How to Clean Up, Declutter, and Get Organized: Simple Steps for a Stress-Free Life and Better Finances
How to Clean Up, Declutter, and Get Organized: Simple Steps for a Stress-Free Life and Better Finances
Discover How Decluttering and Organizing Your Life Can Reduce Financial Stress, Improve Money Management, and Boost Your Savings
What’s the connection between decluttering, cleaning, and financial confidence? Believe it or not, decluttering and getting organized can have a powerful impact on your finances—and your peace of mind. It might sound surprising, but the truth is, organizing your space and reducing unnecessary clutter not only helps reduce financial stress but can also improve money management and even boost your savings.
Let’s take a closer look at how cleaning up and decluttering can help you make better financial decisions, reduce spending, and get you on track to financial confidence.
Why Decluttering Can Improve Your Financial Confidence
When you have too much stuff lying around—whether it’s in your home, office, or even your mind—there’s an unseen cost: stress. The anxiety that comes from disorganization can often spill over into your financial decisions. You might find yourself re-buying things because you’ve misplaced them or because you couldn’t find what you needed. That’s money you could be saving or putting toward more important financial goals, like building your emergency fund or paying off debt.
Here’s the thing: An uncluttered home equals an uncluttered mind, and a clearer mind means less stress and better financial decision-making. When you aren’t constantly worried about your surroundings, you can focus on your money goals and put your energy into building a solid financial foundation.
Another reason why decluttering is so important is that it directly affects your ability to save money. The more organized you are, the more you will find that you have extra cash available for things that matter—whether that’s saving for emergencies, paying off debt, or treating yourself occasionally without guilt.
How Decluttering Can Help You Save Money
Think about this: How many times have you bought something you already had, simply because you couldn’t find it? It happens to all of us. We buy extra chargers, duplicate kitchen gadgets, or even clothes because we didn’t realize we already had those items buried somewhere in a drawer or closet. That’s money down the drain.
By decluttering your space, you’re not only cleaning up your environment—you’re also cleaning up your finances. Here’s how:
Reduce Duplicate Purchases: As you declutter, you’ll come across things you’ve bought but forgotten about. This helps you avoid repurchasing things you already own, saving you money.
Sell Unused Items: While decluttering, you may find things that no longer serve a purpose. Selling these items (via online platforms or garage sales) can be a great way to generate some extra cash. It’s money you didn’t even know you had!
Save on Storage Fees: If you’re paying for storage—whether it’s a storage unit or that extra closet full of unused items—you’re essentially wasting money. Decluttering allows you to downsize and stop paying for unnecessary space.
Cut Down on Impulse Buys: When your home is tidy and organized, you’re less likely to buy things out of impulse because your space feels complete and satisfying.
How to Declutter and Organize Your Life (Without the Overwhelm)
Okay, so now you’re convinced that decluttering and organizing will benefit your finances. But how do you start? It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of stuff in your home and unsure of where to begin. The key is to take it step by step—you don’t need to tackle everything at once.
Here’s how to start:
1. Choose a Strategy That Works for You
The first thing you need to decide is which strategy you’ll use to declutter. Here are two popular methods:
Room by Room: Start with one room, and focus on decluttering and organizing it completely before moving to the next. This can help keep things manageable and reduce the stress of thinking you need to do everything at once.
Category by Category: Marie Kondo’s KonMari Method recommends grouping all items of a certain category together—such as all your sweaters, books, or kitchen utensils. This helps you see exactly how much you have, making it easier to decide what to keep and what to donate or sell. You’ll need to collect all items in that category from around the house, lay them out, and go through them. Anything you don’t need can be donated or sold.
Whichever method you choose, just make sure it works for you and feels doable. If you prefer to tackle a room at a time, that’s fine. If the category method appeals to you, then give it a go! The most important part is to start and stay consistent.
2. Ask Yourself Key Questions While Decluttering
When you begin decluttering, ask yourself these important questions to determine what stays and what goes:
Do I need it?: Is this item something I truly use or need regularly? If not, it’s time to let it go.
Can I repurpose it?: Sometimes, instead of throwing something out, you can repurpose it for another use. For example, old towels can be turned into rags for cleaning or pet bedding.
Can I give it to someone who needs it?: If the item is still in good condition, consider donating it to someone who can use it. This can be a great way to give back and help others while decluttering.
Can I sell it and make some extra cash?: If the item is valuable, consider selling it online or at a garage sale. The extra cash can go right into your emergency fund or savings account.
By asking these questions, you’ll be able to clear the clutter and make decisions that are not only helpful for your space but also for your finances.
3. Find Organizational Solutions That Fit Your Style
Now that you’ve decluttered, it’s time to organize your space. A well-organized space makes it easier to find things, reduces stress, and prevents you from buying things you don’t need. Here are a few tips for organizing:
Storage Bins and Baskets: Use bins and baskets to store things neatly in drawers or on shelves. Label the bins so you know exactly what’s inside.
Vertical Storage: Use vertical space to store items you don’t use every day, like seasonal clothes or holiday decorations. This frees up your closet and keeps things accessible.
Clear Containers: For smaller items like office supplies or makeup, use clear containers. This lets you see what you have at a glance without having to dig through drawers.
Pinterest Organization Ideas: If you need inspiration, Pinterest has tons of organization ideas that are both practical and aesthetically pleasing. I personally have a small addiction to these posts because they’re so satisfying! Check out my Pinterest page for my favorite organization solutions.
The Benefits of Decluttering and Organizing Your Finances
While organizing your home can help you feel more in control of your space, it also has a major impact on your finances. Here’s why:
Increased Money Management: When your physical environment is organized, it helps your mental state, too. You’ll be able to focus on your money goals and feel empowered to manage your finances more effectively.
Save on Unnecessary Purchases: When you see exactly what you have, it becomes easier to avoid buying duplicates of things you already own. This helps you allocate more of your money toward savings or paying down debt.
Boost Financial Confidence: Every time you declutter and make smarter purchases, you’ll feel more confident about your financial decisions. Organizing is a step toward organizing your money, too.
Clearing Mental Clutter: Mental clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter. When you get organized, you clear out some of that mental fog, which helps you make more rational financial decisions.
Decluttering for Financial Confidence
Decluttering isn’t just about cleaning up—it’s about taking control of your space and your finances. By organizing your home and cutting out unnecessary purchases, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and build confidence in your ability to manage your finances.
Take it one step at a time, and before you know it, you’ll have a clean, organized home—and a more organized financial life.
Coaching Questions for Reflection:
What is one area in your home you could declutter today to save money?
How can you start organizing your finances to create more clarity around your money goals?
What are the biggest financial benefits you’ve noticed from decluttering your life?
Explore More:
For more tips on decluttering, saving money, and organizing your finances, check out these related blog posts:
Boosting Your Monthly Savings: Practical Tips for Greater Financial Security
3 Powerful Ways to Stay Accountable and Achieve Your Financial Goals
What Is Your Personal Money Statement? How to Create Affirmations That Boost Financial Confidence
Saving Money Fast: My No-Spend November Experience and How It Transformed My Finances
How to Pay Off Debt This Year: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Financial Freedom
Disclaimer:
This content is for informational purposes only and not legal, financial, or tax advice. Consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation. The Financial Confidence Coach is not liable for actions taken based on this information.