In today’s society, it is so easy to acquire new things. Constant advertisements are showing us what we need. Stores are filled with things you didn’t know you needed. Internet shopping is easier than ever. Within minutes you can think of something that would be cool to have, find it online, and have it ordered. Many times it even arrives at your home within 2 days. All of this has added convenience to our lives but at the same time, it has overcomplicated it.
More stuff means…
- More to clean
- More repairs
- More to keep track of
- Less space
- Less money
- Less time
I used to get sucked up in the sales but once I realized all it got me was a house full of stuff I didn’t love, I made some changes. I stopped browsing stores and making impulse buys and I started being much more selective with what I purchased. Part of that process was making lists of the things I wanted instead of immediately buying something.
Before adding anything to a wish list I think it is wise to take an extra minute or two to determine if it is worthy of being added.
I ask myself:
- Is this something that I will be getting to replace something else? Does the other item need to be replaced?
- Is this something that will be a new addition? Do I have space for it? How have I been managing without it?
- Do I currently own anything that could serve the same purpose and allow me to avoid the purchase?
Although most of the questions are straightforward, I originally found it difficult to rethink how I could use my belongings. However, the more I practiced the more I was able to find simple solutions within my home that solved the need I was feeling but didn’t require me to buy anything new.
Conclusion
Sometimes adding a new item to your home can be justified. However, if you take a minute to think it over before making a purchase you might be surprised by how often you will discover that you don’t need it. More often than not, what you have is good enough, you’ll be fine without the addition, or there is a free solution already in your home.
Next time you think you need something, take an extra minute or two to make sure.
I get rid of stuff I haven’t used in a year. I think, I can let this go now, so my kids don’t have to figure out what to do with it after I die (change planes of existence). ❤️🦋🌀🙏☯️😉☮️
A year is a good amount of time that a lot of people feel comfortable letting something go. 👍
I can relate, I hate the idea of my kids having to deal with my mess as well.
I have been trying to take a mindful approach to shopping for over a year now. Every time I am tempted to buy, I stop and ask myself if it’s something I really need, if I will use it, and if I already have something that will do the job. I very rarely buy anything any more!
That is great. Just pausing to think about your purchases for a minute can save you a ton of money and clutter!
I’m with you, Michelle; I seldom buy anything now outside of groceries! 🌞
Yup, when I think of buying something new for my house that would accumulate dust, I can easily walk away! Great post, Suzanne! Hope your weekend is lovely! 🌞
👍Thanks!
It’s a way to re-cycle, isn’t it? Sometimes a little time to think gives us a cheaper solution.
Yes! That sums it up nicely!