Clutter Prevention Pro Tip
Break Free from the “Just in Case” Syndrome
Let's turn those "just in case" purchases into smart, intentional choices
Unless you are preparing for the apocalypse or operating an e-commerce store, there is no need to purchase multiples of the same item. I get it, we are COVID survivors and may still have PTSD from the supply chain shortage. There were shortages of everything from toilet paper to cleaning supplies to certain food items. And it took a while for the stores to restock.
Even in that situation think about the ways you survived and were able to improvise. You found creative was to use things you already had. For instance, when there was no hand sanitizer, some people carried soap and water instead. When there was no toilet paper, you may have used wipes, napkins or even used a water bottle to create a personal bidet.
I too have been guilty of purchasing excess items because I was not sure what I had a home. So I get home and work the quarterly declutter system and wonder why I have three bottles of garlic powder or seven bottles of nair. I call this the “just in case” syndrome.
How to prevent clutter and combat the “just in case syndrome”?
- Take inventory and/or pictures, make lists. There are multiple systems, I encourage you to decide what works best for you.
- Once a month, take inventory of what you have in your closets, kitchen, storage areas and bathroom.
- Write down what you have an excess according to what you use weekly or biweekly. Also note what you are running low on. Use this as a basis of when you go shopping whether it be in the store or online.
- If your space is semi organized, you can simply take a picture before you go to the store. For instance if you are going grocery shopping, take a picture of what is in your refrigerator, cupboard, pantry and inside your closets.
- Tell alexa, echo or google to add items to your shopping list as you begin to run low on items you use weekly.
- Be an intentional shopper. Shop with a purpose according to your needs and he frequency in which you use these items.
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