Today’s post is written by Ellen Delap. Ellen is located in Houston, Texas and she recently assisted me, along with Janice Simon and Christina Frisbie, on a recent Hoarders shoot for A&E TV. Ellen is a Certified Professional Organizer and Family Manager Coach who enjoys working with busy people who want to simplify their lives. You can learn more about her and her work at www.professional-organizer.com, follow her on Twitter at TexasOrganizer and join her Facebook Fan Page.
My clients share stories about their over acquiring or purchasing large quantities. It can be that the items are “on sale” and an over purchase is justified because they are saving money. It can be that they are purchasing items because they want one in every color. Perhaps it is because they will be gifting an item and it is a gift for many different people. Or simply the purchase has an emotional appeal due to depression, grief, isolation or another need in their life.
The first step in any process is recognizing there is a problem; this is difficult. How do you assess if you are an over acquirer? Think about the quantities you are purchasing. Even if you are purchasing groceries on sale, are you seeing yourself as buying too much? Do you feel shame about purchasing? Do those around you ask about the quantities you are buying? Do you have an appropriate place to store the items? Do you know what you have? Can you use the items? Knowing if this is a common problem for you is the first step.
There are strategies to prepare yourself and prevent yourself from going into the over acquiring mode. Even if you are not an over acquirer, and just purchasing in general, these questions can apply to your purchases. Be prepared; take a minute to reflect before purchasing. Here are some things to think through.
Do I need it? Do I want it? Can I borrow it from a friend or family member?
Where will I place it once I purchase it? Will it be consolidated with the existing amount to fit in the designated “home”?
Is it durable, well made, and affordable for the need I have? Is it environmentally friendly?
Am I saving money if I don’t use the items or can’t find it or access it when I need it?
How many do I need? This is most important. Assess a number you can use regularly and keep that number uppermost as you shop. Regardless of the item, use this number as the guideline for number purchased.
Be mindful of your purchases. It is easy to over do and under use!
I don’t like to shop, but when I do I find it very easy to get sucked into buying things I really won’t use. Yep, it is the sale sign or the little voice in my head that says “wow, great deal”
What hopefully follows the little voice is a bigger voice…
“It’s only great if you actually use it (or eat it). It’s really great if it makes you feel great using it!”
So come the questions…
First, of course, will I use it? if yes, where will it live in my home?
then it is on to the socially responsible questions, what do I know about the company who makes it? how do they treat their employees? the environment?
then the quality of the product, how is it made? are the materials quality? will it last?
The quality and responsibility question are usually the deal breaker for me.
I know that I feel better with quality surrounding me, quantity…not so much. I know that I am sending a message with my consumer dollar. Needless to say.. It is taking me a really long time to furnish my home, grocery shopping is a challenge, and I absolutely hate shopping for clothes.
I like your ‘deal breakers’ –the quality and the responsibility!
Excellent thing to be considered when shopping.
I appreciate your comments, thanks.