How to Stop Impulse Shopping and Be A More Conscious Customer
Impulse shopping can be a difficult habit to break. In today's world, we are constantly bombarded with messages to buy, buy, buy. We are living in a consumerist world. But if you do take the time to shake off the shackles of consumerism, and take steps to break your bad habits, it can have amazing rewards.
An impulse purchase or impulse buying is an unplanned decision to buy a product or service, made just before a purchase. - Wikipedia
In this article, we'll give you some tips to help you avoid impulse shopping. (And no, it does not just involve avoiding the Internet shopping sites when you've had a bit to drink, though that can't hurt!) We'll talk about how to stop impulse buying in three major categories: food, clothes, and gadgets and other items for your home.
These are not, of course, the only things that you might impulse buy. But for many, these are the main problem areas. Read on to discover some simple tips to help you on your journey, and to find out why exactly avoiding impulse shopping is such a good idea.
Tips To Stop Impulse Shopping For Food
- Consider growing at least some of your own food. Growing your own food will, of course, reduce the amount of food you need to buy. But the satisfaction of growing your own, the ready availability of delicious fresh produce, and a greater awareness of what it takes to grow food can help you stop impulse buying junk food in the store.
- Make your own sweet treats at home, so you are less tempted to get a sugar fix from the store. By making your own, you can control exactly what goes into them, and stay healthier without feeling deprived.
- Take inventory of your pantry. Know what you have before you go shopping. Knowing what you have can help you avoid over-consumption.
- Make shopping lists when you head out shopping. Be determined to stick to them.
- Take reusable bags, and stick to filling them but no more. This can also help you limit the amount you buy on impulse.
- Be aware of the 'tricks of the trade'. Music, lighting, and wafted scents are all often used to encourage you to buy in supermarkets and other large stores. Be aware of how your senses and feelings are being manipulated and you will be less likely to be 'tricked' by such techniques.
- Eat before you go out grocery shopping. If you are shopping hungry, you are far more likely to succumb to impulse shopping.
Tips To Stop Impulse Shopping For Clothes
- Examine your wardrobe and work out exactly what you already own. (Many end up with duplicates and unnecessary items because they don't even know what they have.)
- Think about repairing or altering existing clothes. This could satisfy your need to keep up with the latest trends, and stay looking fashionable without buying anything new.
- Create a capsule wardrobe with simple, durable items that never go out of style. Never feeling that you don't have a suitable outfit can help reduce impulse buying new clothes.
- Stay on trend by filling gaps in your wardrobe from thrift stores or vintage boutiques. Again, having all the classic, simple items you need will stop you making mistakes and impulse shopping.
- If you love fashion, think about renting clothes rather than buying them. That way, you can switch things up regularly without impulse buying online or from the stores.
- Every time you think about buying new clothes, ask yourself a simple question – do I really need this thing? Taking time to think is important before each and every purchase. Ideally, sleep on it before making a decision.
Tips To Stop Impulse Shopping for Gadgets and Other Items for Your Home
- Create a beautiful home environment using natural and reclaimed materials. The more beautiful and functional your home, the less likely you will be to purchase new items on a whim.
- Choose the right items when you do buy. Make informed, sensible decisions. Think about selecting gadgets or other household items that serve multiple functions or purposes. When you make the right choices, you will find it easier to keep purchases to a minimum, and to see that less is more.
- Think about adopting a 'one in, one out' approach. This involves making a rule that every time a new item comes into your home, something else has to leave it. (It need not be thrown away, of course, but could be gifted, or given to a thrift store or charity.)
- Choose to invest in reusable products. Not only will increase your savings, but it will also reduce waste pollution and help protect the environment. You will always think that you've had enough because they are reusable!
Why Avoiding Impulse Shopping is Such a Great Idea
When you stop impulse shopping you will quickly see the benefits:
- You can save a lot of money. Read also: How Eco Living Will Save You More Money
- You'll gain a sense of satisfaction knowing you're doing the right thing for people and our planet.
- Your home will be simpler, and less cluttered – you'll have more space to breathe.
And those are just some of the benefits you will see.
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