How to Declutter and Organise on a Tight Budget

Decluttering and organising on a budget is a topic close to my heart, and one I feel is so relevant for anyone wanting to take charge of their space without breaking the bank. Often, I hear that organising can seem like an expensive ordeal, with storage solutions, boxes, and fancy containers adding up fast. But the truth is, decluttering and organising don’t have to cost a fortune. With a bit of creativity, patience, and a little know-how, you can have a beautifully organised home that feels spacious and calm—no designer bins or pricey products needed. Here, I’ll share my approach for tackling clutter on a budget, using items you may already have around the house or can find at an affordable price.

Start with a Simple Plan

Every organising project benefits from a clear plan, especially when budget is a concern. Before buying anything, take stock of what you have and get a sense of what you’re trying to achieve. Knowing what you want to keep, toss, or repurpose is essential to stay within budget. Jot down your goals for each area you want to tackle, whether it’s a wardrobe refresh, tidying up the pantry, or creating a workspace that works for you. When you plan, you’re not just saving money but setting yourself up for long-term success, too.

Take Inventory of What You Already Have

One of the first steps I recommend is taking inventory of your current storage containers, bins, and baskets. You’d be surprised how many organising items you already own but may have forgotten about. Old shoe boxes, baskets, jars, or small bowls can all be repurposed as storage solutions. Sorting through items already in your home not only saves money but reduces waste, a win-win when working on a budget.

For example, you could use old mason jars to store craft supplies, tea bags, or even beauty items. Drawer dividers can be made out of old cardboard boxes, and those plastic takeaway containers? Perfect for keeping small bits and bobs in place inside drawers.

Get Creative with DIY Storage Solutions

Getting crafty can be incredibly rewarding when it comes to storage solutions. You don’t have to be an artist to create simple, effective storage options. For instance, old cereal boxes can be cut and wrapped in fabric or colourful paper to make drawer dividers for office supplies, make-up, or kitchen utensils. And if you have any empty shoe boxes lying around, they make excellent stacking organisers for smaller items.

One DIY hack I love is using old glass jars or tin cans for bathroom essentials like cotton pads, toothbrushes, or makeup brushes. Simply wash and label them for easy access. Another fun and budget-friendly idea is to use those small cardboard delivery boxes to create a system in drawers for dividing and organising.

Use Free and Affordable Digital Tools to Declutter

Digital clutter can be just as overwhelming as physical clutter, especially if you work or study from home. Free apps like Google Keep, Trello, or even the notes app on your phone can help you keep track of tasks, plan your organising projects, and manage to-do lists without needing pricey software. For those of us who accumulate paperwork, using free scanning apps can help digitise documents and cut down on the stacks of paper we have around the house.

Consider Thrift Shops and Discount Stores

If you do need a few storage items or extra bins, charity shops and discount stores can be goldmines for affordable organising supplies. Many times, you’ll find gently used containers, baskets, or boxes that can easily be cleaned up and reused.

I’ve found beautiful storage baskets at my local charity shops for a fraction of the price of new ones. Plus, shopping second-hand supports sustainable practices and gives back to the community, adding an extra layer of feel-good vibes to your project.

Sort Items Before Spending Money

One common mistake people make when organising on a budget is rushing to buy storage solutions before they’ve sorted through their items. Take the time to purge what you don’t need before making any purchases. Sometimes, what’s left after a good declutter is a lot less than you initially imagined, meaning you’ll need fewer boxes or bins than you thought.

For example, I recently worked with a client who had a cupboard full of kitchen gadgets. After sorting through, she realised she didn’t actually use half of them. By letting go of the items that were just taking up space, she freed up loads of storage, and we didn’t have to buy a single storage box!

Go Vertical with Shelving

When you’re short on space and money, one of the most budget-friendly tricks is to go vertical. Vertical storage makes use of every inch of your space and reduces the need for buying additional furniture or shelving units. If you’re comfortable with a bit of DIY, floating shelves can be an affordable and stylish option for storing books, plants, or decorative items.

Alternatively, hanging racks can help with things like pot lids, bags, or scarves in your wardrobe. Over-the-door organisers are also a great investment as they’re generally inexpensive and add loads of extra storage to any room.

Don’t Be Afraid to Declutter Sentimental Items

Decluttering on a budget is as much about letting go as it is about finding the right organising solutions. Sentimental items can often take up more space than they should, especially when they’re stored away in boxes, gathering dust. Instead, I recommend keeping a select few items that truly mean something to you and letting go of the rest. If you’re finding it hard to part with them, try photographing them so you can keep the memory without the physical item.

Maintenance is Key

Once you’ve achieved an organised space on a budget, it’s important to keep it that way. The key to avoiding a repeat of clutter build-up is a bit of regular maintenance. By setting aside time each week or month to review and tidy, you’ll keep your space under control without having to do a massive overhaul each time. And this is completely free!

Decluttering and organising doesn’t have to be an expensive or intimidating process. By using items you already own, exploring second-hand options, and DIY-ing where you can, you can create a beautifully organised space without going over budget.

Happy organising!

Shelina