4 Ways to Declutter your Spending Habits

One of the biggest problems many of us have is having too much stuff. The second problem is not knowing what to do with it.

You might not realize the complexity of all that you have… until you decide to move. Right?

I always say that when we move from one house to another – HOW in the world did we get so much “stuff”?  Do you say that? I know I can’t be alone.   

Although we don’t entertain too much these days,. I find myself apologetic when people pop in  – our house is clean, picked up, and it’s usually early enough in the day that the toys are not scattered all over the house – but I can’t help but ask myself why I’m apologetic. 

As much as my house is clean, we have small untidy unorganized piles scattered amongst the house. Things that I know need to get done.

As much as I declutter rooms, I seem to always have the  problem of having too much stuff and not knowing what to do with it. I’m by no means an accumulator, but accumulating is inevitable in a sense, especially with this many kids.

There are Kindle books that can help you declutter, even Facebook posts share tips and tricks.  Need serious help? There are actually people that you can hire to help you declutter. And it’s not that I’m against any of those, I just prefer to do it myself.

So how you declutter quickly?  When I declutter I always try to do so when the kids and spouse aren’t home – especially considering my kids have a hard time letting go. Whatever takes up space in your house should prompt you to ask yourself one question: Does this spark excitement and joy?

If an item contributes to your life in a way that makes you happy, then by all means, it needs to stay in your life.  When it comes to money, you can essentially do the same thing.  When it comes to joy in your money life, you want to find ways to spark more of it.

Focus on what you Want

When it comes to your overall financial health, think about the items you need and want to spend money on – and the goals you can associate with those expenses. Maybe this will help you focus on the things that bring you the most joy and look forward to doing, instead of the things you may not necessarily need that don’t create that feeling of meaning.

Don’t Look at Past Purchases

We have all had past purchases that we aren’t proud of – instead of dwelling on them, and instead of letting that guilt associated with those unused, and unworn items, move on. The item had a purpose (even if you have to think really hard to remember what that purpose was…), so now that it has done it’s  job, move on & part ways.

Toss it, recycle it, donate it or sell it – then find a way to release yourself of the negative guilty feelings associated with those purchases and try to find joy in moving forward.

Find Joy in Giving

This isn’t always too easy – the fact that we have to tell you to FIND joy in giving says quite a bit. Giving is a great way to do good in the world, but it should also trigger joy, too...

If someone approaches you in the parking lot and is in need of money for food and/or shelter, giving should make you feel joy – but if it makes you feel guilt, then perhaps you should think twice. Money is a source of energy, and that energy should spark a feeling of joy and happiness. Not guilt.

Purchase items that you need, that make you happy

Not want, but need.

Not items you wish for, but items you need.

After you look at the items you have and determine if you can find joy in those past purchases, you should also be able to decide what purchases (if any) will make you happy. Raise your standards for purchases you make in order to find that joy you need.

If you are looking at buying clothes for yourself and are undecided about how they look, then don’t buy them – if you aren’t crazy about them then bypass the purchase. If someone says that the clothes look great on you but YOU are not convinced that they are right for you, then leave without making the purchase. 

If those items don’t make you excited, then are they worth spending money on?