What Is Fair Housing? Rights, Responsibilities, and Resources

Dusty Rhodes • October 23, 2023

If you’ve ever submitted an offer on a home or applied for a mortgage and felt you were treated unfairly, you aren’t alone. Housing discrimination has existed for decades and continues to be a major issue, although it often appears in subtle forms. Fair housing laws helped address many blatantly discriminatory practices, but you may be wondering what rights you have under fair housing laws and who enforces them.


The Fair Housing Act (FHA) provides rights, responsibilities, and resources for everyone at every stage of the housing process, including buyers, renters, real estate agents, lenders, and brokerages. Fair housing is critical to creating an equitable society free from discrimination.


Whether you’re a homebuyer, renter, or just want to learn more, this article is for you. Read on to learn what you need to know about fair housing, including what it is, the rights it provides, the responsibilities it enforces, and what to do if you’ve been discriminated against. 


What is fair housing?


Fair housing laws prohibit discrimination in the purchase, sale, rental, and financing of housing due to a person’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, familial status, and disability. The Fair Housing Act protects everyone, including US citizens, green card holders, and undocumented residents.


The right to fair housing was established by the Fair Housing Act (Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act) in 1968 and has since been through dozens of amendments and executive orders expanding its reach. States, counties, and cities also often have specific housing laws that provide additional protections beyond those offered by the Fair Housing Act, such as prohibiting discrimination based on characteristics such as age, gender identity, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or source of income (including the receipt of income from affordable housing programs). 


Exceptions to the Fair Housing Act


The Fair Housing Act applies to most housing, but there are a few exceptions where the law doesn’t apply:


  • A dwelling with four or fewer units, if the owner lives in one of the units 
  • Single-family housing sold or rented without a broker, if the private owner doesn’t own more than three single-family homes at once 
  • Religious organizations and private clubs, as long as they don’t discriminate in membership
  • Specific HUD-approved housing for older persons 


Be cautious when applying for or purchasing housing that is exempt from the Fair Housing Act, and take your state and local laws into account as well, as they may offer additional protections beyond the federal law. 


Fair lending and mortgage discrimination


Fair housing also applies to mortgage lending. The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (part of the FHA) prohibits lenders from discriminating against borrowers based on a legally protected characteristic at any stage of the mortgage process, including but not limited to: 


  • Refusing to make a mortgage loan or provide other financial assistance for a dwelling
  • Refusing to provide information regarding loans
  • Imposing different terms or conditions on a loan, such as different interest rates, points, or fees
  • Discriminating in appraising a dwelling
  • Conditioning the availability of a loan on a person’s response to harassment
  • Refusing to purchase a loan


An example of mortgage discrimination is redlining, which is the process of denying mortgages, insurance, and other services to residents in specific areas. 


Fair housing rights and responsibilities


The Fair Housing Act provides protections for homebuyers and renters and responsibilities for home sellers, renters, and mortgage lenders. Let’s take a closer look.


Rights of the homebuyer


As a homebuyer, you’re protected from discrimination based on any legally protected characteristic in any part of the homebuying process. This includes financing, finding a real estate agent, touring homes, submitting offers, negotiating, and more.


Rights of the renter


The Fair Housing Act protects both buyers and renters. Here are a few important tenant rights (this is not an exhaustive list):


  • Right to a fair security deposit refund
  • Right to a notice of eviction and a timeframe in which to fix the situation
  • Right to a habitable home
  • Right to privacy
  • Right to quiet enjoyment


Homebuyers and renters can file discrimination complaints with HUD or file lawsuits in state or federal court. Retaliation against someone who filed a complaint is prohibited by law. 


Responsibilities of the home seller and landlord


Home sellers and landlords have to fairly entertain offers from everyone who might want to buy or rent your home. A seller and landlord cannot take any of the following actions because of a person’s race, religion, or other legally protected characteristics (this is not an exhaustive list):


  • Refuse to rent or sell housing 
  • Refuse to negotiate for housing
  • Make housing unavailable
  • Otherwise deny someone a home
  • Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for the sale or rental of a home 
  • Provide different housing services or facilities
  • Falsely deny that housing is available for inspection, sale, or rental 
  • Blockbusting, i.e., for profit, persuading or trying to convince homeowners to sell their homes by suggesting that people of a particular race or other protected characteristic have moved or are about to move into the neighborhood 
  • Deny someone access to, membership, or participation in any organization, facility, or service related to home sales and rentals (such as a multiple listing service), or discriminate against any person in the terms or conditions of access, membership, or participation 


Responsibilities of the lender


Fair lending guarantees the same lending opportunities to everyone, though lenders can legally make distinctions based on non-protected characteristics, such as credit scores. Lenders cannot discriminate against anybody based on race, national origin, or other legally protected characteristics. Some examples of discriminatory practices include (this is not an exhaustive list):


  • Unnecessary closing costs
  • Inflated broker or lender fees
  • Unnecessary recording fees
  • Excessive prepayment penalties
  • Refusing to consider a mortgage applicant’s disability-related income, such as SSI or SSDI
  • Refusing to provide mortgages to a person on parental leave
  • Changing mortgage loan terms at closing without the borrower’s consent


If you’re dealing with a mortgage broker or lender, take notes during and after the process. Also, ensure you receive these items at no cost: 


  • Good Faith Estimate 
  • Truth in Lending Disclosure Statement
  • Copy of your loan application
  • Mortgage Servicing Disclosure Statement 


Receiving a home loan can be a significant barrier to entry to homeownership and has historically been a discriminatory process. If you believe you have experienced lending discrimination, visit HUD’s housing discrimination complaint website to file a complaint. 


Responsibilities of the appraiser


A home appraiser determines the value of a home so it can serve as collateral for a loan. Home appraisals are an essential part of the homebuying process.


Appraisers must fairly value every home they appraise and cannot charge excessive appraisal costs. Lowballing – making an excessively low appraisal based on the homeowners’ race or other protected characteristics – is prohibited. 


Responsibilities of the real estate agent


Real estate agents are bound by all fair housing laws and regulations. Many agents are also members of the National Association of REALTORS®, which provides an additional code of ethics. 


Redfin employs real estate agents and brokers, most of whom are REALTORS®. In addition to any FHA training all agents and brokers must complete as part of their licensing requirements, and the Code of Ethics REALTORS® must abide by, Redfin requires agents and brokers to complete an additional comprehensive FHA training. This training explains the FHA and the risks of non-compliance, Redfin’s Fair Housing Policy, and restates our commitment to honoring every customer. 



Examples of housing discrimination


While landlords and banks don’t often display ads saying “Whites only” or enforce restrictive covenants, discrimination persists in more subtle ways. Housing discrimination still disproportionately affects people of color and other minoritized groups. For example, studies indicate that same-sex couples and transgender persons often experience less favorable treatment than their straight and cisgender counterparts. 


Lending practices are another example. Outright discrimination is illegal, but racialized perceptions of value contributed to the devaluation of property and housing stock in neighborhoods of color.


All forms of housing discrimination are illegal and punishable by federal law, but subtle methods can be harder to prove.

 

Types of housing discrimination


Some common types of housing discrimination have names. While this list is not exhaustive, here are three common examples:


  • Redlining: Redlining was a racist tactic used by banks, lenders, and other businesses to deny mortgages, insurance, and healthcare to people living in certain areas that were deemed to be “hazardous.” This was once legal and supported by the federal Homeowners Loan Corporation (HOLC) but was outlawed by the Fair Housing Act. However, historically redlined communities are often still lower income and inhabited by minoritized groups. Redlining has also become shorthand for many types of historic race-based exclusionary tactics.
  • Steering: Steering in real estate is the illegal practice of guiding prospective homebuyers towards or away from certain areas based on a legally protected characteristic, such as race or gender. This can create homogeneous neighborhoods that often negatively impact immigrants, people of color, and LGBTQ+ folks while benefiting white, cisgendered homebuyers. Steering continues to be a form of discrimination.   
  • Lowballing: Lowballing is when a home appraiser makes an excessively low appraisal on the basis of race, religion, or other protected characteristics.


Who enforces fair housing?


The Department of Justice (DOJ) and HUD play a role in enforcing the FHA. HUD and its Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) office handle most enforcement and administration responsibilities. In contrast, the DOJ handles violations of the Fair Housing Act, which are punishable by law. Depending on the severity and frequency of the violations, the DOJ can institute criminal charges or take further legal action.


There are ten HUD regions in the US, each with an FHEO office. These offices manage fair housing complaints and administration in their specific region. Individual states, counties, and cities often have their own housing laws and enforcement agencies where people can file complaints and seek help. Nonprofit organizations can help as well and connect people with resources. 


What about fair lending?


In 2021, HUD and the Federal Housing Finance Administration (FHFA) agreed to work together to enforce the Fair Housing Act and to restate their commitment to fighting discrimination in the homebuying process. This is important because FHFA regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two major government-sponsored mortgage lenders. By partnering with HUD, the FHFA can help ensure Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and other mortgage lenders practice fair lending. 


Fair housing vs. equal housing opportunity


Fair housing, equal housing opportunity, and equal opportunity housing are different terms that all refer to the Fair Housing Act. The difference is in how they’re used. Fair housing generally refers to rules and regulations, while equal housing opportunity refers to real estate businesses that follow the rules. 


Equal housing opportunity is a common phrase used throughout the real estate industry. It indicates that a business advertises they abide by the Fair Housing Act.


How to identify companies that support fair housing 


Fair housing is the law; all brokerages, lenders, agents, landlords, or other housing providers must follow it. However, many people want to look for brokers or lenders that affirmatively show their commitment to fair housing. To find them, look for the Equal Housing Opportunity logo, statement, or slogan. 


Additionally, all advertising of residential real estate for sale and rent, and financing opportunities, must abide by fair housing laws. It’s illegal to make, print, or publish any notice, statement, or advertisement that indicates a preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, or other legally protected characteristics. 


What to do if you experience housing discrimination


If you experience housing discrimination, your first step should be to file a complaint with HUD, your regional FHEO office, or your local housing authority. In cases where you may be evicted or otherwise lose your housing, HUD can assist you as soon as you file and expedite the judicial process. Retaliation against a complainant is illegal, so fight for your rights. 


If you don’t feel comfortable filing a complaint or want to assess your legal rights, consider consulting an attorney. You can also call a government hotline, such as your city or state’s Human Rights Commission. This can get you more immediate help.


Generally, taking notes during any housing, renting, lending consultations, and other real estate-related services is a good idea. A first-hand account can be helpful if you experience discrimination and wish to file a complaint. 



Final thoughts on fair housing: equal housing is a right


Fair housing is a fundamental right that ensures equal access to housing and equal homeownership opportunities. The Fair Housing Act and its additions, including the Equal Opportunity Credit Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act, provide legal protections and procedures that are enforceable by law. There are protections for more specific cases as well that this article didn’t cover. 


The Fair Housing Act is over 50 years old and continues to help people in need. However, while the industry has changed, it is not free from discriminatory practices. Expanding legislation and providing additional resources will help everyone receive the right to housing without discrimination. It will take work, but it is necessary. 



Source: Redfin

Dusty Rhodes Properties is the Best Realtor in Myrtle Beach! We do everything in our power to help you find the home of your dreams. With experience, expertise, and passion, we are the perfect partner for you in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We love what we do and it shows. With more than 22 years of experience in the field, we know our industry like the back of our hands. There’s no challenge too big or too small, and we dedicate our utmost energy to every project we take on. We search thousands of the active and new listings from Aynor, Carolina Forest, Conway, Garden City Beach, Longs, Loris, Murrells Inlet, Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, Pawleys Island, and Surfside Beach real estate listings to find the hottest deals just for you!

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Balancing Wants vs. Needs in Your First Home

By Dusty Rhodes • May 18, 2026
Buying your first home comes with a mix of excitement and pressure, especially when it comes to balancing wants vs needs in first home decisions. It’s easy to get drawn to stylish finishes and dream features, but the most successful buyers focus first on how a home functions day to day – and what they can realistically afford, often using tools like a home affordability calculator to stay grounded. Striking the right balance early can make the difference between a home that simply looks good and one that truly supports your lifestyle. In this guide, we break down how to separate must-haves from nice-to-haves so you can make a confident, practical decision. From navigating your home search in Spokane, WA , to settling into a new space in Austin, TX , these insights are designed to help buyers in any market make smarter choices. What’s the difference between wants and needs in a first home? When buying your first home , understanding the difference between wants and needs is one of the most important steps in making a confident decision. “Needs are the must-haves that make a home work. Good access, enough space for your furniture, a functional layout, and a location that fits your routine are essential,” states Rob Romano, Director of Operations at Coutu Movers . “Wants are the extras that make the home feel great, but don’t impact how easily you can actually live in it or move into it.” Needs are the foundation of a home that works for you day to day. These are the elements that directly impact how easily you can live in the space. Wants, on the other hand, are features that make a home feel more personalized or visually appealing, but aren’t essential. Rob Romano recommends: “From our experience handling high-end moves, clients who get clear on their needs early make better decisions and avoid common headaches on moving day – such as tight spaces, tricky access, or furniture that simply doesn’t fit. When the fundamentals are right, the entire move – from packing to final placement – runs smoother and feels a lot less stressful.” How your budget shapes wants vs. needs Your budget plays a major role in defining what counts as a need versus a want. What fits comfortably within your monthly payment should guide your priorities – not stretch them. Look beyond the purchase price and consider your total monthly cost, including your mortgage , taxes, home insurance , and maintenance. If a home pushes your budget to the limit, features that were once “wants” can quickly become financial stressors. It also helps to leave room for unexpected expenses like repairs or higher utility bills. Choosing a home that fits your budget comfortably gives you more flexibility – and the option to upgrade over time without added pressure. Why function should always come first It’s easy to fall in love with a home based on how it looks, but how it works is what truly shapes your day-to-day experience. A well-designed space makes everything from moving in to settling down feel easier, while a beautiful but impractical home can quickly become frustrating. “The biggest mistake buyers make is prioritizing how a home looks over how it functions,” says Raymond Correira, owner of Correira Brothers’ Moving & Storage . “A true need is anything that reduces friction – layout, storage, accessibility, and how easily the home can be moved into and lived in day-to-day. Most ‘wants’ fade quickly if the space isn’t practical.” Key elements of a functional home include: A layout that flows naturally and fits your lifestyle. Adequate storage to keep spaces organized and clutter-free . Easy access for moving furniture and daily use. Practical room sizes that accommodate how you actually live. Thoughtful design that fits your lifestyle . The hidden costs of prioritizing wants over needs Focusing too heavily on wants can feel rewarding at first, but it often leads to unexpected challenges down the line. While cosmetic features and trendy finishes may make a home feel move-in ready, they can distract from deeper issues that are far more expensive and difficult to fix. Over time, those overlooked “needs” can turn into costly renovations, daily frustrations, or even limitations on how you use your space. Common hidden costs include: Reworking a layout that’s inefficient or awkward. Updating outdated systems such as electrical, plumbing, or HVAC. Addressing structural issues or foundational concerns. Expanding spaces that don’t meet your needs. Retrofitting storage or functionality that wasn’t there to begin with. “After years of working on homes across the Carolinas, we always tell buyers to prioritize structure over style,” suggests Lauren Garlock, controller at BGC Expert Contractors . “A bad layout or aging infrastructure is costly to fix, but outdated finishes are an easy upgrade. Buy for the structure, renovate for the style.” Common wants vs. needs examples for first-time buyers When you’re house hunting , it’s easy for wants to feel like needs – especially when a home is beautifully presented. Breaking things down side by side can help you stay focused on what truly matters for your day-to-day life.

Before You Fall in Love with a House, Do This First.

By Dusty Rhodes • April 20, 2026
Be honest. Have you started looking at homes online yet? If you have, it’s already time to get pre-approved . Because here’s what not enough people know. If buying a home is on your radar – even if it’s more of a someday plan than a right now plan – you don’t want to wait until later on in the process to tackle this step. No matter what you’ve heard, pre-approval isn’t about commitment . It’s about clarity . And here are the two big ways pre-approval sets you up for success. You Know Your Numbers Up Front During the pre-approval process, a lender will walk through your finances and tell you what you can borrow based on your income, debts, credit score , and more. And once you have that number, your search becomes a lot more focused. With a mortgage pre-approval, you know what you can borrow, so it’s easier to figure out your ideal price point, and what you can actually afford. And that clarity is key. Because if you just start browsing online and just guess at your price point, you run the risk of falling for a house that’s outside of your price range – or missing out on ones that aren’t. You want this number to be clearly defined before your search. Here’s why. You Can Move Quickly When You Find the One This is how a lot of home searches go today. You scroll through listings just to see what’s out there, and then it happens. You fall in love with something you’ve seen online. If you’re already pre-approved? You’re probably in great shape. But if you’re not… Instead of being able to jump on that house and quickly make an offer, you have to scramble to get a lender, gather the financial documents, and then submit the necessary pre-approval paperwork first. And while you’re waiting to hear back from your lender, someone else who’s more prepared could beat you to the house. As Bankrate explains: “The best time to get a mortgage preapproval is before you start looking for a home. If you find a home you love but don’t have a preapproval in hand, you likely won’t have time to get preapproved before you need to make an offer...” And that’s avoidable, with the right prep. Because while you can’t control when the right home shows up, you can be ready for it. Think of it like showing up to the starting line with your shoes tied and your warm-up done – while everyone else is still looking for parking. It’s not about rushing your timeline. It’s about removing the delay between finding the right home and being able to move on it. One Thing You Need To Know About Pre-Approvals Speaking of timing, pre-approvals do have an expiration date. So, be sure to ask your lender how long it’s good for. The Mortgage Reports explains: “ Mortgage preapproval letters are typically valid for anywhere from 30 to 90 days. However, a preapproval can be updated and extended if the lender re-checks your information.” Doing the right prep and knowing this information can make the whole process a lot smoother. You don’t have to be ready to buy to be ready to buy. Getting pre-approved doesn’t mean you’re committing to buy right now. It just means you’ve taken a step to understand your numbers. And when a home catches your attention, you’re prepped and good to go. Bottom Line Ask yourself this: if your perfect home popped up tomorrow, would you be ready to make a move? If the answer is no and you want to buy, it may be time to get pre-approved. You don’t feel behind before your search even officially kicks off.

How to Form New Habits To Keep Your Home Clutter-Free

By Dusty Rhodes • April 13, 2026
Tired of an untidy house? Try a new approach by adopting habits that automatically keep your home orderly Keeping our homes orderly and free of clutter is a struggle for many of us, especially if we’re not naturally organized . If you fall into this category, there’s definitely hope — you just may need to change your habits. Before you roll your eyes and shrug off that idea as impossible, let me tell you what has helped me keep a tidier home. I tried a concept called the “habit loop,” which is described in The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business, the best-selling book by Charles Duhigg. The habit loop consists of three steps: cue, routine and reward. The cue is a reminder that initiates the new behavior. The routine is the behavior itself. The reward is the benefit you get from implementing the new behavior. Duhigg says that during the first two weeks of developing a new habit, it’s important to give yourself a treat that you really enjoy right after you complete the new behavior. This will teach your brain to enjoy the new routine. While I’m a professional organizer and really do enjoy decluttering and organizing, I also have an extremely busy life and like to do a lot of other things besides organizing my house. Using the habit loop really helped me get into daily, automatic tidying habits. Perhaps this approach could offer a fresh, effective way for you too to conquer clutter in your home. Here’s how I use it. Tackle Your Own Spaces First If you want to form new no-clutter habits, it’s usually easiest to begin by dealing with your own possessions in spaces you don’t share with all family members. Personally, I live with some wonderful but messy people, so if you’re in the same situation, I recommend you start with your bedroom and bathroom. Duhigg says there’s no precise time frame for how long it takes to form a new habit, but other researchers report it takes 21 to 66 days or even longer. Personally, I needed 21 to 45 days of the habit loop to form a new habit, depending on what the routine was. After that, the behavior became automatic. 1. Make your bed. No matter how messy the bedroom is, a made bed makes it neater. To create a cue for making the bed, pick something you do without fail every day, such as turning off your alarm. It’s best to do the new behavior as soon as possible after the reminder. (I sometimes get distracted if I don’t make my bed right after my cue, and then the bed might remain unmade all day.) After you make the bed — or, for that matter, after you do any new task you’re trying to make habitual — be sure to reward yourself. Your reward can be as simple as a silent “Good job!” you tell yourself or as ritualistic as brewing your morning cup of coffee and then enjoying sipping it. Just remember to give yourself a compliment or perk for working toward your tidy-house goal. 2. Clear your bathroom counters. Brushing my teeth has become the cue I use to trigger my habit of clearing my bathroom counters both morning and night. Each morning after I brush, I put away my makeup, hair products, blow dryer and toothpaste. Then I wipe off the water that has collected on the countertops. I repeat the routine at night, putting away my lotion and other nighttime beauty products. Then I congratulate myself on a job well done. Though I didn’t get it right the first few days, within 21 days I knew I’d managed to develop this habit when I automatically began clearing the counters after brushing. For me, coming home to a clean bathroom is the greatest reward! 3. Put away your attire after wearing it. On most days I wear two different outfits, one for work and one for exercise. If I’m not paying attention to where I put my things, a mess can quickly build up. So I decided that removing my clothes would be the cue to place dirty clothes in the hamper and those I’ll wear again neatly in the closet. If you share a closet with a partner who doesn’t want to participate in this routine, you have a couple of options: You can put your partner’s clothes away or leave them out, knowing that at least half the mess is put away. Since nagging or brooding rarely changes other people’s habits, it might be better to give yourself a reward for cleaning up your own mess and move on. Tackle Common Rooms Next As you move into the common areas of your home, prepare for potential barriers to establishing tidy habits since you may be dealing with other family members’ messes. While this can be frustrating, if family members aren’t cooperative I recommend simply focusing on clearing your own mess. Hopefully, your new habits will eventually rub off on your family. If not, well, your home will still be less cluttered than it was before your new habits. 4. Unbury coffee and end tables. Your cue for clearing the tables in your living room could be turning off the television or putting down the book you were reading. Remove cups, glasses and bowls from the room’s flat surfaces and place them in the dishwasher. Put magazines back in their rack or recycle those you’ve finished reading. Place remote controls in a basket next to the television. Put away books and papers and anything else left cluttering the room. Then congratulate yourself. Your living room will look great in the morning when you start your day. 5. Clear the kitchen counters. Mail, school papers, ear buds, cellphones, vitamins, dog treats, receipts, tissue boxes, keys and more can litter kitchen countertops, making food prep difficult. Plus, this type of miscellaneous debris makes the kitchen look messy and disorganized even if cooking surfaces are cleared. My personal cue for clearing my countertops each night is closing my dishwasher door after I load it. I then scan all the miscellany on the counters and quickly sort and put everything in its place. This may take me an extra 10 minutes, but by doing it each evening I find it is easier to keep the counters clear during the day. I then reward myself with a small piece of chocolate since this habit is much harder to implement than others! My other reward is coming downstairs in the morning to a clean kitchen. 6. Tidy your front hall. I walk through my front hallway on the way to bed and use the walk as my cue to tidy up the space. We have a hall closet where I can store shoes and coats, and each family member has a basket in the closet for personal items. If you don’t have a front hall closet, you might consider storing catchall baskets under a decorative table. I tell myself, “Great job!” before I head off to bed. It’s wonderful having a clutter-free front hall, especially when unexpected visitors stop by. Develop New Habits on What You Bring Into Your Home 7. Manage your mail. Mail is a major source of clutter in many homes. To cut down on the volume, you might want to receive bills and magazines electronically. There are also tools available for unsubscribing from catalogs and unsolicited credit card offers; visit DMAchoice.org or Catalogchoice.org for more information. Even with these steps, mail still has a way of piling up and causing a mess. One relatively easy habit to develop is sorting your mail before you enter the house. I collect my mail from the mailbox and walk directly to my recycling bin, where I immediately place advertising circulars. I then open unfamiliar envelopes (which usually are ads) and toss them in the bin. Since I receive most of my statements electronically, I’m left with very little to bring inside. Remaining items go into an inbox for incoming mail. I then give myself a pat on the back for preventing clutter from entering my house. 8. Be intentional with your purchases. Another habit to consider implementing is being mindful of your purchases. I’ve developed the habit of thinking seriously about the clutter factor of every purchase before buying. As I reach for my credit card, I am reminded to stop and consider whether I already own something that will suffice. I also think about where I’m going to store the item or what I’ll get rid of to make room for the new purchase. For example, when I’m considering a new pair of pants, I ask myself what I have in my closet that might be similar. If I already have too many similar items and don’t want to part with any I already own, I skip the new purchase. I use a similar approach when considering household and kitchen items. My purchases are always intentional because I’m working hard to live in a clutter-free home. I deserve a big pat on the back for working on this habit. I’m not only reducing clutter but I’m also leaving more money in my bank account at the end of the month to spend on things I truly want or need.