Maintaining a clutter-free home can be quite the challenge. It often requires smart storage solutions, which can feel scarce, alongside some clever organization strategies.
One surprisingly effective method for keeping your space tidy is to exercise restraint when shopping and to recognize which items you should stop purchasing altogether.
By resisting the impulse to buy, you can achieve the same benefits as decluttering, whether you're clearing out messy kitchen drawers or organizing the space under your staircase.
7 Home Items to Stop Purchasing Immediately
While regularly reviewing your belongings with a decluttering checklist can be immensely helpful for creating more space, it's also crucial to avoid unnecessary purchases from the start.
This proactive approach minimizes the need for major cleanouts and allows you to improve your home's appearance without spending money—what a bonus!
1. Coffee Mugs
Sarah Dunn, a professional organizer, frequently finds that coffee mugs are one of the first items to declutter from homes.
"Clients often find it tough to part with these items for various reasons," she explains. "Coffee mugs often carry sentimental value, but keep in mind that memories aren't tied to physical objects. Investing in a quality matching set of mugs can significantly reduce visual clutter."
Consider refreshing your collection by investing in a high-quality set (we recommend these Le Creuset mugs) to make your kitchen cabinets easier to organize.
Sarah Dunn has been assisting friends with decluttering and organizing their spaces for several years. After realizing the transformative power of a well-organized environment, she founded Ready Set Organize, a team of eight organizers based in San Diego, CA.
2. Plastic Containers and Tupperware
While helpful, plastic containers tend to accumulate and become a hassle to store neatly. Organizing Tupperware becomes much simpler when you significantly cut down on your collection.
"Clients often say, 'But it's good to have some on hand for dinner parties,'" Sarah Dunn continues. "While that's a valid point, it doesn't mean you need to keep 100 different options. It's perfectly acceptable to keep a few older or beloved containers, especially those you wouldn't mind leaving behind at a friend's house."
When it comes to items to eliminate from your kitchen cabinets, plastic containers without lids rank high on the list. Consider switching to glass containers from Amazon instead.
3. Reusable Water Bottles
According to Juliana Meidl, founder of Serenity At Home, reusable water bottles are an item found in excess in almost every household. "While reusing water bottles is great, many of us own far too many of them," she notes.
"They also consume a lot of space in kitchens. We assist clients in determining how many they truly need, and we encourage them to donate the extras."
With years of experience as a professional home organizer, Juliana Meidl has learned that the secret to a peaceful home lies in effective organizational techniques tailored to each family.
4. Serving Pieces
Juliana observes that many clients possess an excess of serving pieces, which, while visually appealing, often clutter kitchen cabinets or end up forgotten on high shelves.
"Depending on how often people entertain, all those extra serving dishes can crowd the kitchen and waste valuable space," she explains.
5. Excess Cleaning Products
"There's no need for a cleaning closet filled with a variety of specific store-bought cleaning products for bathrooms and kitchens. There's a growing trend toward more sustainable, eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Many people are realizing that simple homemade mixtures, like vinegar and water, can accomplish a lot," explains Chiana Dickson, a junior writer.
"Aside from natural stone and certain wood surfaces, vinegar can be used for cleaning in many areas of the home, and a single spray bottle will take up significantly less space in our cabinets."
Chiana has been involved in interior journalism for six months, beginning her journey through a graduate program. She focuses on creating content that helps readers optimize their homes through effective decluttering, cleaning, and organization techniques—all of which she tests in her own home in Lancaster.
6. Trendy Impulse Buys
Purchasing items simply because they are trendy should be avoided. While it's fun to incorporate design trends into your home, consider whether you'll still like that checkered rug or bobbin mirror a few months down the line.
"Because trends are often short-lived, investing heavily in trendy decor is unwise," advises New York interior designer Artem Kropovinsky. "If you choose to buy a trend-based item, make sure it's something you'll appreciate for years."
Wait for sales and compare prices, and look for gently-used items that are still in good condition to save money.
Artem Kropovinsky leads the NYC-based interior design firm Arsight. With a decade of global design experience, he has successfully managed projects both in the U.S. and abroad.
7. Single-Purpose Kitchen Appliances
This advice is particularly relevant for those in small spaces or anyone looking to declutter a compact kitchen.
"Many clients possess numerous single-use kitchen appliances that they hardly ever use," shares Juliana Meidl. "Whether it's an Instant Pot, a waffle maker, or a food processor, we help our clients assess which appliances they genuinely use regularly.
Juliana recommends only keeping your most essential appliances for small kitchens, while considering donating or storing the rest elsewhere.
How to Make Thoughtful Purchases
Identifying your personal style in both clothing and home decor simplifies the process of limiting purchases to only what you'll actually use. Implementing effective storage solutions will help keep your space organized, making it easy to see what you already own so you don't buy duplicates.
Avoiding unnecessary purchases is a simple yet effective way to prevent clutter and encourages a more minimalist mindset that focuses on appreciating what you already have.
