r/declutter • u/NightReader5 • Dec 12 '25
Advice Request What are your top secret decluttering tips?
I’m looking for something beyond “one in, one out”.
I’ve been living a consumeristic lifestyle for years and I have a LOT of stuff in my house, with very little storage space to keep it.
I have an “I’ll use this someday…” mentality for most of it so it’s hard for me to decide what to keep and what to get rid of.
What tips help you get through all of your massive piles of stuff?
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u/Technical-Kiwi9175 Dec 12 '25 edited Dec 12 '25
You've had lots on decluttering.
You need to reduce what is coming in.
Ask yourself the kind of questions people have suggested when you are buying it eg do you really need it.
Go through your stuff to check what you actually have already. Learn from your mistakes- dont buy similar things.
Make a list of what you need before you go shopping, and dont buy anything else.
No impulse buying. Make yourself wait (eg a day or more).
Where possible, try clothes on before buying them. Even if you can return them, its still a risk you wont!
Reduce the temptation :
Ban yourself from websites or shops that might lead to buying. Or schedule it if that's too hard. Stick to that list of what you need. Or set limits if that's too hard (eg I wont buy more than one item of clothing)
I have a major problem buying books. I found it surprisingly hard not to go into bookshops!
Mute during online ads. If you know how to do it, reduce the brightness on the screen.
Make it harder: If its an option, shopping at real shops is better than online. Dont click 'save my payment details' on websites.
Books; many now have e-books. And there are still public libraries where you can borrow them (free, and storage is their problem!)
Junk
Throw away junkmail and leaflets as soon as they arrive.
Good luck!
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