sure that your bulk buy will be used up completely, let the deal go. Don’t worry, you’ll find another one that’ll be a better fit. 

Souvenirs 

There are plenty of ways to commemorate a memorable vacation, and a shot glass doesn’t always have to be the one you pick.

“I like to call them tchotchkes: the shot glasses, t-shirts, snow globe figurines, and key chains,” Hobgood says. “They all add to clutter because they lack practical use.” Switch up how you think of souvenirs to keep memories from encroaching too much on valuable storage—sometimes, you might not even need a thing, and a few great photos are fine.

“If you must buy something, opt for very small items like jewelry or even a refrigerator magnet,” Hobgood says.