I’m a cleaning expert – how I ‘shop my own home’ before buying ANYTHING to reduce clutter

STAYING organized only gets more and more difficult when you buy new things and bring them into the house.

That’s why cleaning professionals “shop” at home before heading to the store – and you can do it, too.

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Before you head to the store and buy new things, ‘shop’ at home, experts advise[/caption]

The organizing method is one that experts at Apartment Therapy swear by because it stops you from introducing new clutter to your space.

“This organizing method has helped me store and sort the items I actually need and want to keep,” Marlen Komar wrote for the outlet. She says the system of “shopping her own supply” is especially handy for seasonal items that aren’t out year-round.

“Many people are guilty of forgetting exactly what they own,” Komar explained. “I have found that if I rediscover it while cleaning out a closet or reorganizing a cupboard, I get that same rush I feel when I discover a treasure in a store.”

To replicate the experience of finding an incredible deal at TJ Maxx or Homegoods, Komar created a “store” in her home. You can do the same, and save space and money when you do.

First, gather together the itms you don’t keep on display or use very often.

Find an accessible but out-of-the-way area to keep them in. Komar keeps some large containers from Costco in her basement for this purpose.

Once every month, she takes a walk around the house and gathers items to rotate out.

They may be out-of-season decor pieces, items that no longer “go” with new decor, or things that she’s gotten bored with.

Komar takes them downstairs to put away, and while she’s at the “shop,” she chooses a box to revisit.

“I select a box downstairs to bring back up, pick out my favorite pieces from its contents, and challenge myself to figure out how to incorporate them in a new way,” Komar explained.

Sometimes an item just doesn’t fit anywhere and goes back into the box, or, if it’s been long enough, gets donated.

But other times, Komar wrote, “I’m able to find that new ‘perfect’ place it was initially missing.”

When that happens, it feels just as satisfying as bringing home a brand-new item – or even more so since it doesn’t cost any money.

You can apply this method to decor, the Apartment Therapy expert explained, but consider using it elsewhere, too.

Kitchen gadgets, clothes, and kids’ toys are all great candidates for “store” inventory.

Next time you feel underwhelmed with your wardrobe or overwhelmed with kitchen clutter, box items up for a few months and revisit them down the line.