Shopping With More Awareness

There are two types of shoppers: Those with tunnel vision, and the lookers. The former group goes into a store and only searches for what they need, without looking for anything else. The lookers, on the other hand, have items in mind that they need–most of the time–but will look around at other sections just to see if they find anything they’d like. No matter how hard I try, I always end up in the second category.

In an effort to become more minimalist though, as well as uphold some important values of mine, I have started whittling down the things that I buy. I’ve made a checklist in my head that has had a surprising amount of success when implemented. For instance, the last time I needed a retail-therapy shopping trip, I spent less than $30 total while still going to four different stores. Normally I’ll spend twice that just in Target when I’m upset, so it proves that my criteria really works.

So, if you're looking to start saving money, filling your home up with less, or just be more conscientious when shopping, here is my list of things to think about before you add something to your cart.

Do I actually like this?

This seems pretty obvious, but that’s why it’s the first question to ask. If something catches your eye in an aisle, examine it first to see if it’s worth your time. Is it what you thought it was? If not, move on. If it is, or something better, take a second to think about if you like this item for you and your life, or just in general. I can appreciate a lot of decorations and household items, but that doesn’t mean I want them in my home.

Do I have a use for it in my mind right now?

Especially with organizational tools, things can be bought because they’re liked and could have a purpose in your house. But, items such as bins and totes will always be able to store things, that doesn’t mean you need more. If you’ve been looking for a particular item for a specific purpose, then buy it. I had been looking for a blanket basket for the bedroom for weeks, but I had never found one that fit all my criteria. So, when I found one at Five Below that did, I picked it up without any shame. But, Target also released a new line called Brightroom, and all of their pieces are amazing and fit with my aesthetic. There were these small, light colored wicker baskets that I loved, but as I stood in front of them, I couldn’t think of anything I needed to store inside. I didn’t need just a basket to have a basket, so I didn’t buy one. You can still admire items without adding them to your home.

How much would I pay for this?

I often think of stores like a bartering opportunity in order to justify purchasing something. I examine the item, without looking at the price, and I think about if I could choose the most I would pay for it, what would that amount be? Once I’ve decided on that, I look at what the store lists the price as. If it’s less than what I thought, I’ll consider buying it. But, if it’s more, then I immediately walk away from it because there’s no way I’m paying more than what I think something is worth. With prices skyrocketing these days, those less financially stable like myself should definitely make this question a part of our shopping routine. You’d be surprised at how much you’ll save.

Do I have something similar already that I could use instead?

This is the minimalist coming out in me. Every kitchen gadget or cleaning supply has a purpose in my house, but that doesn’t make it necessary. Would it make life a little easier to have an ice maker in my freezer? Of course, but I have two ice trays that take less than a minute each to fill up and put back. I don’t need it, because I have something else that can do the same trick. A separate soap dispenser may be more aesthetically pleasing, but the soap I buy already comes in a dispenser. With this concept in mind, you can save money, and keep the unnecessary clutter out of your life.

Is this something I need right now?

Often items that are seasonal will line the aisles months in advance. Easter decor is up before Valentine’s Day has even come. It may seem appealing to buy these things as soon as you see them, but how about instead, you try and take a step back and ask yourself what will happen to this item once it gets home? Odds are it will go in a tote or a closet for a few weeks at least. But, if you wait to get a decoration until it will be put up right away, it’ll eliminate those extra items lying around your house just waiting to be forgotten about.

Would I be happy if I received this as a gift?

When shopping for others, it’s important to be thoughtful about their needs. So many people struggle with getting rid of or finding a use for unwanted gifts. To eliminate the pressure of having to keep something they don’t want, give a gift that is practical, and wanted. Getting someone something just because it’s their favorite color is sweet, but it’s just going to be added to a pile with everything else that people with the same thought process have given them. If the present is for a holiday, then ask people for a list of things they’d like to receive. It doesn’t have to be a surprise to make it special. If you don’t want them knowing what they’re getting though, think outside of the stereotypical-gift box. Instead of adding to their beauty product collection, give them a certificate to a salon or spa. That college student you’re buying for doesn’t need more clothes or knick knacks to shove into their small living space. Try making up a basket full of practical items such as detergent, their favorite snacks, and gift cards. My top gifts right now would be dryer balls, my brand of shampoo, triscuits, and a gas card. You wouldn’t want to receive something you know will turn into clutter, so why give it?

Is this encouraging good business practices?

Depending on what I’m buying, I will look if it aligns with my morals. Homophobic, racist, or prejudice companies do not get my business or my endorsements. When buying clothes–which I have tried to severely limit in the past few months for many reasons– I aim to buy from stores with good reputations on how they treat their workers and customers. Fast fashion is a big no for me; I’d rather pay a little extra to know all the information about the clothes. When I can, food is bought from locally sourced places or companies without histories of animal cruelty. With beauty products, it’s especially easy to know what has been tested on animals and is made out of recyclable or reusable materials. In the past year I have switched to having all-natural deodorants, shampoo, conditioner, hair brushes and many other daily items. The same goes for my cleaning supplies and utensils. Bamboo brushes and soap blocks are great for washing dishes and helping the environment. There are so many ways that companies can help the environment, the less fortunate, and the entire world, so when they choose to not do so, their products don’t deserve to be in your homes. It will make shopping a little pricier, and your life will be adjusted, but it’s all for the better.

Can I get this cheaper somewhere else?

A big problem that a lot of shoppers have is buying something because it is at the store they’re shopping at. Convenience is more important than money to them. This is why doing research before shopping is such a good idea. It will save you money, and if you plan correctly, it will also save you time. I like to use a tiered approach when doing big grocery or other shopping hauls. Start at a dollar store, and get the products that don’t have to be a specific brand there. Crackers from the dollar store will taste the same as crackers from BJ’s. Once you’ve gotten what you can from there, I suggest finding a produce store to go to so you can have more fresh, better-sourced fruits, veggies, and dairy items. If you live in the city like I do, farmers markets and produce stands are hard to come by, so I like to go to Aldi. It saves me a lot of money. You never know what you’ll find for your home at the cheaper places either. Clear pantry containers that are upwards of ten dollars at most home-goods stores are dirt cheap at the dollar store. Last on your shopping trip are the big brand stores that have the very specific items that I need. The prices are a lot higher there, so limit what you buy to only what’s necessary. My shampoo brand and orange juice can only be found at Target or Walmart, but if I don’t have the money to buy it, then I go without and use what I have already or can get cheaper. You shouldn’t be afraid to go to multiple stores, especially if they’re all centrally located. Sacrificing money for a quicker trip and less stops is not worth it.

Is this contributing to a better lifestyle?

A simple yes or no question, and trust me, you’ll know.

If the item you’ve grabbed has checked all the right boxes, feel free to put it in your cart. Adopting a more minimalist lifestyle or living more frugally doesn’t have to come with guilt. These questions allow for a lot of items to be weeded out, so you can purchase your items with the confidence that you do need it, and it’s not going to be a burden to you later on. Don’t forget, it’s ok to walk out of a store without buying something either. They’re meant to make you more conscientious of what you’re buying, which will help you live your best life every day.