The 'Would you buy it again' test is hands down one of the most effective decluttering methods I've ever tried for my small bedroom – and it's so easy to do

In a world that constantly promotes overconsumption, I'm making a concerted effort to buy and own less, and the 'Would you buy it again' test is the perfect accompaniment. Not only has it helped save me money, but it has helped me to streamline my space, too.

One of the areas I struggled the most with keeping neat was my bedroom. My drawers were stuffed full of clothes, my floor-to-ceiling bookshelf was groaning under the weight of my collection, and my once-organized under-the-bed storage had become a dumping ground for clutter.

So, to get things back on track, I decided to try the 'Would you buy it again' test, a decluttering method I'd often heard recommended by pros, and have since adopted it across my entire home for good. Here's how it went, and exactly why organizational experts suggest using this simple trick.

What is the 'Would you buy it again test'?

Di Ter Avest, professional organizer at Diisorganized, explains, 'It's a super simple decluttering trick I love. You pick up an item and ask yourself, "If I saw this in a store today, would I buy it again, at full price?"

'It's a powerful tool that cuts right through the guilt or the "but maybe I'll use it someday" mindset, putting you in control. If the answer is no, it's a good sign that it's time to let it go, empowering you to make your living space truly yours.'

She's not the only pro who loves this technique, either. Tracy McCubbin, founder and CEO of dClutterfly, agrees, adding, 'I absolutely love the "would you buy it again" test for clutter.

'It does two things. First, that question forces you to evaluate whether the thing you bought was useful enough that you would buy it again. If not, it can automatically become clutter.

'Secondly, it really helps you evaluate your buying habits. If you wouldn’t buy it again, why did you buy it in the first place? It’s a great way to look at your consumption and also cut down on clutter.'

Where can you use the 'Would you buy it again' test?

Though I tested this decluttering method in my bedroom, the 'Would you buy it again' test isn't only suitable for decluttering your bedroom. In fact, say our pros, you can actually use it to declutter a home room by room.

'This method works everywhere,' assures Di. 'It's a comprehensive solution for decluttering your entire home. Your bedroom, bathroom drawers, kitchen gadgets, and even your holiday decorations.

'It's especially helpful in areas where you've collected a lot over time, like clothes, beauty products, or home decor. Basically, if it takes up space, you can ask yourself this question.'

And, as Tracy adds, if you do come across something you wouldn't buy again today, it doesn't mean you have to toss it immediately.

She explains, 'For example, if it's a face lotion that's half done, but you wouldn't buy it again, please finish it, or maybe use it on your legs if you don't like it on your face, before tossing.'

This is something I'm currently doing at the moment, finding ways to work through all my beauty products without wasting a drop.

'We want to clear clutter, but we don't want to be wasteful,' continues Tracy, and I agree.

I tried it

With the experts' assurances ringing in my ears, I decided to give it a go in my bedroom to tackle my underbed storage ideas.

I recently upgraded my underbed purse storage to a large plastic box, and use the same, just like the HOMZ Clear Plastic Storage Bins with Lids available at Amazon, to organize my shoes and keep them free from dust.

The problem, though, was that the boxes were literally overflowing, and as I'm currently in the process of updating my wardrobe and shoe collection, I knew it was time to declutter and organize my shoes once and for all, some of which had been embarrassingly collecting dust under there for over five years.

With the simple 'Would I buy this again?' mantra, though, it was incredibly easy to determine what to keep and what should go, putting any that were particularly past their prime straight in a trash bag, and trying on all the other pairs to decide what I could part with.

Then, I was able to decide whether to donate or sell the decluttered items. With the 'would you buy it again test' at the helm, I quickly got rid of six pairs. I even found a large sunhat under the bed that I had bought during lockdown and worn only once. Straight in the donation bag it went.

Importantly, says Di, the reason this simple trick is so effective when it comes to decluttering a bedroom with too much stuff is because it's a straightforward approach that helps you be honest with yourself.

'I use it with clients all the time, especially when they're feeling stuck or unsure,' she says. 'It makes decisions easier because you're focusing on how you feel about the item now, not what it cost, or where it came from, making it a feasible solution for your clutter issues.

'We often keep stuff because we already paid for it or it used to serve a purpose – but if we wouldn't spend money on it again today, that usually means it's not adding value to our lives anymore. Plus, it's a gentle way to rethink shopping habits going forward.'

This is particularly relevant for me at the moment, as I strive to embrace the underconsumption trend.

My verdict

Without exaggeration, the 'Would you buy it again' test is hands down one of the most effective, and simplest, tricks I've ever tried to be more ruthless when decluttering, and rethink my spending habits at the same time.

Now, I'll be using it whenever I spot any signs it's time to declutter my home, in my bedroom, bathroom, and beyond.

As Ben Soreff, professional organizer at House to Home Organizing, says, 'When it comes to clutter, the most important step but one which most people skip, is the review. We don’t want to shove our bedroom items in the closet or drawers. That may give you back your surfaces, but it isn't organizing.'

This, unfortunately, was something I was frequently guilty of, which had historically made it all the more difficult to organize my drawers and clear visual clutter in my bedroom for good.

This is why I found the 'Would you buy it again' test to be so effective, as I was able to assess my belongings for many parameters with one question, rather than shoving it all away and allowing hidden clutter to build up unchecked.

What to shop

All prices were correct at the time of publication.

Meet our experts

Di Ter Avest

After becoming a wife and a mother, Di quickly learned the importance of organization and regular decluttering. Since, she has helped hundreds of clients rethink their relationship with clutter, including how to prevent overconsumption by confronting your spending habits.

Tracy McCubbin

Tracy has been professionally decluttering and organizing since 2006, providing hands-on experience for over 20 years to clients, passing on her knowledge of effective tricks and techniques, like the 'Would you buy it again' trick.

Ben Soreff

Ben has significant experience with level five hoarders, which has given him a unique insight into which questions help to effectively cut and curb clutter, while avoiding continued overspending.

'Any method that helps you make a decision is good, as the decision is what prevents clutter,' concludes Ben.

Do you know about the ways your home could be increasing your stress levels? This was something I was experiencing in my bedroom, and know that it's crucial to take action as soon as possible.