Last Friday, I shared with you something that has been on my heart for a little while now: my plan to cease shopping for an entire year.
First of all, I just want to say thank you to all of you who responded to that post with encouragement. It really helped to affirm for me that this is the right path to take.
I’m not sure if you realize how much your kind words mean to me.
But before I get ahead of myself and start sharing my journey with you, I wanted to take a post to really lay out, in detail, what this is going to look like.
I created some guidelines that I’ll be following and I want to share them with you so that we’re all on the same page, and for anyone that wants to join in and needs some inspiration.
I chose to call them guidelines for a very specific purpose…
I didn’t want to live the next year under the shadow of a bunch of rules.
I’m sure that’s mostly just the creative side of my personality resisting that kind of structure, but I also think it’s because I want this experience to be as organic as possible.
So…
Here’s what I came up with:
Objective:
For one year, starting on July 8 I will not buy anything unless it is a necessity.
Necessities =
- Food
- Cleaning/Household supplies
- Furnishings for our new house (but only for the additional rooms that we’ll have)
- Moving Supplies
- Replacement toiletries/makeup items that I use at least twice a month
- Clothing for Kit as needed (though nothing excessive)
- Developmentally appropriate toys for Kit as she grows (though again, nothing excessive)
- General items that are needed, but don’t fall under this category. I.e. gifts, dog supplies, diapers, etc.
As you can see, its a bit fluid, but still with plenty of limitations.
In other words, I don’t want to name every item I can’t buy, but rather create a process where I have to decide whether something is a necessity or not.
One of the biggest hopes that I have coming out of this, is that I’ll have a better understanding of necessity vs. want. Creating a process that helps me learn the difference will, in the long run, benefit our little household.
In a happy twist, my husband is the most frugal person I know, so he will be my second eye.
I’m excited to really move forward with this challenge.
Someone said that I should prepare for a fair bit of withdrawal at first, and I had to laugh at that. But then I realized how true that probably will be.
Even though I’ve really paired down what I do allow in our house this past year, I have a feeling that there is still so much that I’m buying that is not a necessity.
Lastly, I just want to reiterate that I’m not doing this so that y’all will pat me on the back and say good job.
I’m doing this because I want to really ingrain, not only in myself, but in Kit that life is so much more than what we own. I want to teach her to appreciate life for what it is and not what she (or I) fills it with.
I’m excited to continue sharing this with you in the coming months, I’m glad you’re here to join in on this crazy experiment.
But before I close, is there anything I’m missing that you would add to my list above? Anything you view as a want vs. necessity? Let me know in the comments below!
Outfit Details:
Crop Tee: Thrifted from Poshmark. Similar Ethical Option. Similar USA Made Option.
Denim: Thrifted Madewell. USA Made Option (On sale for almost 50% off).
Heels: Vintage. Similar Ethical Option. Similar Flat Option.
Bag: Helen Kaminski from ThredUp. I couldn’t find a similar bag (this is an older style), but here’s an equally cool ethical designer bag in a similar vibe.
Until next time,
Since reading your blog I have been inspired to think more about what I really *need* to be buying vs stuff I just *want*. I know I would find it really hard to not buy anything other than the necessities for a whole year but you’ve definitely inspired me to start cutting back and thinking about what my priorities really are. Awesome experiment! You go girl!
Thanks for saying that Stephanie! It means so much to me to hear that! Cutting back in any capacity is a great way to start so good for you!
This would be really hard for me to do. Even though I applaud you for doing it. I know I buy things when I’m bored or frustrated or sad (which is a lot these days). It has gotten out of control lately with books and clothes. I’m going to really think hard about changing, finding what I need to do to change my pattern of buying, thanks to your post. I wish you a lot of luck, and I can’t wait to follow your journey.
I feel that as well Andrea! I’m definitely an emotional shopper as well!
I look forward to following you on this journey. I would like to try something similar but maybe not quite as austere. I gave away 48 pieces of clothing last week and it does not look like I made a dent in the closet. We have been cleaning out my in-laws property (they have gone to senior living community)…….. It is a nightmare of ‘stuff’…. it has made me view stuff as a heavy baggage/burden & prompted me to be more rigorous in editing stuff from my own home.
Thanks Amy! It’s amazing how a little perspective can make us see the truth.
When I started the capsule wardrobe challenge I thought to myself “this is simple. What’s the fuss!?” Now that I’m in my 5th month the nudge of withdrawals are starting to set in. I’m finding myself shopping not for me, but my daughter, my mom. My closet is still pretty lean. I had to not allow myself to get caught up in “the rules” and allow for some creative process as well 🙂
If I’m not wearing something I am learning to pass it on. It’s really a process, isn’t it?
Just don’t let your necessities end up being your shopping therapy. Suddenly, that frankincense laundry soap at Whole Foods might be a MUST HAVE. Lol. But really, don’t take yourself too seriously. If you have to replace something (like a new bra for example) allow yourself the freedom to do that. Bras are kind of a necessity!! Can’t wait to hear how your experiences go!!
Haha! So true Susan! I think that’s because there’s a certain thrill that comes from making a purchase. Underwear is definitely on my necessities list though haha!
I had wondered how you would be able to do this with buying a new house, so I am glad to read you made furnishing your new home a necessity. On that note though, I would encourage you to look for used items first when buying for your new home. I have found SO many items used that I could have bought for twice as much new in a store. (My Broyhill table and Pottery Barn sofa both were like new and I saved $$$ on Craigslist!) I am excited to read about how you go through this next year!
That’s a great too Rebecca! I’ll definitely be trying it out! I’m kind of excited to see what our space looks like in a few years. ?
I have been working on only buying necessities for a few years, but my weakness is fast food. Some days, I do not take a lunch to work which creates the perfect “excuse” to grab some fast food. If I am out running errands, I have a hard time not stopping somewhere for a drink or quick snack. I am usually pretty good in other areas, and only purchase if I cannot get it off my mind after a few months.
I am sure you will do a great job without me wishing you luck. But I do wish you the best of luck in the endeavor!
I know how you feel! Eating out in general is a weakness for me as well. Especially if I’m tired and don’t feel like cooking!
I think your guidelines sound great. For myself, I really want to focus on not over buying for the kids. I tend to go overboard, or cave in when they want something. I need to teach them the same lessons you are teaching Kit. Thank you for inspiring me!
It’s so hard Shann! I know how it feels to want to give our kids everything, but I always have to remind myself that it’s actually what’s best for them.
Oh man, I don’t know how I could do that, I like shopping way too much! Good luck! I applaud you.
Thanks Maegan!
What a challenge! I’m looking forward to seeing how it turns out. There are so many benefits to this. Shopping is definitely a huge addiction of mine. I’m hoping to be inspired by this. Following your blog now!
Thanks Jillian! I know how you feel! I’m so happy you’re sticking around!
Wow that is such a cool endeavor! I don’t think I could do it for a whole year (I need to work on self control haha!), but I know you will learn so much in the process. Good luck and I look forward to seeing how it goes!
Thanks Rebecca! It’s definitely going to be a challenge!
I’m over half a year into my year without shopping, and I’m only now starting to feel the urge to shop (probably triggered by a recent trip to Chicago). I found the first months much easier because it’s an exciting personal challenge.
One thing I didn’t read in your post (and something I’ve gone back and forth on): How are you planning to handle experiences – from going to the movies to vacations?
Good for you Olivia! And that makes perfect sense! For experiences, we’ll for sure do them, but not purchase souvenirs or anything like that.
You’re going to do awesome at this challenge! I’m sure it’ll take a little adjustment at first but it will be worth it in the end, for sure.
xoxo, Jenny
Thanks Jenny!
I love this! It is so easy to get caught in the cycle of buying things just to buy them but not because we need them.
Thanks Jessica! I completely agree with you!
This is wonderful! I tried not buying new clothes for a year, but I was only truly successful for about 6 months. I only buy ethically made or second-hand clothing now though, and not much of it. It was a bit challenging, but I learned a lot about myself and I actually think I could do it now for a whole year. It’s a great idea to have the accountability of your blog followers. Sounds like you’re really taking steps toward success! Thank you for your inspiration- I will be following along with your journey!
6 months is still a big deal! I say good for you! It sounds like that was a good amount of time for you to figure out a great way of doing life.
I am so interested in simplifying and you have inspired me even more! excited to explore and follow you on here!
That’s great Nelle! And thank you! That’s so nice to hear!
What a great, very comscious, plan. This will be a very powerful time for you. Good luck!
Thanks Heather! I’m excited to start seeing it play out!
I’m really excited to see how this will play out for you. Do you anticipate getting bored with your wardrobe at all? I bet you will learn so much. Do you follow Greater Than Rubies? I believe she did a similar experiment. As for where to find second hand furniture, house stuff, I am guessing if Minneapolis is anything like Portland, you might have some cool second-hand stores in more eclectic parts of town??
Thanks Andrea! I probably will, but ok okay with that! I’ve never heard of her, but I’ll definitely check it out. I think we do have a few of those in our Uptown area, but I’m sure not nearly as good as Portland!
So pretty photos <33
Thank you Ania!
Hey Karin!
Great list and way. But as you said: the process will “teach you”. 🙂
One detail I think about is “education” (like books, newspapers, magzines etc.). It’s not on your list yet. When ever it’s possible I borough books in our library. No need to buy them. 🙂
Good luck and have fun!! 🙂 ♡
Thanks Sunray! I very rarely buy any of those things that I didn’t think to add it! I do love borrowing books from the library though!