How do you shop for your home without cluttering it? It is a common question that I hear a lot. The answer? I am a 'persnickety shopper'... fastidious, selective and discriminating. Our home is not minimalistic, nor are we on the other end of the spectrum as collectors of stuff 'n junk. We live happily somewhere in between the two. Ten years ago we drastically downsized (by half) to live in a wonderful little (1000 sq. ft.) cottage that quite comfortably meets the needs of a family of five in a simply uncluttered fashion.
Living clutter-free is a skill that can be taught to the extent that one is willing to learn. The idea that a clutter-free, simpler life is one of having your wings clipped is entirely false. Simple living can be defined as straightforward, uncomplicated and manageable. It is freedom from the whatever stuff enslaves us!
If 'simpler' is what you seek, maybe I can offer a few tips from one specific area of 'clutter free living': The art of shopping for the home. I share what I have learned from professionals and through my experience; years of trial and error. The suggestions that follow may not apply to all but perhaps there is a tip or two that might help you become a more discriminating shopper.
Please take into account that some people are blessed with the finances enabling them to walk into a furniture store and purchase what they like. Others rely on patience and ingenuity! Yet, the challenge for all is finding hidden treasures of great beauty to serve our needs without purchasing excess. It is the overflow and surplus that becomes clutter and ends up being donated, sold or trashed. That is simply a waste of our time and resources. In a world that values recycling, it is befitting that we all should be careful stewards of our homes & lives. That translates directly to the way in which we shop.
SHOPPiNG TiPS:
2. If you do not have clutter at home & need to shop, make a list. That is the easy part. Now stick to the list! Decide in advance what stores you will visit. If necessary set a time limit for your shopping venture. Invite a friend who would support and help you stay on track; there is no need to get lost browsing the aisles!
4. Be patient. Shopping for home goods is not like shopping for groceries! Do not press yourself to conquer the list in one trip. Patience pays off! If the price isn't within your range, wait for a sale. If the item is lacking in esthetics (beauty) and/or function, keep looking. It may take a weekly trip over a month or many months to find what you need and love but it will be worth the wait!
5. Beauty and function. You can have both at the same time. If you don't need it or if you don't LOVE it; don't buy it! Settle for nothing less than the best that you can afford! It is the mediocre items that end up as clutter in storage, in a yard sale or in the trash bin.
6. The 'In and Out' Rule. What's your plan? Think ahead. Where will you put the new purchase? What are you willing to delete (give away, donate or trash) in order to bring it home? The principle of In and Out: If something new comes in - something of similar size goes out.
On a personal note.
Selective, discriminant shopping is a skill I had to learn and I continually work to improve. It does not come naturally by any stretch of the imagination. Thus, for me, the search for home treasures begins with the computer: ETSY, OVERSTOCK and CRAIGSLIST. If the item I seek eludes me, you will find me armed with a list, cash and a dose of patience as I travel the well beaten path to GOODWiLL, HOME GOODS and TJ MAXX.
A quick recap on the art of home shopping... Know your strengths and weaknesses when it comes to shopping. Stick to a list. Purchase only what you need and love. Let something go to bring in something new. I wish you the best as you practice the art of becoming a discriminant shopper!
Drastic measures: Shopping the collegiate way.
If you cannot carry it home on a bike, you can't keep it!