Vicky was featured in an insightful article on Yahoo UK, where she shared her expert advice on avoiding common clutter traps. In “5 Things a Decluttering Expert Would Never Buy,” Vicky reveals the types of items she’d never bring into her home, from unnecessary duplicates to bulk buys that only add to household chaos.
Her straightforward, practical decluttering tips are all about keeping your space organised, functional, and true to your actual lifestyle. This article is perfect for anyone looking to streamline their home and make mindful choices about what to keep and what to skip.
You can read the full article here.
It’s easy to fall into the habit of buying things that seem useful or exciting in the moment but end up gathering dust and adding to the clutter. I’ve seen it all – from overstuffed cupboards to endless storage boxes full of items that were barely used. Here are five types of items I’d personally never buy, and my reasons for steering clear. These tips are all about helping you make mindful choices that keep your space calm, clear, and genuinely useful.
1. “If I already own an item that does a job, I would never buy something that does the same job.”
This may sound obvious, but it’s one of the easiest ways to avoid clutter. Why buy multiple tools that essentially do the same thing? For instance, if you have a knife that slices through an apple or avocado perfectly, there’s no need to get a specialised apple corer or avocado slicer. Chances are, those gadgets will be used once, then take up valuable space in a drawer.
When it comes to kitchen organisation, I’m all about simplicity and multi-use items. Ask yourself if that new gadget will really add value to your life or if it’s just something that might make life a little easier for one very specific task. Instead of cluttering up your kitchen with niche items, stick to versatile tools that you can rely on day in, day out. Not only will you have less to store, but you’ll also find it easier to keep things organised.
2. “I would never buy multiples of any item for the sake of it.”
I see this all the time, especially with books. Someone goes to a bookshop, gets excited, and buys a huge pile to take home. It’s better to buy one book, finish it, then pass it along before you buy another. This way, you avoid the inevitable stack of unfinished books collecting dust.
Think about other areas of the home, too. Whether it’s beauty products, notebooks, or candles, it’s easy to get carried away buying multiples of “just in case” items. This adds up quickly and can create an overwhelming amount of stuff to organise. By limiting yourself to one or two of each item, you can really focus on what you’re using and enjoying, rather than feeling overwhelmed by excess.
3. “I would never buy new storage until I’d done a declutter.”
It’s tempting to run out and buy pretty storage boxes when you’re trying to get organised, but that can be counterproductive. Decluttering should always come first. When you’ve sorted through what you really want to keep, then it’s time to look at storage solutions – but only for the items you genuinely need.
This approach ensures you’re organising what you actually use, rather than creating a hiding place for things you don’t need. It’s also a good idea to avoid storage with extra room. When there’s extra space, we tend to feel compelled to fill it. Choose storage solutions that fit what you have, not what you might buy in the future, and you’ll have a more streamlined, intentional setup.
4. “I always buy for my actual life, not the person I want to be.”
It’s common to buy things for an ideal version of yourself, but it’s often unrealistic. Maybe it’s a smoothie maker you’ll rarely use or workout gear for a fitness routine you’re unlikely to start. Or perhaps it’s clothes that are too small in the hope you’ll fit into them someday. These items usually end up gathering dust, taking up space, and creating unnecessary clutter.
Instead, focus on items that fit your actual lifestyle. If you’re buying clothes, choose pieces you know you’ll wear now, not ones you might wear someday. This mindset shift can also apply to hobbies and equipment. Ask yourself, “Will I really use this?” before making a purchase. This helps you stay present and make purchases that enhance your life rather than weigh it down with clutter.
5. “I don’t get seduced by special offers that lead to stockpiling.”
I’ve seen clients whose homes resemble mini-stockrooms because of sales and special offers. They stock up on items like shampoo or soap, thinking they might need them someday. But the truth is, we live in a world where we can get nearly anything we need at a moment’s notice, so there’s no real need to store excess products at home.
If there’s an item you use daily, having one spare is practical. But remember, shops are there to hold our “just in case” items. Resist the urge to stockpile beyond what’s reasonable, even if it’s on sale. Keeping your home clear of excessive backups makes it feel more open, organised, and pleasant to live in. Embracing this approach will save you space, time, and mental energy.
If you would like our support in decluttering, get intouch with the form below.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I avoid buying duplicates of items?
Buying duplicates often leads to clutter. Stick to one reliable item for each purpose – like a good knife instead of multiple single-use kitchen gadgets. You’ll save space and keep things simple.
Should I buy storage before decluttering?
No, always declutter first. Once you know what you truly need to keep, you can find storage that suits those specific items, avoiding unnecessary boxes and bins.
How can I stop myself from buying things I don’t need?
Focus on your current needs rather than an idealised version of yourself. Only purchase items that suit your lifestyle as it is now, rather than what you hope it might be.
Is it okay to stock up on items when they’re on sale?
One spare of essentials is fine, but avoid turning your home into a stockroom. Remember, items will be available when you need them – shops are designed to store excess stock for us.
How do I know if something will become clutter?
Before purchasing, ask if the item will add real value to your life or just take up space. If it’s not something you’ll use regularly, it might not be worth it.
