BUT, do we NEED all the stuff we buy? Probably not.
I know folks who just LOVE to shop. They buy to be buying - although they would differ with my thoughts. Some people have clothes hanging in the closet with tags still on them. Some people don't know when to stop with flowers for the yard (there are other ways to get them than buying at times). There are people addicted to buying purses, jewelry, shoes, tools, knick-knacks for the home, etc.
I have been trying to get rid of things and now I will be working even harder on that. I want no one to have to deal with this stuff when I am gone. It just isn't fair to anyone.
So there are a few questions we should all ask before making purchases.
- Do I really NEED it or do I WANT it?
- Do I already have something that will serve the same purpose?
- Am I just buying it because it's cheap?
- Will I LOVE it as much next week or next month as I do today?
- Do I want to maintain or clean it?
- Will I use it faithfully?
- Can I really afford it - without going into debt?
- Do I really have the extra room for it?
- Is it actually a real value?
- Will it truly bring me joy?
I think the first, second and last questions are the most critical for me. I know we all look at things differently.
What are your criteria for making new purchases?
I look around my house as I am sitting here, and yes most everything I SEE brings me joy. But there is so much that is put away - that I never see and rarely use. WHY? What was I thinking when getting it? I don't use many things, I don't love them and I don't need them and more importantly they sure don't bring JOY.
It's time to pass them on to someone who might love, need and use them.
The next time you go shopping - stop and ask yourself a few questions. You just may save yourself some money.
Great questions!
ReplyDeleteI need to ask some of these as I sort things to pack.
Closing on our house tomorrow!
Be blessed,
Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage
Congrats to you and your hubby on the new house. Yes mam - don't take what you don't need or love!
DeleteMoving is an excellent opportunity to reevaluate your belongings. You already have to physically handle each item you own, so that's the easiest time to make a decision about it. When you've lived in the same place for 30 years like I have, there so much packed away that a lot of it has been forgotten about. Congratulations on your new forever home.
DeleteCarol in NC
Same here/ I have been here for 33 years and oh my goodness is there a lot of stuff. Some I haven't seen in years!
DeleteGreat time to clear out!!
Good post and yes the American consumer driven market needs an over haul. My kids have a hard time buying me gifts and I have a hard time asking for anything as I have all that I want or need.
ReplyDeleteIt needs a MAJOR overhaul!!!! I have nothing to ask for either - just being with my loved ones is all the gift I need.
DeleteHi Cheryl
ReplyDeleteWhen I turned 50 (and that was many years ago) I stopped wanting 'things'. I do replace worn out items that I need and I am working on letting things go - a slow job.
Hugs.
Joy
It is amazing how many less wants we have as we get older. We KNOW what is important!!!!
DeleteIt sure is a slow process - but I am letting go as well.
Joy, that's what my aunt told me. She said, "You want and collect until 50 and then you wonder why you have so much and want to give it away."
DeleteSure makes sense!
DeleteStill thinking about you as you find your way through.
ReplyDeleteI like clearing things out - very therapeutic
Pulling weeds is helping me a bit! Yank and pull - relieves some aggressions!
DeleteThanks for your thoughts!
I gave up shopping as entertainment when I found The Tightwad Gazette. I scrutinized everything I bought after that and I still have so much. I wondered why my friends were always making several hundred dollars at their garage sales. I rarely hit $100. I realized it's because they buy WAY more stuff. Most of what I can give up isn't fit for sale or donation! It's pretty much dump worthy so I scavenge what I can. You know the big blade in a box fan? Spray paint it and it's a beautiful yard decoration! I have a yellow flower and a pink flower! The outside grate part makes a great sweater drying rack for the tub.
ReplyDeleteA girl after my own heart! TWG was my first instruction into frugal living as an adult. Yes, I learned much from my parents - but when someone else said it ..well...….
DeleteI still have plenty to get rid of, but I am working on it.
I find it hard to buy 'things' any more. Just became a habit.
I used to buy most anything at thrift stores if I found a great deal. I have gotten better about saying to myself "let someone else find that blessing." It's easier to walk away when I picture someone else being happy to find the item. A funny told to me today; my friend says her husband tells her "if you can't eat it or wipe your butt with it, then you don't need it." 😂
ReplyDeleteI like that way of thinking - someone else's blessing.
DeleteWell that is kind of true!!! LOL - those are the 2 things we need most!!
Despite not buying too much, we have still accumulated items and are continually getting rid.
ReplyDeleteGood job!!!!! Me too!
DeleteYou know Cheryl I have to watch this at garage sales too. Things can be such a good deal but you have to think about whether you really need it.
ReplyDeleteI think that may be the reason I quit going a lot - I was always bringing something home. I don't NEED a thing!
DeleteThey are just so tempting.
While out with my 4 year old grandson one day, I saw a tree with beautiful red leaves and said " I need a tree like that in our yard!" From the backseat a wise little voice said "Gramma, you don't need it, you just want it." So very true!
ReplyDeleteOh what a wise child!!!!! He has been taught well. That is just too cute.
DeleteFrom the mouths of babes!
Lol 😂😂😂
DeleteI hate, hate, hate clutter. I know hate is a strong word so trust me when I say I hate clutter. I grew up with hoarders. I have a real issue with clutter. I had to give myself permission to actually own things. It took a long time but I have a healthy balance.
ReplyDeleteI will break some of these declutter rules. This is going to be a bit long but I hope it helps somebody.
Do you need it or want it? I think sometimes a want can turn into a need. It can be a positive thing. Yes, if you go to Gap every week and buy clothes you want then that is definitely an issue you need to change. I recently wanted a Kindle Fire. I got one for X-mas. I found that I really needed that Kindle. It changed my reading in a healthy way and I was able to get rid of my personal library. A need can actually help you get rid of clutter and improve your life.
Don't ever buy because it's cheap or on sale. That is still money you did not need to spend. You spent that money on cheap/sale item and now you do not have money for a want that could improve your life. For example you buy whatnot on sale there went your money you could have put on a sewing machine, gaming system, new sofa, etc...
Joy items we need to have them. We need to have collections, even if they are small. That is our mental health. I collect dolls. I have over 300. I take care of them, they bring me joy. When they do not bring me joy I donate them for somebody to find joy. I do not pack my dolls away. I have one side of my art room I keep them displayed. That side is the only side they are allowed on and my desk for favorites. There are no dolls in other areas or other rooms.My collection is healthy.
I do buy new since some of my dolls are limited. I have the money set out for this hobby. I buy used a lot. I do not buy friviously. I am not going to scoop up every new Barbie I see when that will take my money for a new Blythe. I rather have one Blythe than ten Barbies.
If you pack away joys it's not a joy to you any more. There are of course exceptions. Most of the time we pack away to move on to a new joy.
I hope that helps inspire somebody.
I love the Charlie Brown pic and quote. That made me smile. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent advice!!!! Thanks for contributing a more extended frame of view.
DeleteI agree - things are money we USED to have and unless it is a necessity or a LOVE item - what is the point?
We all do it - but many of us are breaking the habit.
I know hoarders and it is not pretty. You see the TV shows and think it must be made up - nope - I know people like that. I can not go and visit.
Thanks for helping us out with words of wisdom!
I have some books that I bought, cookbooks by Susan Branch. I love them, but I don't use those recipes as they are different than the ones I normally use, although I love her artwork, but they stay in the cabinet not being used. I need to let someone else enjoy them for a change.
ReplyDeleteI have started going through books again. Series of Time Life books we bought years ago and really never did read much. Why am I keeping them? I could better use that real estate for other things.
DeleteSomeone else will surely enjoy!
I smile at this post! As I am packing for the move I'm sorting somewhat..I put in Goodwill pile and hubby takes it out. There are so many things that never get used or that I have saved from having the trailer. Time to go! Packing it to move 4 1/2 hours away doesn't make since to me. I shake my head.
ReplyDeleteExactly - why spend all that effort and energy on things you don't use. If it weren't there, he truly wouldn't miss it. I think it would go back to Goodwill pile when he wasn't looking!!! LOL
DeleteBless you with your move!
I can bring myself to tears looking around and realize how many hours I put in at a job I hated to pay for things I didn't use past the first day or two. What a waste---of my life!
ReplyDeleteExactly. That states it perfectly. It is sad that we do that to ourselves and WHY?
DeleteConsider it a lesson learned.
Good advice! Definitely need to declutter more.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that I don't really enjoy shopping although I have been spending more at the grocery store lately.
Well the grocery store has always been a downfall for me - but other shopping not so much. Food is a must have and if you are prepping for the chance of an unstable future, you are actually saving money. Hopefully that makes you feel better!!!!
DeleteReally good post Cheryl - regardless of personal habits we can all use a reminder to keep life in balance that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteLike you and many of your commenters have said, you get to a point in life where there's just nothing you really want.
And it feels so liberating to lighten things up a bit by cleaning things out.
Take care
Debra
LIBERATING - I love that word. Yes, that is a fact. That is such a good way to describe it!!!
DeleteHopefully 2019 will be the year we all "liberate" ourselves a bit!
I've had a time convincing myself that there are hobbies and crafts I will never do again. I keep ahead of the rest of the house, but my sewing room is a mess. On the other hand, I have been gifting a lot of the craft things to people that will enjoy them, so it's getting better.
ReplyDeleteI know it is hard to admit that we may NEVER use some of our stuff. I have so many craft supplies it's crazy. Maybe now that I am alone I will work on them more.
DeleteI am glad you are 'gifting' items that others can use and be blessed with.
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ReplyDeleteCheryl I am an irregular reader so just checked back in to catch up with your blog and am so very very sorry for your loss. My dear father died very suddenly at the age of 69 and it was a HUGE change for all of us, especially my Mom (like you they had a wonderful marriage). She has made a different but good life for herself over the last 15 years, and I know you will too. Your faith is inspiring. And I love this post, I am one of those people who can get out of whack with shopping as a way to change how I feel so I very much appreciate your questions -- it is good to engage in some introspection as to motives BEFORE buying.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your kind words. I am very sorry for your loss as well.
DeleteIt is tough and different - but I know he would want me to be happy. I will be a work in progress.
Yes, we all need to stop and think before shopping. We also need to re-evaluate what we have. Is it necessary?
Thanks for stopping by, and hope you continue to join us.
After I read this I thought of the 3 bedrooms upstairs that have "stuff" in it that we rare-never use. One room is a storage room and desperately needs to be cleaned out. Main floor has drawers and closets to be decluttered and then the basement has "stuff" We use the space but there is so much there we rarely use. I have my work cut out for me. It's so overwhelming. I think the best would be to start with our normal living areas and go drawer/cupboard one at a time. I hope the thrift store is ready for me!
ReplyDeleteI can work on the main part of the house easily and tend to do that regularly. When I go to the basement - I too an totally "overwhelmed". Way too much stuff - but it needs to happen at least slowly. I sure don't want anyone else to have to do that job.
DeleteSlow and steady!!!!!