Do you know anyone who’s quite good with budgeting but soon enough, their wardrobes are bursting at their seams, with their presence almost consistent in shopping centers every weekend? I have a revelation: that was me once.
Shopping used to be an emotional refuge for me. Whether I was bored, lonely, stressed or procrastinating, I’d resort to shopping. It delivered momentary solace but didn’t tackle my core issues. To add salt to the wound, I was buying a plethora of low-quality clothes which eventually cluttered my wardrobe with garbage, to put it plainly.
The magnitude of the junk I’d accumulated only dawned on me when I moved. I knew something had to change.
I still enjoy shopping, but I’ve managed to tame my impulse shopping habits. Here are 10 strategies that could help you counteract your spontaneous shopping tendencies if you’re in the same predicament.
1. DECLUTTER YOUR WARDROBE
It’s the only method to gauge the amount of stuff you’ve purchased, including those you haven’t worn. During my closet decluttering, it hit me that I was discarding clothes worth hundreds of dollars that I hadn’t worn once. Such a waste!
RELATED: 5 Methods to Earn Money through Decluttering
2. IDENTIFY CLASSIC, ESSENTIAL ITEMS TO CREATE A ROBUST WARDROBE
Regardless of your personal style, determine your basics. Consider investing and possibly splurging on items like a nice coat, good quality jeans, black heels, etc. Estimate their lifespan.
3. MAKE AN INVENTORY OF CLOTHES YOU NEED AND THEIR SEASONAL FIT
Maintain an ongoing inventory of your clothing needs. In moments of impulse shopping susceptibility, this list will ensure that you only purchase what’s necessary. It also avails chances to score discounts since you know precisely what you’re in hunt for.
RELATED: Why You Need to Spend More on Clothes
4. BE STRATEGIC AND SHOP AT THE END OF THE SEASON
Ever observed how swimsuits prices plummet at the end of summer? Having a precise list of your needs allows you to target these seasonal clearances and save substantial amounts. It may mean missing out on the season’s current trends, but trends are transient.
To me, investing in timeless pieces is more viable than purchasing new trendy items annually.
RELATED: What summer essentials can you purchase now to save loads of money?
5. SAVE FOR PREMIUM ITEMS
If you’re buying an item you’ll use frequently, it’s worthy to splurge on high quality. For instance, a quality winter coat was crucial when I lived in Iowa as I wore it nearly six months a year.
6. IF IT ISN’T ON YOUR LIST, DON’T BUY
This habit forces you to think thoroughly about your purchases, thereby curbing impulses.
7. RECOGNIZE YOUR EMOTIONS BEFORE SHOPPING
Being self-aware and honest with your feelings is essential. Are you shopping as a coping mechanism or do you genuinely need clothes?
8. EVALUATE THE WEARABILITY OF AN OUTFIT
Determining cost per wear helps gauge whether a purchase makes sense. More on this guideline here.
9. ONLY SHOP FOR CLOTHES YOU TRULY ADORE
Chances are, half the stuff you buy impulsively is substandard. It might be discounted or bought under emotional triggers. If it doesn’t make you feel good, it’s not worth it. This realization is hard for those who regard clothes as practical necessities. But clothes can say a lot about you, and I encourage everyone to spend time and money dressing in a way that makes them feel best.
10. SHOP, BUT BE MINDFUL
Mindful shopping can still be fun. Make wise purchases, pay attention to your emotions, and you’ll hardly falter.
Are you an impulse shopper? Which of these suggestions would work best to curb your spontaneous shopping tendencies?
