I have a confession.
I like buying things. I love thrifting and going to yard sales. But I am a minimalist by choice, and therefore, it is my choice to not go shopping as much as I would like.
Here are some ways I avoid splurging:
If I buy an item, it must be functional. No ornamental items.
If I buy an item, I must need it. No shopping sprees.
If I buy an item, I must have thought about it for a while. No impulse buys.
I have a growing list on my phone of things that I need, so when I go out, I have a list with me. Since I have a growing list, that means I can go out less.
When I want something that isn’t functional or on my list, I hold it. I touch it, think about it, sometimes I carry it around. Then I put it back. If I leave and can’t stop thinking about it, I put it on my list, but that’s rare.
If I go places like Times Square, a shopping outlet, or a market, I browse. I sit and people watch. I look as if I might buy something, but I don’t. I might buy something that’s on my list, but I often leave empty handed.
In bookstores, I am shopping FOR my list. I take pictures of any book that catches my eye. Then, I go on amazon and read about the book. Sometimes I add it to my goodreads list. Sometimes I delete the picture.
When I travel, I buy a postcard. I have a few post card frames and I rearrange them from time to time. Once in London, I bought a sunflower necklace. I wear it every day. In El Salvador, I bought a wallet. I use it every day. You can find fun, functional things everywhere you go.
Sometimes I impulse buy. Today I went to a yard sale and I bought a romper. However, it fit and I loved how I felt wearing it. It was $2.00, so it was cheap. And, it’s functional.
