Not sure about you guys, but I rang in the New Year with new boots, bedsheets, books, dresses, tights, clothing hangers, gloves, plants (seriously), storage boxes, a wine rack (actually?), cookie sheets (seemed like I needed more) necklaces… basically everything. I bought all the things! Steve Madden is sending me love letters and Aritzia is creating a VIP club for which I will be an uncontested president.
Well, not really. But you know what I mean. My disposable income is decreasing because I increased my RRSP contributions like a good little PF blogger. I know it’s a good idea, but it’s never fun to cut into my clothing budget. Spending adjustments can get uncomfortable, so its best to proceed with a plan:
30 Day Shopping Detox
This means no more “stuff” for a full month — I started this past Monday, January 14th, since I spent Sunday roaming the aisles of IKEA shoving everything within arms reach into my cart. This means that until February 14th (aww, Valentine’s!) I will NOT buy ANY of the following:
- clothing
- shoes
- make-up
- books
- household decor/organization supplies
I will still continue to buy food, and I will permit myself to spend money dining out, downloading music from iTunes, and on my regular massage at the spa because I’m worth it deprivation only hurts us all. Gifts are also ok because they’re for others. But other than that, nothing! Honestly, there’s no reason for me to buy any of the above list because I have enough clothes & shoes, I need to use up my make-up before I replace it, books can be had for free from the the library, and my home is adequately organized/decorated for at least the next 30 days.
How do you go 30 days without buying unnecessary items?
Stay the heck off of ModCloth
Don’t set foot in any malls
Avoid the siren call of Sephora
Close your eyes and hold your breath as you walk by bookstores
Throw your IKEA catalogue behind your couch
These are my tactics. I have trusted them in the past, I know they will carry me forward in these desperate times. Actually, I’m thinking as 2013 goes forward of reverting to my old method of making a shopping list and adding items as I want them… then not buying them until they’ve been on this list for at least a month. It’s extreme discipline against impulse spending but I’ve always found it a success. Luckily, after the first 2 weeks of this month I can’t think of anything to begin the list =p
I know it sounds lame, but lately I’ve been shopping my closet. I went through my closet over the holidays with the intention of getting rid of stuff, but for the most part, I like what I have – I just don’t always go to the effort to wear some of the nicer stuff since it requires handwashing, etc. But, I’m putting the effort in and trying to enjoy some of the nice stuff that I actually already have. Coworkers have actually complimented me on “new” shirts a couple of times already. =P
bahahaha that’s what happens! You end up with so many items that even if you try to wear everything it takes months to cycle through!
I’ve been trying to stay off Pinterest. Al of the cute clothes make me want to go shopping.
amen and amen… though sometimes I find Pinterest even has the opposite effect. Like by pinning things I’m “shopping” and then I don’t feel the need to actually buy them..
In December I promised myself that I wouldn’t buy anything outside of gifts for other people, and everything I eyed, I said “OK, you can buy that in January. Chill out.” Now? I can’t even remember most of the stuff I thought I needed right that moment and I’m totally out of the habit of shopping for clothes when we go to Target.
Sephora though, that’s tough. I just can’t go into Sephora or Ulta when I’m trying to cut down on spending. I know I’m going to come out with something but I don’t know how much money I’ll spend in the process. My Birchbox subscription has really helped with my ‘new makeup stuff’ jonesing. For $10 a month, it’s still less than most things I’d impulse-buy.
Ditto. I shopped my closet this month, I am staying far away from just “browsing”…
I had no luck. I went to town in NY this last week. But looking at Bridget’s list makes me feel better about myself. :)
LOL yeah I was BAD the first two weeks of January. I spent over $500 on clothes =( In my defense, half of that was leather boots though
I was just on modcloth!!!! I agree, I need a detox and 30 days seems doable. Heck, it’s easier than a 30 day yoga challenge.
is it ever! I have trouble on like, a two day yoga challenge…. or even one day
I promised myself no more shopping either. Christmas is over, so no excuse to go to the mall. I really don’t need anything. I have plenty of clothes. Must get through not buying anything other than food and cleaning stuff!
I’m on a shopping ban for all of 2013. For me, its knowing my triggers (like boredom) and avoid looking at websites (especially groupon type websites and pinterest). And of course, avoiding malls and department stores (like Walmart) like the plague. Good luck with your detox!
I don’t have this problem now but I noticed in the past that shopping (like eating out) is just another form of socializing. Try to find alternative activities that don’t necessarily need to be free but will help you to be more aware of your spending. I know in the past I would buy a shirt just because my friend was buying something at the same store…
Invest in a decent thermos and make coffee at home. It’s ridiculous how much money you end up saving!
I spent many, MANY hours in IKEA on Saturday, and somehow managed to get out without buying anything. I don’t know how.
Out of curiosity, are you still on track with the SL payoff timeline?
Aritizia had great sales this past weekend…. My boyfriend disapprovingly looked at me as I stumbled home, still drunk off my shopping spree. I need a shopping detox big time.
The biggest thing for me is staying off online shopping websites. Forever 21 and Urban Outfitters are my weaknesses. I’m 20 days into a 30 day shopping fast as well and so far it’s been pretty easy. Good luck!
I bought 3 pairs of shoes and a cell phone case within the first 3 days of the New Year. Needless to say I’ve been on a bit of a curbed spending period since then. Lots of brokeuary hang outs and nights drinking at friend’s houses instead of bars.
one trick….leave your debit card/credit cards at home…out of sight, out of mind. take only $20 cash (you never know). you’ll be fine! the first few days are the worst!
i went through a no-spending blitz over the summer and actually had to think about my pin the first time i used my debit card LOL good times :)
Good luck! You can do it!
I’m on a money diet myself this month, but that also means dining out, and any other unnecessary spending. So far so good. The best method for me is avoiding those places which cause temptation.
Good luck to you! I’ve been avoiding my preferred sites like Etsy and Amazon as I really don’t need to buy anything at the moment. If I decide to browse on them I’m a goner!
Seeing that everyone else is all spend-spend-spend right now makes me feel a lot better about myself… haha.
Man o man – thank you for this. I started the holidays all cleanly budgeted, only to rock through December (and most of January) saying “Heck yes, new sheets. And a new lamp. And don’t I need jeans?”. I’m still going, but I might nominate February to be my detox month….
And to be completely honest, I used your site to link to ModCloth and buy more crap. So… thanks both thankfully and ironically….
I really like the idea of keeping a list and only buying things that meet the criteria! I’ll have to start using that one. I also second just not going to the malls, because you’re only going to see something you like and then rationalize it and buy it. Then it’s a slippery slope!
Staying away from the mall is key for me!!