Mindful Shopping

I've totally dreaded this step. It should be the most exciting, but for me it's the nerve-wracking. I mean, who wouldn't want an excuse to shop? However, the challenge is to separate the wants from the needs and end up with just what I need. So, how am I supposed to do this without going overboard? Well, beats me.

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Here's how I'll try to do it, though.

I started out listing what I thought I needed like a new desk, fancier hangers, new sheets perhaps? New additions to the wardrobe that will last for more than one season? The list was extensive. It was beyond me and started to miss the point of this whole transition.

About a week ago (I had already gone through my closet to see what could be taken out and given away. I realized that I should have been taking note on what I started with, how many clothes were left, and what I needed to fill any gaps that I might have. So, really, the only way I knew how to start was to go through my closet, again! From there, I went around my entire house.

Here's a look at some of the inventory I set aside and will box up. This bit doesn't look like much, but there was a total count of 79 pieces when I was done with everything. Most of them tops, cardigans, and shirts that haven't seen the light of day in several seasons. I ended up just having 42 pieces left in my wardrobe of things I have actually worn consistently over the years.

The Next Steps

Starting with my closet again was the easiest first step for me. I moved on to my workstation (which is really a desk in my bedroom), our living room, and even our kitchen. There were so many things we were "saving," but in all actuality we bought too many things that weren't meant to last. Some were duplicates of what we already had. Even more were things for one-time dinner parties, cooking experiments, and random gifts we'd received from family and friends that we had no use for.

Things really don't last and even though I'm working on not buying or wanting more than what I need, I know that there will come a time when I have to replace things or buy new clothes. It's just a matter of not feeling bad about throwing out clothes, makeup, or household things to make room for newer, better replacements.

What I Learned

For someone who says, "I don't shop often," I had accumulated so many things -- so much junk! I am going to take an initiative to be more mindful when I shop for anything (clothes, appliances, food, furniture, etc.). It's easy to get something new and think that there's a place for it at your house. We sometimes might forget that we already have something like it, and when you buy the "upgraded" version, you should take inventory and get rid of what is obsolete.