Feeling down—or maybe even overwhelmed—by all the clutter? You’re not alone. In the U.S., half of Americans feel the same way, with each household holding an average of 42 unused items—that’s over 5.3 billion items nationwide. If sold, these items could bring in about $723 per household—more than $93 billion across the country. So, if your home feels a bit chaotic, you’re in good company. Luckily, you don’t have to stay stuck in the clutter. By being mindful of what you bring into your home, you can cut costs and clutter.

Items to Skip To Cut Clutter

Here’s a list of common clutter culprits that, if avoided, may quickly make your home feel lighter and more organized.

Magazines

packaged goods

Glossy magazine covers can be tempting, but the content inside often becomes outdated quickly. While buying one might feel satisfying at the moment, you may end up with a stack that goes from being aesthetically pleasing to anxiety-inducing.

So, it’s better to skip buying magazines altogether. Many top publishers now offer online versions, allowing you to print out or save ideas in a digital folder. It might not be the same as flipping through pages, but your home will definitely feel less cluttered.

Coupon Purchases

Coupons are a savvy way to shop and save. Yet, two problems can arise with them: The first is when you start hoarding physical coupons or keeping ones long past the expiration date (hello, junk drawer), and the second is buying items you don’t need just to save money in the future.

In fact, 38% of Americans buy more than intended when using coupons. So, before you stock up on coupons or use ones you don’t need, ask yourself if you really need that extra deodorant now, or if it can wait.

Bulk Foods

A trip to Costco can tempt even the most minimalist shopper to leave with things they might never use. There’s something satisfying about buying in bulk and feeling like you’ve unlocked secret savings.

But to avoid overbuying and overspending—which often leads to food waste and money down the drain—go in with a list and a budget. These two simple tools can help you cut down on the number of large boxes and extra items you bring home. Plus, you won’t have to find extra space to store them.

Cleaning Supplies

It feels like there’s a cleaning product for every surface, and buying them all can quickly clutter your home. Instead, try to look for products that combine tasks, like an all-purpose cleaner that shines windows and scrubs tubs. You can also DIY some cleaning supplies with things you already have, like baking soda or distilled white vinegar. Both options can help you cut costs and clutter.

Impulse Purchases

Instant gratification is hard to resist, especially when retailers are doing everything they can to entice you into buying nonessential items. The best way to overcome this temptation is to create a wish list.

Whether you jot it down in a notebook or the Notes app on your phone, add what you want to the list and let it sit for a while. If you still want the item after that time, go ahead and buy it. If not, you’ll feel relieved knowing it would have just added to your clutter.

Subscriptions

Did you know that about 85.7% of folks have at a minimum one subscription that goes unused every month? Subscriptions, especially those that go unused, can really add up. That’s why it’s a smart idea to review the services you’ve signed up for but no longer enjoy. If you’re not using them, it might be time to cancel.

Books

Like magazines, books are often read once and then added to a growing pile. While the smell of an old book can be charming, the space it takes up and the dust it collects can be less appealing.

Try swapping out physical books for e-books or audiobooks. Whether you borrow from the library or use an app like Audible, it’s a great way to enjoy reading without constantly rearranging your home around your hobby.

Souvenirs

Do you ever find yourself bringing home souvenirs from trips, only to stash them away in a closet or attic later? To avoid this, try choosing timeless souvenirs like handmade ceramics or art—things that won’t become eyesores and are more likely to be cherished.

Another idea to cut costs and clutter is to focus on non-physical memories. Take photos, write in a journal, or send postcards to loved ones as a reminder of your trip.

Clothes That No Longer Fit Your Style

If you’re like most folks, you have plenty of clothes in your closet that you never wear—some might even still have the tags on. It’s understandable to have emotions tied to clothing, like the outfit you wore on your first date with your spouse or a beloved graphic t-shirt from high school.

While sentimentality has its place, it doesn’t have to take up space in your closet. Let go of the things you don’t wear and likely never will. You can always take pictures to keep the memories alive.

Craft Supplies

Anyone who enjoys crafting knows how quickly leftover supplies can pile up—from old fabric to scraps of paper. Instead of letting them accumulate, try to get rid of leftovers as you go. You can donate old fabric to thrift stores, and if you love scrapbooking, consider trying digital scrapbooks, like My Memories. It’s one way to keep your hobby clutter-free.

Tips to Declutter

Now that you know where you can cut costs and clutter in your home, here are some quick tips to help you declutter:

  • Review what’s necessary. Go through your clutter and identify unused items or duplicates. Donate what you can, then discard the rest.
  • Buy quality over quantity. While it might be tricky with things like toilet paper, for most staples, ask yourself if you really need multiples. The answer is often no.
  • Repurpose when you can. Get creative with upcycling. Reupholster old furniture or turn an unused jar into a toothbrush holder.
  • Declutter regularly. The key is to declutter often. Set a schedule to review cluttered areas every month or two, sorting through what you need, don’t need, and are ready to toss. Consistency will work wonders.

The Bottom Line

Clutter happens—it can sneak up on you slowly or pile up quickly after a big shopping trip. But no matter how it starts, there’s always a way out. By shopping mindfully, digitizing your hobbies, and canceling subscriptions that no longer serve you, you can make a big difference in no time.