I've been thinking a lot about things and stuff and possessions lately. For the first time in my life, I feel as though I have enough. It's not that I've finally accumulated everything I need. It's just that my mind-set has changed. I may not have all I want, but I definitely have all I need.
Here are ten ways I've stopped purchasing things I don't need:
1. Define Want vs. Need - I have a roof over my head, running water, food to eat, a car to drive, clothes to wear, and a stove to keep me warm in winter. Those are really the only things I need to survive. Of course, I have much more than that, but I don't need any more than those basics. Do I need another dress or kitchen gadget? Nope. Stopping to think about what I need versus what I want puts a different perspective on things for me.
2. Avoid Stores and Malls - This one is somewhat easy for me considering I have to drive 45 minutes to get to a store, but at the same time, it's almost more tempting to go into stores on my weekly trips to town because it's something different to do. It's really a simple concept though - don't go into a store unless you absolutely need something. It's not a form of entertainment (or at least not a very productive one!)
3. Unsubscribe from Retail Emails - Since there are not many stores where I live, I subscribed to emails from many of my favorite clothing stores. I would get emails about sales, coupons to use online, and be notified of new arrivals. Many times I clicked on the photos in the email and ended up on their website looking at possible items to purchase. By unsubscribing, I am no longer tempted to shop online. In fact, most times I wouldn't even think about a certain store until I saw an email from them (well played, marketing people, well played...). If I'm not thinking about it, I probably definitely don't need to buy it. As a bonus, it saves me time because I'm not having to delete so many emails from my inbox every day! If you absolutely must receive coupons from a store, create a junk only email address and only look at it when you already have an item in mind to purchase, such as a gift for someone or something that would add value to your life.
4. Watch less TV - This is probably a good tip for many reasons, but the less advertising you're exposed to, the less likely you'll want to purchase something you don't need. Plus, you can spend that extra time being productive! I'm not completely giving up TV, but I am cutting way back.
5. Take Inventory - I didn't realize how many clothes I own until I went through and actually counted. I was shocked. And maybe a little appalled. Do I really own that many skirts? Do I need three colanders in the kitchen? Why do we have so many bathroom towels? I can't think of anything I might need to purchase any time soon. If I need it, it's probably already in my house.
6. Make It - Use that extra time you're not spending in front of the TV or deleting two-billion retail emails every day to create what you want. My living room walls are bare and I plan on making some art to hang. It will be a fun project, cost less than purchasing art, and I'll feel proud every time I walk into the room. Assuming it turns out the way I want it to. :) An artist, I am not.
7. Repair/Refashion/Upcycle It - Rather than getting rid of clothes that I no longer like or don't fit correctly, I plan on altering them or giving them a face-lift. I'm no expert sewer, so if I can do this, anyone can. Or, take your item to a professional and have them repair/alter whatever it is. It's usually less expensive than buying something new. I also have a few home decor plans that will incorporate items I already own with slight tweaks. There are endless tutorials online for everything from woodworking to sewing to painting, etc.
8. Buy Quality - When you do purchase items, buy the highest quality item you can afford. It will last longer and perform better and you'll only have to buy the item once instead of constantly replacing cheaper versions that fall apart or break too soon.
9. Create a Want List - Despite having everything I need, there are still things I want. For example, I saved up all summer for a pair of cross country skis. To me, this purchase was justified because: I didn't already have a pair of skis. I will have them for years and years. They will be a form of entertainment each winter. Skiing will be great exercise. I had wanted them for a couple years, which means they're not an impulse purchase. I'm not completely depriving myself of everything in life, just becoming more aware of what I buy.
10. Shop with a list - I'm a list-maker. I make lists for everything. Grocery shopping, tasks to accomplish, the hardware store, etc. When I shop with a list, I stick to it. If I see something in a store that I want and it's not on my list, I write it down for next time. That way I don't forget about it and if I still want it and feel it will fit into my life, I'll purchase it next trip. Most times, I don't even want the item when I see it again. Impulse buys are evil!
So those are some of the ways I've learned to think about what I'm buying rather than purchasing things that I don't need or items that don't bring any added value to my life.
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