I'm a spender. I admit it. I buy things I don't need. I buy back ups, and I sometimes buy things without really thinking it through carefully enough. This of course means that I have things in my home that I have never used or worn. And, things I've used once or twice. It's time to make a change.
Since the beginning on 2021 I have been on a decluttering mission, and it's going well. What I'm realising though, is just how many brand new items I'm getting rid of. Yes, brand new!
I've known for a very long time that I like to shop. When I look back, I have always enjoyed it. But it kind of got out of control was when I was a Flight Attendant for Air New Zealand. On a tour of duty, many hours were spent at the mall (those massive malls in other countries) whiling away the time. In my mid-20s and coming from little old New Zealand it was like being in a candy store (those were amazing too) every time I went. The selection was overwhelming and like nothing we had back. home.
These days, whilst I'm nowhere near as bad as I was then, I could be better. And of course with a few overseas trips in the last few years (pre-COVID) I've still had those opportunities to over-spend and over-shop.
Now, it's time to stop. After watching a number of videos by The Minimal Mom, I know a more considered approach will do two things - I will save money and I will only have things I use. When I read the second half of that sentence, it sounds like the most sensible thing in the world. But can I achieve my goal?
Of course I can. With a little effort and self-control I can do anything I put my mind to. To be honest I'm actually looking forward to the challenge. I know I will be tempted at every turn. In fact, just prior to writing this post I was scrolling through Facebook and saw an advertisement come up for a jumper that looked really lovely. I was just about to click on it and remembered, you're on a no shopping mission. I closed Facebook and came here.
I've put a few little rules in place for myself as a guide. I'm allowed to buy essentials of course, but only as things run out. If a necessary item breaks I can replace it and I can buy something to go with something else if (a) I really need it, and (b) I really love the item I'm looking to buy.
I'll report back in a months time to let you know how it's going.
Question: Have you ever banned yourself from shopping? I'd love to hear in the comments how it went.
With love,
