7 Surprising Ways That Decluttering Saves You Money

Decluttering has many benefits but did you know it can be good for your bank balance too? In this article I’m sharing 7 surprising ways that decluttering saves you money.

THE BENEFITS OF DECLUTTERING

Decluttering is really popular, and for a good reason! It’s not just about getting rid of excess stuff, tidying up and organising your home; it can also save you quite a bit of money. While it might not seem obvious at first, clearing out and simplifying your home can have an unexpected impact on your bank account.

So, if clearing clutter to reduce your stress levels and making your home a calmer, easier place to be isn’t enough in itself, perhaps the extra incentive of decluttering being better for your finances might help?!

In this article I’m sharing 7 surprising ways decluttering can save you money.

HOW DECLUTTERING CAN HELP YOU SAVE MONEY

Let’s dive into how clearing clutter can improve your finances.

1. Less Temptation to Buy More

When you declutter, you become more aware of just how much you already own. Often, we buy things because we either forget we have them or because our space is so cluttered we can’t find what we need. By decluttering, you can see everything you own more easily, which means you’re less likely to buy duplicates or unnecessary items.

Imagine you’re in the habit of buying new kitchen gadgets, but as you go through a declutter, you realise you already have plenty of gadgets (some of them barely used!). When you see all your things laid out, you become more mindful of buying new stuff because you know what you have, and you’re more careful about adding more to the pile.

2. Lower Storage Costs

If your home is overflowing with belongings, you might be paying for extra storage. Many people resort to renting storage units or using paid storage solutions to hold onto items they rarely use.

In the UK, renting a storage unit can cost anywhere from £50 to £200 or more per month, depending on the size and location. That’s a hefty amount over time for things you don’t use often! There are many other uncomfortable statistics about what storing our clutter is costing us.

By decluttering and being selective about what you keep, you can save yourself from these extra storage costs. If you’re already renting a storage unit, decluttering could allow you to cancel it entirely and save money each month. And if you’re not, decluttering helps make sure you never feel the need to start!

3. Earn Money Selling Unused Items

Decluttering isn’t just about throwing things away; it’s also an opportunity to make some money back on items you no longer need. Clothes, electronics, furniture, books – many of these can be sold online on platforms like eBay, Vinted, or Facebook Marketplace. Selling your items can also be a more sustainable way of decluttering than donating to charity shops.

When you start decluttering, set aside items that are in good condition but don’t serve you anymore. It can be quite satisfying to know that your decluttering efforts are also helping your bank balance! Even if you sell things for a modest price, it all adds up. Plus, someone else gets to make use of something that would’ve just gathered dust in your home.

4. Reduced Maintenance and Cleaning Costs

The more items you have, the more you have to clean, maintain, and repair. It might not seem like a big deal at first, but consider this: each item in your home requires time and sometimes money to maintain.

From the extra dusting to repairs on electronics or keeping up with clothes that may require dry cleaning, it all adds to your time and costs.

With a decluttered space, you’ll find cleaning and maintenance much easier and less onerous. Fewer things mean less dusting, fewer repairs, and, ultimately, less time spent managing your belongings. This can also mean saving on cleaning supplies since you won’t be using as much on fewer items.

And if you pay someone to help you clean, you may notice they spend less time cleaning in a decluttered home, potentially meaning a lower cost for you!

5. Lower Bills from an Organised Home

A tidy, decluttered home could be more energy-efficient than a cluttered one. Clutter around radiators or heating vents can block air circulation, meaning your heating system has to work harder to warm up your home. Similarly, piles of belongings blocking windows may reduce natural light, making you more likely to turn on lights during the day.

Additionally, when everything has its place, you can avoid misplaced bills or lost paperwork, which might otherwise lead to missed payments or late fees. And keeping your home organised often means your appliances and systems can run more efficiently, which can help lower your energy bills over time.

For example, I’ve been trying to wash our dirty dishes by hand instead of running the dishwasher. This is only realistic because we have just a few plates and bowls per person instead of an endless supply of clean ones to reach for – so we have to keep up with washing the dishes regularly and they never build up! So far, this system is working and hopefully saving us a little money!

6. Improved Financial Mindset

Decluttering can create a shift in how you view your spending. When you go through your belongings and notice the items you haven’t used or don’t really need, it can help you realise how much unnecessary spending you might be doing. This awareness can lead to a change in your approach to shopping.

Once you’ve decluttered, you’re less likely to spend on impulse purchases or buy things that don’t truly add value to your life. A decluttered home can make you more conscious about where your money goes, helping you build healthier spending habits. And over time, these small changes add up, helping you spend less and save more.

Instead of shopping for new things whenever I need something, I always look around my home first to see if I’ve got something I can use or repurpose instead. I sometimes swap cushions from different rooms just to refresh a room, or my daughters swap bedding for a different colour scheme.

7. Reduced Stress and Health Costs

This one might sound surprising, but decluttering can actually benefit your mental and physical health, and in turn, that saves money too. Studies have shown that cluttered spaces increase stress levels. When we’re constantly surrounded by mess and items we don’t need, it can make us feel overwhelmed and anxious.

A less cluttered home creates a calming environment, which reduces stress and can even improve sleep. When you feel mentally and physically better, you’re less likely to spend money on stress relief options, like a pack of sweets or cookies, takeaway meals, retail therapy, or unnecessary trips.

If decluttering can make you feel more relaxed and focused, that could also mean fewer health-related expenses, which is definitely a win.

Getting Started: Simple Tips for Decluttering

If you’re ready to start reaping these benefits, here are a few quick tips to get going:

1. Start Small: Begin with one room or even just one drawer. Decluttering can feel daunting, so breaking it down makes it more manageable.
2. Use the One-Year Rule: If you haven’t used an item in the past year, consider whether you truly need it.
3. Donate or Sell: For items in good condition that you no longer need, donate them to charity or sell them online.
4. Organise What You Keep: Once you’ve decided what to keep, find a specific place for each item. It helps maintain a clutter-free space and makes future cleaning easier.
5. Commit to Maintenance: Decluttering is an ongoing process. Make it a habit to regularly go through your belongings and assess if anything else can be removed.

CONCLUSION

Decluttering can do wonders beyond simply making your home look tidier.

From saving money on storage and cleaning costs to helping you rethink your spending habits, a simpler, less cluttered and more organised space can have a big impact on your finances. After all, who doesn’t want to feel a little more relaxed and a little richer too?!

Decluttering is a small change that brings long-lasting benefits, both for your space and bank account. So, why not give it a try?!

GET YOUR FREE WORKBOOK!

If you’re ready to find ways that decluttering can you money (and stress) why not grab your copy of my free Declutter Jump-Start Plan? Pop your details in the box below so I know where to send it…