One of the best ways to prevent clutter, is to stop it before it starts. Here are three simple questions to ask yourself:

1) Am I going to use it? Many a clutter pile originally started from an impulse buy. Perhaps you were enticed by an infomercial on TV for a handy-dandy pancake flipper? Or perhaps you bought a new dress adorned with glitter and lace because it looked so pretty on the store mannequin.

Before you buy something, always ask yourself a) if you're going to use it, and b) if you're going to use it often enough to be worth the space it's going to take up in your home.

The pancake flipper would probably be worth it if you use it once or twice a week. But, if you're only going to use it once every few months, it's probably not worth the extra money or the extra space it's going to take up in your drawer.

The same goes for the glittery, lacy dress. Unless you spend a lot of time at dressy parties and events, opt instead for something you'll make better use of. Otherwise, it's just going to be taking up space in your clothes closet.

In addition, if you have well meaning friends or relatives who are constantly trying to pass things on to you that they no longer need, and that you don't need either, learn to politely say 'thanks, but no thanks.'

2) Am I going to use it now, or in the near future? Of course, if you have a lawn and you spend a lot of time mowing, and you need a new lawn mower, and you see a mower on sale in the winter--then, you might want to take advantage of purchasing that item while it's on sale.

However, beware of buying things with the reasoning, 'I'm not sure when I'll use it, but I'll use it someday.'

My friend, who never bakes, was planning to buy a springform pan because I had one. Her reasoning was that if she had a springform pan in her possession, that it might entice her to bake someday.

I told her that before she goes out and buys one, that I would loan her mine for a week. She could leave it on her countertop, and see if the inspiration hit her.

Needless to say, she returned the pan within a week and told me that she hadn't had the inspiration yet, so she would borrow it from me when she was ready to bake--that was three years ago.

In other words, she saved money by not buying that springform pan. It would have been gathering dust for years.

3) Where is it going to go? On my last trip to the mall, I came across a small, decorative sign that I really liked. Before making the purchase, I immediately asked myself, 'where is it going to go?' After some thought, I determined it would look great in my home office on my bookshelf, on the second shelf from the top.

I also came across a neat looking basket that I was considering buying along with the sign. But when I asked myself, 'where is it going to go?', I could not come up with an area off the top of my head. Plus, I had no idea what I'd be putting IN the basket. In the end, I bought the decorative sign, but did not buy the basket.

Make sure you have a clearly defined 'home' for the item you're considering getting. Otherwise, it's bound to be brought home, put someplace temporarily, and eventually end up in a pile of other purchases that were not well thought out.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the OCTOBER 2021 issue, 12-pages and all in full color. I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the OCTOBER Issue...

Setting Intentions
Recognizing your personal values and living them

Same Room, Different Purpose
Just because a room was included with a specific purpose in mind, doesn't mean you can't be creative

The Pros and Cons of Retail Therapy
A little shopping, when done in moderation, can lift your spirits

Getting Ready Early for the Holiday Season
A few early preparations can release stress and pressure and invite more enjoyment

Nails: Keep Them Nice and Healthy
Easy Tips for Excellent Nail Care

The Art of Art Journaling
Make Your Own Visual Diary

Enchilada Meatballs
Quick, easy, delicious and a great comfort food for fall

Find Your Enthusiasm
10 strategies to find that spark and light that flame within you

Do Something Fun This Halloween
5 unique, not-scary ideas

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-ae.html

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on OCTOBER 8: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

___ 1. Do today's task on my October Monthly Organizing Checklist. The October 4 TO DO focuses on excess books. Visit GetOrganizedNow.com to access my October Monthly Organizing Checklist.

___ 2. One in, two out. Next time you purchase something, use the one in, two out philosophy. For every one new thing you bring in your home, two get donated, sold, or discarded. In other words, every time you buy something, you'll be getting rid of clutter.

___ 3. Read the results. Last month, our web poll question posed to GON readers was, `How do you handle cleaning that is necessary after cooking?' Here are the results of that poll, along with a bunch of reader comments. Visit: GetOrganizedNow.com to access these web poll results!

'Under the influence of clutter, we may underestimate how much time we're giving to the less important stuff.' (Zoë Kim)

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!
getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2021 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia