Minimalism: How and Why Stop Shopping (ARCHIVE)
Originally posted July 15, 2017
At the beginning of July I started another six month shopping fast. I have undergone a shopping fast like this before, when I first started to minimise my belongings. It really taught me a lot about why I shop, and significantly changed my habits.
If all goes well, I will not be purchasing any new clothing, shoes or accessories for my wardrobe until the end of December.
There are two reasons I am doing this:
I am at the end of my shopping budget.
I want to enjoy the freedom of not buying anything new for a significant period of time.
Yes, you heard me right. There is a sense of freedom in not purchasing new things for your wardrobe. Perhaps you can relate, if you’ve experienced it before. I can only describe it as a lifting of pressure; there is no need to hunt or gather.
While I shop a lot less than some, when I have an active wish list, I definitely make an effort to check into my favourite brands every few weeks. I mostly do this online, though I sometimes check out local boutiques that house smaller brands. In that sense, I am spending time consuming on a regular basis, even if purchases are not being made.
Don’t get me wrong, I am definitely not against shopping for clothing or shoes. I love it, in moderation. But I do believe taking a break from shopping can really help put things in perspective.
Here are some benefits that occur when you stop shopping.
You have time to identify your true style.
You develop more mindful shopping behaviours.
You learn to appreciate what you already have.
You save some money.
You focus less on the superficial.
You get more free time in your life.
There is never a ‘perfect’ time to start a shopping fast, because we have been conditioned to think that there is always something more we need.
I encourage you to try this with me for a while, even if it’s just for a month or two. I’ll be posting additional material in the coming weeks to help you stay on track, if you want the support.
