10 Stop-Shopping Tips

Some people hate shopping, some love it–and the ones who love it seem to really love it. In a my-credit-card-is-through-the-roof and I-have-way-too-much-stuff kind of way. Too much stuff usually means clutter and clutter, for many, is the bane of the day.

Why not kick that clutter to the curb by taming your shopping with these 10 tips to kick the habit?

1. Go shopping only when you need something. Go with a list of what you need and stick to it.

2. To minimize impulse buying, leave your credit card at home. If you’re willing to pay cash for an item, it’s generally something that you really love or need.

3. If you see something you really want, walk away from it. Go to a different store, get a drink, or use the restroom. If you really want or need that item, it will be worth the walk back.

4. Before you buy any organizing product, ask yourself if you could just eliminate or minimize the things you were planning to organize.

5. Don’t buy something just because it is on sale. Buy it because you either need it or love it.

6. Buy clothes in coordinating shades. You’ll need fewer shoes and accessories to go with your outfits if you stick to the basics. You can plan your wardrobe around two or three basic colors for each season. Not only does it make daily dressing easier, but packing for a trip is simpler because you aren’t tempted to pack things that don’t mix or match.

7. Purchase only items to replace things that are worn out.

8. Think twice about buying souvenirs. Take photographs or keep a journal instead.

9. Don’t buy something if you already have something that can do the same job.

10. Remember that the very best things in life are free. Instead of spending money on stuff you won’t use or need a year from now, spend time with a friend or family member or with a good book.

See what Care2 blogger Sustainable Dave has to say in To Buy or Not to Buy? Is There Really a Question?

From Unclutter Your Home by Donna Smallin (Storey Publishing, 1999).

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Past Member .

12:59AM PST on Jan 4, 2012

helpful.

send a green star

Nino U.

6:29AM PST on Dec 21, 2011

Super! Thank You. It's always worth to remember this tips.

Jennifer C.

5:59PM PDT on Sep 21, 2011

Helpful tips. Thanks.

Refo E.

12:09AM PDT on May 29, 2011

There is a blog that has helped me called ReformedShopaholic.com. It's hard to find people out there who understand!

Kelly t.

7:27AM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

Your Comment:

I used to shop every day, even on my lunch hour, then online and of course on weekends with the girls. I had a closet full of things with tags still on them - how much did I really need?? The only thing that helped me change my shopping addiction was one book called 101 Ways to Stop Shopping and Start Saving, on amazon. I have stopped shopping for things I don't need and saved $457 for my new goal -a trip to Paris in 2013! I highly recommend that book for anyone who needs help. It was a lifesaver for me. If I can do it, anyone can!

Stacy J.

10:19AM PST on Mar 1, 2011

11. Buy green! I really like www.fourgreensteps.com/marketplace they literally have an eco-friendly alternative for everything!

Robert O.

12:30PM PST on Dec 4, 2010

Great tips. Thanks!

Roberta S.

6:30PM PDT on Oct 19, 2010

Very effective tips. Cash and walking away seem really useful. Also, not simply buying b/c on sale. Maybe relatively cheap, but ends up adding to clutter

Dan S.

5:30AM PDT on Aug 5, 2010

Nice article, the banks almost built a fascist system that assigns credit scores to people and are applying unfair politics on the consumers, we need to fight against the
credit card machine and start spending for what we really need and use cash as much as possible.

Teresa W.

8:04AM PDT on May 18, 2010

I hate shopping already.