Whether you love to shop or hate it, everyone likes to get a good deal. There's just something exciting about finding bargains. The problem is that we often let that excitement cloud our judgment and encourage us to buy more than we need. How often have you picked up and extra one or two of an item simply because it was on sale? Did you spend more than you would have for one at full price? You probably did, but you felt good about it because you got two or three of them. If you actually needed that many then it was a good deal. If, however, you only needed one and just bought the others to have as backup you are now turning your home into a storage facility.
Think about it. Have you ever seen a storage facility and thought "Wow! What a nice place!!" Probably not. Most storage facilities are very utilitarian. They are often plain metal boxes that people fill up with junk that they seldom use or need. Is that how you would describe your home? Of course not. Your home is your haven from the world so why would you want to fill it up with things that you don't want or need?
No one sets out to clutter up their home, it just happens over time when our shopping gets out of control. Today we've got some tips to help you curb your consumerism and save money and space in the process.
Ask yourself the following questions before you buy:
- Do I need it? Need is different than want. You need shoes, you may want those $300 Tory Burch flats, but you don't need them; even if they are on sale for half off.
- Does it replace an item I already own? If your new purchase fills the same need as something you already own you need to consider which one best meets your needs. You don't need two items that meet the same need. If your old one is worn or the new version is somehow better you should get rid of the old one when you bring home the new. If the new is not significantly better, it is just different and that shifts it from a need to a want.
- Will I use it in the next 6 months? Sometimes we think we will need something in the future and we should buy it now while it's on sale. The problem with buying ahead is that our needs may change. We may choose a new hobby before the next season, our sizes could change, our color preferences or even the requirements for the activity that we are going to do. Suddenly that bargain isn't suitable and you have to buy something else anyway. Don't buy in advance unless you are certain you are going to be able to use it.
- Where am I going to store this? If you don't have a place to store an item then you shouldn't buy it. Bringing home things you don't have places for is what turns your home into a storage facility. Suddenly you find yourself stacking things up and tucking them away in nooks and crannies trying to make them fit. Only buy items that you know you have a spot for in your home.
- What benefit does this provide? Sometimes indulging our wants is okay, but ask yourself what benefit you are going to gain by purchasing this item. If you have a quick answer it might be a worthwhile splurge. If the best answer you can come up is I just want it, it's better to pass. The thrill of the newness will wear off quickly and you'll be stuck with something that you aren't sure why you bought it to begin with. The benefits need to outweigh the cost both in price and time spent finding it a home in your house.
Get More Out of What You Buy with Our Fast Easy Inventory System
Even the most reluctant shoppers add dozens of new items to their homes on a monthly basis. The key to saving time and money is to be sure that you only purchase items that you truly need and that you get the best possible deal. Another way to save time and money and keep your home from becoming a storage facility is to implement Stockpile fast easy inventory system. Stockpile fast easy inventory system makes it easy to track your possessions. Adding items into Stockpile is quick and easy. Once entered you can use areas and locations to pinpoint where items are stored so that you never forget where to find them, even if they are out of sight in bins or baskets. Stockpile fast easy inventory system is mobile compatible so you can access your inventory data even when you are away from home. For more tips on how Stockpile fast easy inventory system can help you organize your home visit back with our blog soon. Click here to get started with Stockpile today!
