Looking to clear the clutter out of your life? Trying to desperately figure out if something sparks joy? Don’t worry. I feel you. Every time I clear some space, I manage to fill it again. For one reason only.
I love to shop.
Don’t judge me. Don’t dress me up in pink and call me a typical woman. Loving to shop has nothing to do with being a woman. My husband loves to shop. (Granted, it’s usually for power tools but he does have a soft spot for shoes).
For me, it’s not about the shopping. It’s about the finding and buying. It’s some sort of internal satisfaction knowing that I found EXACTLY what I was looking for and most importantly, got a really good deal on it.
I’m totally a bargain shopping. I don’t like to buy cheap things. I like to buy nice things at cheap prices. There’s a difference. I don’t shop at Walmart (well, I mean, I do but just for the essentials and only if I have to). I shop at outlets or shops like Marshalls, TJMaxx, and Ross.
I remember meeting a friend a few years ago and learning she had never heard of those stores, let alone set foot in them. She would be the first to tell you that she has been a bit of a brand snob in the past. Now I get a kick out of it when she compliments a shirt of mine and asks where I got it. She doesn’t ask anymore because she knows it’s some bargain I picked up.
It’s a dangerous habit though. Finding a good bargain is only a good bargain if it’s something you really want and/or need. That makes sense, right? Easier said than done.
I’ve been known to buy something because it’s 80% off, only to find that I don’t really like it and will never wear it. And I end up with a house more cluttered than I can bear. Then comes the inevitable clearing out, yard sale piles, and donations with guilt at the money I wasted.
Just in case you might have the same problem as me, I’ve compiled a quick list of questions that will help me (and maybe you) shop with a purpose:
• Will you wear it?
• What will you wear it with?
• Where will you wear it?
• Does it fit you now (not when you lose those 10 pounds you’re hoping to shed)?
• Is it comfortable?
• Is it easy to care for?
• Where will you put it in your house?
• Is there a place to store it?
• Can it replace something in the house?
• Can you give it as a gift?
• Can you envision it in the yard sale pile?
• Can you see it on the yard sale table?
• Can you see yourself letting it go for 50 cents?
• Can you see it collecting dust?
• Can you see it shoved in a drawer or cabinet?
I think you get the idea. I’m working on it. I actually get a shopper’s high and then have to detox for a bit before I actually make a purchase. Turns out I can live with a lot less than I thought I could.
And if you’ve already fallen into the purposeless shopping habit? It’s time to declutter. It’s a release to get rid of so many extraneous things. And the upside? You’ve just created room for a few more bargains.
4 comments
I too love shopping, especially when I am looking for something specific! And bargains? Yes, please! There is nothing like a good bargain on a quality item.
I use to be a brand snob but still shopped at places like TJ Maxx, Marshall’s etc. Now? Target is a staple in my closet as I just don’t have a lot of time to peruse the racks in Marshall’s, etc. But when I do get a chance to go in there…it’s like the heavens open up because I ALWAYS find a great pair of designer shoes and on clearance.
My MIL is the one who will buy something because it was 40$ and now is 2$. The closets in her home are full of things she has worn once, if at all. Things that no longer fit her because as she has been trying to lose 20 pounds for years, it still hasn’t happened. I can’t send messes or what I consider the beginning stages of hoarding. The questions you posed are EXCELLENT! Maybe I ought to print them out and make her carry them in her purse??
I have never been a brand snob because I could never afford the brands. I know the TJ/Marshalls kind of stores take more time and it really is hit or miss. But I have come to learn I can can get better quality stuff discounted than I could ever find at Target or Walmart.
And as for your MIL? And your husband being late? I’m starting to think he might be related to me 🙂
Ohhhh you are speaking my language. I am this…this EXACTLY. My *problem* is that I can afford it, I’m not in debt, but it’s still wasteful to shop as much as I do. Thankfully I have kind of given up on even looking at home decor…I limit my shopaholism to clothes, mainly. So when I discovered video fashion hauling I was so on board! The only problem is I could do one every single week, but I’m embarrassed to admit on my blog HOW MUCH I shop.
And the whole cleaning out clutter to free yourself of useless stuff? TOTALLY to make room for new bargains 🙂
Okay. You have to tell me what video fashion hauling is. I’m very intrigued. I’ve gotten much better. I immediately throw away catalogs and delete those sale emails so I won’t even be tempted. But if I walk into a bargain store, I will not walk out empty-handed.
I WANT to have less stuff but like you, having more room means more stuff. Catch 22.