Control Clutter by Borrowing Instead of Buying

Sometimes clutter sneaks in through the front door disguised as good intentions. You start a project, realize you need a tool or supply you don’t have, and the next thing you know, you’ve bought something that will live in your home forever. Even if you'll never use it again.

But here’s the thing: you can borrow instead of buying.

Recently, I was working on a knitting project. A very small part of that project required a size of needles I don’t own (honestly a little shocking, because I own a lot of knitting needles). Instead of ordering online or running to the craft store, I asked in my local Buy Nothing group. Within hours, someone generously offered to loan me the exact size I needed. I was able to finish the project, and then I returned the needles.

✅ No money spent.

✅ No clutter added.

✅ And bonus—more connection with my community!

It’s such a simple shift in mindset, but borrowing can be a huge clutter-control strategy. Before buying something you’ll only need once—or maybe just once in a blue moon—ask yourself:

• Can I borrow it from a friend, neighbor, or community group?

• Is there a local library of things that lends tools, kitchen gadgets, or craft supplies?

• Could I rent it instead of buying?

Every item you don’t purchase is one less thing to store, organize, or eventually declutter. In my case, I got to enjoy the process of knitting without the baggage of extra supplies I might never use again. And honestly? It feels just as satisfying to hand the needles back as it did to cast off the last stitch.

(And here’s a photo of the finished project because I know you're curious. It's the sweater that I needed the needles for. Pretty cute, right?)