My husband describes are pledge to buy nothing new for an entire year as our “year of not buying anything frivolous”. He has an interesting interpretation. You could follow the guidelines of The Compact and still spend a lot of money on used things that you don’t really need. Since we are planning on moving in a year and a half, we are starting the process of decluttering and organizing our belongings. With that fact in mind, it is a little easier to pass up the Little Tikes Tool Bench for $9.99, the lined wicker basket for $1.99, and the carved end table for $14.99 at the thrift store. Each time I am tempted I ask myself, “Do you really like that item enough to move it 2500 miles?” It is amazing how that one question can put everything in perspective for me.
Another thing I do to keep myself focused on buying only what we need is to keep a list of items that we need. I jot down items as I notice (i.e. husband – black belt, daughter – summer pj’s, Tigger – l/s shirts, Rew – size 4T summer clothes) in a little notebook I keep in my purse. I also plan ahead so that I have plenty of time to find the items and don’t feel compelled to buy something that I am not crazy about just because we need it. I noticed at the end of last summer that my daughter would need to p.j.s, so that gives me 9 months to find something that she likes. The same with Tigger’s long sleeve shirts. He has grown out of a couple this winter and though he has enough that fit to get him through this season, I have added shirts to my list. I can start looking at thrift stores now, slowly picking out items that he will like, and by next winter his wardrobe will be complete. But what if I find a cute black dress for my daughter, a Lenox vase, or a snow pants for Rew? If it the item is not on the list, I have to have a compelling reason to go off the list. After years of playing violin, my daughter does not need another black dress and as much as I like Lenox vases, I do not need another one. However, if the snow pants are in great shape, by one of my favorite companies, and size 4T then I would go ahead and purchase them, because Rew will need a bigger pair next winter.
The Weird Al Song “Ebay” takes a humorous look at our tendency to buy frivolous things:
Are you trying to cut back on purchasing unnecessary items? What helps you keep your commitment?
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Anonymous says
what I was looking for, thanks
Raising Z says
I am so intrigued by this whole Compact idea and am thinking of doing something similar. I have been reading all of your posts about it and I am so impressed. I am a recovering shopaholic 🙂 and am working soooo hard to only buy the things that I need. this being said, it is hard! I have come so far but I still have a ways to go and something like this (even if it were only for a few months) would really help me. I love your blog! I am so glad I found you through UBP 🙂
Jane says
I'm doing an no-spend challenge this year too, and one of my specific things is not visiting thrift stores because I *know* I buy too many things I don't need there because they're super cheap. Next year, when the challenge is over, I'll probably revert to a "the compact" way of thinking and will buy what I need second hand.
I am working on either doing without (most of the time this is completely doable) or making it myself.
C-re says
That's a big move!
I guess it's easy to cut back when you have no money to spend! lol.
I'm more looking at stuff and thinking, "can I make it myself" or "can something else work in it's place?" Those 2 questions typically eliminate a lot of spending. I've never had a problem not buying toys though. Bad mommy. They don't play with half of them anyway!
Alea says
We are planning on moving to Southern Maryland, though I am open to Virginia as well. I loved living in both mid-Atlantic states: The history, the museums, the trees, the warm ocean water…
Where are you moving to?
Porch Days says
Were can you be moving that it is 2500 miles? I, too, am moving. Our house is for sale and we are house hunting. I am sorting out my file drawers and throwing away old magazines. We don't buy much. Mostly groceries and clothes occasionally.