Does shopping add to your clutter?

Does your shopping sometimes contribute to your clutter? Be honest, now…are you a sucker for the thrill of a purchase? A deal? (I gotta admit, I love a good deal.) Do you buy in bulk (perhaps afraid you’ll run out), and then struggle to create space for those 48 rolls of TP, 6 bottles of cleanser, and 3 huge boxes of cereal?

For some, shopping is a significant contributor to clutter. Sometimes it’s only one person in the family. Sometimes it stems from living in a place of scarcity earlier in life. There are lots of reasons, and it isn’t always easy to change habits even if you know there’s over-shopping going on. Asking these questions before buying might help

• Do I really need it?

• Where will I put it?

• Could I borrow this item?

• Is there something else I could use?

When all else fails, the 1-in/1-out rule can help: If you take one item into your home, release one of the same category. (Bought new shoes? Which pair can you donate?) This simple practice can help you keep the lid on amassing stuff.