Unshopping

[TheFifthKey]

This month I've been trying to be very mindful of what I spend, so I've been keeping an "unshopping" list.

Every time I thought about something I'd like to buy, instead of immediately going online and researching that thing, thinking about it, convincing myself it'll change my life, I've written it down on a list, and also written down what I could do instead of buying it (which is often just use up a very similar thing I already own!)

It's amazing that already I go to add something to the list and find stuff from a few days ago I was convinced I needed at the time, and have completely forgotten about now.

Anyone done similar? Has it worked out long term?

I've been doing that with my amazon basket for years and have saved myself an absolute fortune!

I did this a few years ago, but got out of the habit. It worked well for me.

My strategy was 'pause, plan, pay'

Pause
Do I really need this?
Is it going to sell out if I don't buy it now?

Plan
Can I afford it now?
Can I borrow one from someone?
Can I find it cheaper elsewhere?

Pay

It did help me to focus my thoughts and spending and sometimes, I would forget about the item. Other times, I would buy it at a later date.

That's a good way of looking at it, Empress.

I can't believe the pile of shite I've got on my list just from the start of this month! It's so hard to train yourself out of buying stuff - I have to make do with my online Tesco order to fulfil spending urges instead...