Let’s be honest here, we all love a good shopping trip, whether it’s online or in-store. The thrill of the hunt, the joy of finding a great deal, the satisfaction of bringing home something new – it’s all part of the fun.
But what happens when that ‘something new’ becomes ‘something unused’ or worse yet, ‘something that’s just taking up space’? Suddenly, your home starts to feel less like a haven and more like a storage unit. If this sounds familiar, it’s time to take a hard look at our shopping habits and the common items we buy that often end up as clutter.
Here are 13 items that most of us are guilty of buying, which quickly become clutter if we’re not careful.
1. Unnecessary Kitchen Gadgets
From avocado slicers to egg separators, there’s a kitchen gadget for almost every task. But let’s be real, how often do we use them? A lot of these tools can be replaced with a simple knife or spoon. Before you get sucked into the novelty, ask yourself if you really need that popcorn maker or if a pot on the stove will do just fine.
2. Excess Decorative Pillows and Blankets
Yes, decorative pillows and blankets can make a room look cozy and put together. But too many can make a space look cluttered and can be a hassle to move whenever you want to sit down. Stick to a few key pieces that coordinate with your room’s color scheme and add texture and warmth.
3. Too Many Books You’ll Never Read
As a book lover, I know the allure of a packed bookshelf. But buying books just for the sake of filling up a shelf often leads to a pile of unread books. Consider borrowing books from the library or buying a Kindle instead. If you must buy, ensure you’ll read them or they are books you cherish and wouldn’t mind displaying.
4. All Those Unused Fitness Equipment
Buying fitness equipment with the intention of working out at home is a great idea. Until it’s not. That treadmill becomes a clothes rack, and those dumbbells gather dust. Consider getting a gym membership or doing bodyweight exercises at home if you find your equipment is just taking up space.
5. Extra Holiday Decorations
We all want our homes to look festive during the holidays, but over time, holiday decorations can accumulate and become clutter. Try to stick to a few key pieces, and remember, sometimes less is more. Plus, it’ll make the packing and unpacking process much more manageable.
6. Multiples of the Same Beauty Product
It’s easy to get sucked into buying multiples of the same beauty product, especially when there’s a sale. But let’s be honest, how many black eyeliners do you really need? Stick to buying one at a time and only repurchase when you’re close to running out.
7. Unworn Clothing and Shoes
We’ve all been guilty of buying clothes or shoes that we never end up wearing. Whether it’s an impulse buy or something you thought you’d wear but never did, these items take up valuable closet space. Consider donating or selling items you haven’t worn in a year.
8. Outdated Electronics and Accessories
It’s hard to resist the allure of the latest gadget. But what happens to the old ones? They end up in a drawer or on a shelf, gathering dust. Consider selling or recycling old electronics and their accessories. Not only will you free up space, but you’ll also help the environment.
9. Souvenirs from Every Vacation
While it’s nice to have a memento from your travels, buying souvenirs from every place you visit can quickly become clutter. Choose one meaningful item from each trip or consider a digital photo album to remember your adventures.
10. Excessive Children’s Toys
It’s easy for toys to take over your home when you have kids. And while toys are essential for their development and entertainment, too many can lead to a cluttered and chaotic environment. Regularly go through your children’s toys and donate or sell those they’ve outgrown or no longer play with.
11. Collections You’ve Outgrown
Whether it’s stamps, coins, or action figures, collections can bring joy. But when you’ve outgrown or lost interest in them, they can just take up space. Consider selling or donating your collection or pass it on to someone who will appreciate it.
12. Unused Crafting Supplies
Crafting can be a fun and therapeutic hobby, but it’s easy to accumulate a lot of supplies. If you find yourself with piles of unused crafting materials, consider donating them to a local school or art program. It’s a win-win: you declutter, and the supplies get a new life.
13. Piles of Old Magazines and Newspapers
Whether it’s the Sunday newspaper or your favorite monthly magazine, print media has a way of piling up. If you find yourself with a stack of old magazines or newspapers, consider recycling them. If you still want to keep up with the news or your favorite publications, consider switching to digital versions.
In the end, remember that it’s okay to let go of things that no longer serve you or bring you joy. Letting go of clutter can be liberating and can make your home a more peaceful and enjoyable place to be. Need more tips on decluttering?
Before you go — if this inspired you, check out these readers-loved favorites: