Comments on: How to Prevent Clutter Before it Starts https://www.polishedhabitat.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-before-it-starts/ Combining Beauty & Function for a Stylish Organized Home Wed, 11 Aug 2021 01:11:23 +0000 hourly 1 By: Jen https://www.polishedhabitat.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-before-it-starts/comment-page-1/#comment-381033 Wed, 11 Aug 2021 01:11:23 +0000 https://www.polishedhabitat.com/?p=16043#comment-381033 Great post, Melissa. I hope it’s helpful for lots of readers. You put into words, what I slowly came to realize in my recent multiple household moves (which oddly were two downsizes and then an upsizing). I am printing this article to remind me why I do what I do.
#1 – I have shopped online for years not only because I work in ecommerce, but because it keeps me away from the ‘unnecessaries’ in a way that works for me. Plus, in a virtual shopping cart, I can stock it up and then slowly pull away after prioritizing it even over a few days versus minutes.

#2 – THIS ONE. When I got a smart phone and realized I could take pictures of things “I’d come back for” I learned I didn’t have to go back. Or couldn’t because where would I put “it”. Sooo helpful to recognize I could live without something and satisfy an itch by taking a photo. I also committed to ‘less stocking’ of anything including food. I was teaching myself this during one of the downsizing moves because I didn’t have the space. But then Covid happened and in the worst way I wanted all my stockpiles. However, I survived by using what I had, recognizing what I need all the time and what I could wait for, and trying to realize and work my way through why I stockpiled in the first place. When you fear not being without and then find yourself in that spot…you learn.
#3 – Yes. Know the opportunity cost.
#4 – Yes! Combining now #2 and #4 is what I’m doing right now. I have plenty of counter space but my coffee machine, juicer and compost bin on the counter are an eye sore. So now, I’m trying to consolidate a small stock pile in one cabinet to move the appliances there. Still easy for frequent use, but not out and forces me to streamline the ingredients in the cupboard.
#5 Prioritization is a practice not a list.

I’m going to check out the rest of your blog. Found this article through a very old email I had from you years ago. (Clearing out the files. :))

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By: Melissa George https://www.polishedhabitat.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-before-it-starts/comment-page-1/#comment-380356 Fri, 21 May 2021 20:19:17 +0000 https://www.polishedhabitat.com/?p=16043#comment-380356 In reply to Pam.

Thanks Pam! It’s crazy what a difference it can make just avoiding a few aisles.

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By: Pam https://www.polishedhabitat.com/how-to-prevent-clutter-before-it-starts/comment-page-1/#comment-380355 Fri, 21 May 2021 15:49:11 +0000 https://www.polishedhabitat.com/?p=16043#comment-380355 Really good ideas.
I am definitely a #1 type. Especially when it comes to being an unusual item, shape, etc. I also learned to do what you do. Stay away from those stores or aisles unless I need a decor item.
Thank you

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