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A Small Wardrobe

Minimalism of the wardrobe, home and mind

Shopping Ban Update|Five Tips to Stop Shopping (ARCHIVE)

Shopping Ban Update|Five Tips to Stop Shopping (ARCHIVE)

Originally posted August 5, 2017

I am currently undergoing a six month wardrobe shopping fast. I started this challenge in the first week of July. My plan is to not purchase any items for my wardrobe for the next six months.

Changing a habit is a hard thing to do. A long time ago, back when I had a TV, I learnt from Dr Phil that you cannot change a habit unless you create circumstances to support the process. The five points below are some ways to help support the change.

  1. Write down the benefits. Be honest with yourself about why you want to stop shopping and the benefits of doing this. What might change in your life if you stop shopping for your wardrobe over a period of time? Some benefits could include gratitude for what you have, saving money or becoming more mindful with your purchases. Being clear about these and being able to refer to them if you falter will help you stay on track.

  2. Identify your shopping triggers. This might sound a little melodramatic, but it is useful to be aware of why you compulsively do things you might regret later. I am the first to admit that emotions trigger me to shop. What triggers you to shop? Knowing this is another step in being more mindful about your shopping habit.

  3. Replace the shopping habit. Dr Phil says you need to form a new habit to replace an old habit. If something does trigger you to shop, it is useful to have a replacement activity for shopping. What is something you can do instead of shopping that makes you feel good? Maybe you can call a friend for a chat, engage in a creative activity or read a book? Write these activities down so you know how to redirect shopping urges.

  4. Let your loved ones know. Telling people about your goal will help you stay accountable. Let them know what you are doing and why. Perhaps you and your best friends can go to lunch on Saturday instead of hitting the mall. You might end up inspiring someone else to implement a shopping fast of their own, and you can support each other in the process!

  5. Shop your wardrobe. Learn to be grateful for what you already have. It’s valuable to remind yourself that the reason you started the shopping fast in the first place was because of the pure abundance of things you already own. Make all your clothing visible by hanging it up. Try on all the existing items in your wardrobe. Match them with new things and wear them in new ways.

I will continue to write posts and make videos about my shopping fast progress over the coming months, so stay tuned!

Five Minimalist Life Hacks (ARCHIVE)

Five Minimalist Life Hacks (ARCHIVE)

Minimalism: How and Why Stop Shopping (ARCHIVE)

Minimalism: How and Why Stop Shopping (ARCHIVE)