You don’t need to declutter if there’s no clutter in the first place.

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Do you find yourself swimming in stuff?

It might betime to declutter.

Clothing in Donation bin

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However, the whole decluttering process takes time and energy.

So preventing clutter from entering your home in the first place can be a smarter strategy.

The good news: its easier than you think.

Toss plastic takeout containers

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Here are six ways toprevent clutterin your home.

Theyre big and bulky, and finding the right lid can be frustrating.

Those flimsy plastic containers are also challenging to keep tidy.

Store reusable bags in car

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So, dispose of or recycle them within a few days of bringing home leftovers.

Dont Buy (Everything) in Bulk

Buying in bulk is a great way to save money.

The problem with it is that we oftenbuy things we dont needthat end up cluttering up our shelves.

Don’t take things you don’t need

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The key is to be selective.

Its time to take inventory.

So move those reusable bags to your car andstash them in the trunk.

Do mini decluttering sessions

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What about that bag of sweaters your mom insists you take, but you live in Arizona?

The point is that we’re all guilty of taking things we dont need.

These items often end up going unused and create clutter and messes in our homes.

Employ the one in one out rule

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If you absolutely cannot refuse something, make plans to donate it ASAP.

When the bin is full, take a trip to your local thrift store.

This will also help keep your closet more organized and filled with only things you like.

Keep surfaces clear

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This is a particularly smart move for childrens rooms, because kids grow out of clothing so frequently.

Commit to decluttering as soon as you notice there is a mess or as you bring in new things.

Did you just buy a bunch of new shelf-stable food at the grocery store?

Glance at your current supply and check expiration dates.

you could also do the same in your bathroom after that trip to Sephora.

Give your storage spaces such as yourmedicine cabinetor under-the-sink area a quick once-over.

Toss those bottles of shampoo with one use left.

Get rid of that crusty tube of mascara.

Set a timer for five or ten minutes, put on some music or a podcastand go.

This goes for clothing especially.

If you’re able to’t, you might not need the dress.

Other guilty parties include kitchen gadgets, food storage containers, serving pieces, and sneakers.

Keep Surfaces Clear

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This may seem intuitive but it warrants the reminder.

Each night before bed (or each morning when you wake up- you do you!)

go through the house and wipe the surfaces, putting everything away.