Do you often buy things on a whim? Have you been spending more than you anticipated when you go shopping? Do you spend an unnecessary amount of time in the middle aisles? Are the impulse purchases adding up to a bigger problem? If you are wondering how to stop impulse purchases, then these tips will get you back on track. I promise!
Why do we impulse buy?
Great question! Why do we buy things on a whim? The truth is, we get a dopamine hit. It makes us feel good. We get a little buzz for the purchase of an item or two that we believe will make us happy. I hate to be the barer of bad news, but this feeling is short lived. Then when we start looking around our homes, we can see the sheer mass of impulse purchases over the year, that really didn’t give us that lasting happiness feeling that we craved so much.
The first step is recognising that you are impulse buying. Delve a little deeper and really think about why you are doing it. This is starting to feel like a support meeting, but the reality is that we impulse purchase to fill a void. Just know that it is possible to develop your mindset and become more intentional over time.
Let’s get into the nitty gritty of how to stop those impulse purchases.
Know your budget
First thing’s first, you need to know your budget. Know what is coming in and what is going out each month for your bills. Tis is a crucial step in understanding you current financial situation and how to pin point your reasons for impulse buying. Knowing your budget and how much money you have left over after basic bills will really help with the next step.
Give yourself a spend amount
Now that you are a financial prowess, it’s time to set some limits on your spend. You may want to give yourself a limit in certain categories, or you may decide on a single spend amount that will cover everything. Be realistic with your amount, so that you aren’t stopping yourself from enjoying life, but in the realms of knowing what is fair. Any other ‘spare’ money can be put towards debt or savings.
Wait before making a purchase
This is almost completely opposite from impulse buying. It’s a tough one, I’m not gonna lie. It will take some self control to be able to wait before purchasing items. I would suggest starting small and building up to waiting significant periods of time. Maybe start with wait a day before purchasing. Let it sit in the basket on the website or come back to the store the next day if you feel like you still really need it. As you get better at waiting you could build up to waiting up to a month or two before purchasing. It will really help you to see which items you forget about (and therefore didn’t;t really need) and which items are essential.
Shop with a list and stick to it!
So we often go food shopping with a list, but how consistent are you with this and do you transfer this strategy towards other shopping experiences, such as for clothes? Knowing exactly what you need to purchase will help you step back when considering items that are not on the list.
Remove card details from websites and apps
Many devices make it so easy to shop. Your card details are saved on websites, apps and on the autofill for devices. This is dangerous territory and should be heavily avoided. Removing details will add an extra step or two in to the purchase process; the need to walk over to your handbag to retrieve you purse and then having to type in all of the card details on the payment section. These extra steps can be enough of a deterrent to put you off purchasing. It definitely works for me….Does that make me lazy? Hehe.
Delete shoppings apps
It’s as easy as that. Having apps on your phone makes it far too easy to browse and then purchase items that you didn’t really need. Removing them takes away that ease. It means you aren’t seeing the apps when you click onto your phone and therefore that temptation is removed.
Do something else with your time
Shopping is time consuming. Browsing online is time consuming. Imagine how many hours you have spent browsing online or in stores. These hours are valuable and could be spent doing much more rewarding things, such as time with friends and family; getting out doing new experiences instead. Use your time wisely – take back that time you would have previously spent shopping.
Have a goal for saving
This is a vital part of the process. Having a purpose for your money will help you remain focused when you feel tempted to spend. Knowing you are saving for something, maybe a holiday, emergency fund or clearing debt will really make you think twice before making a purchase.
Ask yourself questions
Whenever you are considering buying something, it is important that you ask yourself some key questions. Do you need it? Do you love it? Does it serve a purpose? How will it enrich your life? If you are struggling to answer some of these then you need to put the item back. Each item you bring into your home or life should be considered and purposeful. These questions will help you to assess each item carefully.
Evaluate what your already have
Before you buy anything, you must first know exactly what you already have. This is crucial and a step that shouldn’t be avoided. Knowing what you already have can help you to identify what you might actually need and help you know whether you already have something similar already. You will avoid wasting money on duplicates and things that aren’t necessary.
These tips will help you to stop those impulse purchases and redirect you spend in a positive wa. It’s all about changing your mindset and thinking more clearly.
Rachel, Declutter Your Life X
Want to start decluttering? Check this out… https://declutteryourlife.co.uk/minimalism/february-little-acts-of-decluttering/
For more information check out my youtube video and channel…
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