Decluttering your home? There are hundreds of products you can purchase and install that will help you sort, organize, and stash items out of sight. Take advantage of these inexpensive organization ideas that offer practical ways for homes to declutter on a budget.
Start by Purging
While it might sound straightforward, the most affordable decluttering tip is to simply get rid of things you no longer use or need. Household clutter not only takes up valuable real estate in your home, but it can also lead to unnecessary spending on sophisticated storage solutions. From old toys, games, or books you no longer revisit to the boxes of holiday decor you rarely pull out, it’s astounding how quickly clutter can pile up around your home. Before buying organizational aids or thinking of storage solutions, letting go of what you don’t want or use can give you a better idea of what you actually need. Declutter room-by-room to carefully clear out everything broken, unwanted, unworn, or otherwise useless. Use the four-box technique to decide what to trash, sell, store, or donate. Now it’s gone, and it didn’t cost you anything!
Save Money by Selling
Some may be hesitant to part with items, feeling that doing so is a waste of money. However, selling items rather than simply throwing them out can help you save, or even make, money while decluttering. In addition to taking eligible clothes to consignment shops, resale apps like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, Poshmark, and thredUP are popular places to sell extra clothing, furniture, or household goods. Setting up a yard sale with low prices can be an even quicker way to clear out clutter while still making some cash. Selling your discards or making a tax deductible donation can help you make a little extra money, ease the cost of an upcoming move, or give you more incentive to declutter your home.
Repurpose Before Buying
Ever tried your hand at DIY storage containers? Repurposing any items you already have is a great way to save money when trying to declutter on a budget. With just a little creativity, you never know what could be turned into functional storage! For example, everyday items like toilet paper rolls are great for wrapping up cords, while soda boxes can be used to store canned goods. Using tension rods for shoes or PVC pipes as dividers are a few DIY closet organization ideas that can help you organize your space and keep your closet clean. Take an inventory of your cleaned-out margarine tubs, coffee cans, plastic bins, storage bags, shoe boxes, and laundry baskets. Duffel bags, backpacks, and suitcases are also great for stashing items out of sight. Knowing what you already have on hand can help keep you from spending a bunch on brand new storage containers.
Buy Secondhand Storage
There are many big box stores and online retailers that sell all kinds of containers and high-end storage solutions. While these products can be top quality, they can also be very costly, even on sale. Purchasing items from thrift stores, using online marketplaces, or receiving secondhand items from friends or family can help you save money while decluttering. You might be able to find a few low-cost hidden gems that are perfect for home organization. Used storage containers, baskets, and boxes can fit into smaller spaces such as closets or drawers. Secondhand stackable bins can be stored (and often labelled) based on room, content, or seasonality. These are great ways to organize on a budget and save space in no time.
Rethink Furniture as Storage Space
By using multipurpose furniture, you can maximize the space in your home while avoiding the cost of buying a ton of additional organizers. For example, convertible furniture like easy-access ottomans or tables with hidden compartments save space while prioritizing function. Discreetly store boxes and bins with under-bed storage, use kitchen cabinets for various essentials, or display knick-knacks on top of dressers. If you live in an apartment, condo, or even a small single-family home and are unable to make do with the solutions you have, taking advantage of drawer organizers or thrifting furniture can help you declutter on a budget.
Consider the 20/20 Rule
Adhering to a set of rules can help you regain control and save money decluttering. The 20/20 Rule states that if something can be replaced in less than 20 minutes for less than $20, there’s no need to keep it. In theory, anything you truly need to keep shouldn’t be replaceable within 20 minutes. The 20/20 Rule is suitable for everyday items you’ve held onto “just in case” but don’t have a practical daily use for. This solution is designed to help you clear the mental hurdle of letting unimportant things go by realizing that some items are easily replaceable. Abiding by the 20/20 Rule helps rid your home of clutter while still allowing you to hold onto sentimental items or things that would be more difficult to replace.
Stick to “One In, One Out”
After taking time to declutter your home on a budget, it’s a good idea to put processes in place to ensure it stays clean, organized, and clutter-free in the months that follow. One simple method to help you maintain the decluttering you’ve done is the “One In, One Out” Rule. For every new item you bring into the house, get rid of an existing one. This rule can extend to all new items in your home or strictly those you have extensive collections of, like clothes, books, movies, video games, craft supplies, or other hobby-related items. “One In, One Out” is designed to help you stop impulse buying and make you more mindful about what you’re bringing into your home on a regular basis, which will ultimately save you money in the long run.
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This post was originally published 02/15/2023, and last revised on 02/06/2024 with updated information.
