This past year, during the pandemic, I read and reread lots of organizing books and many projects in regards to the concept that less really is more. One of the books I read was The Year of Less: How I Stopped Shopping, Gave Away My Belongings, and Discovered Life Is Worth More Than Anything You Can Buy in a Store by Cait Flanders. It was more than just her story, and I was surprised to find more than just her reasoning, but some practical tips as well. I’ve collected those below in addition to my thoughts.
Declutter
You’ve likely heard me talk about the Ruthless Declutter Challenge with Simplified – this part is so essential to living with less, being (and staying) organized, and to appreciating what you own. The key here is to do things in categories, and tackle one area at a time. Get rid of anything you don’t use, don’t love, is an necessary duplicate, or is broken.
- Clothing (certainly the most difficult – if this is your first big declutter, start small by dividing into seasons, or types of clothing and go in smaller chunks)
- Books, Paper, Office Supplies (who really needs 47 pens or the receipt from “that thing” from 4 years that clearly you are never going to return)
- Decor (think vases, picture frames, candles, etc. that you likely have too many of)
Take inventory
You can’t know what you need, unless you know what you have. And you probably have way more than you need already. I don’t know about you, but when I do an inventory following decluttering (usually I do a large version in the spring and again at the end of fall) I find things I forgot I had, and truly loved. I’ve also found I had gotten multiples of things over the previous months because I didn’t realize I already had something just like it at home – this is especially true with clothing!
Make 3 lists
- Essentials (these can buy when you run out – kitchen items, staples for clothing like underwear, tights, etc.)
- Non essentials (i.e. don’t buy – you don’t really need another little black dress or the newest tech gadget, do you?)
- Approved shopping list (think friend’s birthdays, holidays or other events coming up, etc.)
Unsubscribe from all store coupon lists
Who knew this could be such an issue and a temptation! While I agree with unsubscribing from places you never visit anymore (we still got coupons from Buy Buy Baby and we’ve got a kindergartener) I like the idea of something like Unroll.Me to “roll up” all those coupon emails into one daily email or better yet – we made an email address JUST for coupons – so we only check it when we need and and it’s not clogging up each of our main emails.
Set up shopping ban savings account
Put aside a set amount that you know you’re saving, or money from selling items or value from not buying an item. This helps you see just what you are saving. Also, add reminders of ban to cards with small sticky notes on the cards themselves. Better yet, if you’ve got more than one card, take all but one out of your wallet to have just for emergencies.
Tell everyone about the ban
Ok well maybe not everyone, but tell your people. That way they can hold you accountable.
Replace costly habits with cheap or free options
Maybe get water instead of a soft drink when out to eat. Or go for a walk instead of going to the movies.
Pay attention to triggers
Replace bad habits with good. If you and your bestie always walk the mall when you hang out, switch up your route and head to a park instead. If late night binge scrolling causes you to spend, put your phone up before bed and try reading instead. The key is to pay attention to your triggers.
Learn to live without or learn to be resourceful
Use what you already have! Kids are so great at this and we could certainly take a tip from their book. Before you buy something, see if you can repurpose something you already have in your house, or borrow from a friend. If not, then ask yourself if this is something you can’t live without.
Appreciate what you have
Gratitude goes a long way. When you are more appreciate of what you have, you turn less to what you don’t have. Being thankful for your life and circumstances does much to fill your heart with joy – more than purchasing any item ever will.
