When you decide to become a more thoughtful consumer, it’s good for the planet and your wallet—but it’s also good for your home. We can all agree that clutter accumulates fast, so, to avoid dirtying up your home with the knick-knacks, clothes, and other items you’ve bought, you might want to trying adopting a more thoughtful approach to consumerism. Instead of buying tons and tons of items, try only buying items that spark joy and will last for years to come. Here are some tips for practicing mindful consumerism:
CHECK ITEMS FOR QUALITY BEFORE PURCHASING
If you’re looking for a new sweater, you might go to the local thrift store or department store to see if they have any 100% wool sweaters available in your size. Checking the fabric composition of the clothes you’re buying is a great way to see how long your clothes will last—you should aim to buy high-quality natural fibers, like cotton, linen, and wool, if you want your clothes to last. On a similar note, if you’re shopping for new kitchen supplies, opt for stainless steel, instead of cheaper materials. Invest in pieces that will last, so that you need fewer low-quality items at home.
BEFORE YOU BUY, SLEEP ON IT
It’s very common for people to see something and immediately decide that they love it. Whether you see a stunning pair of shoes, a video game console that looks fun, or a new rug that would look perfect in your living room, when something catches our eye it’s natural to want to buy it. To be a more conscious consumer, don’t purchase something you love right away. Instead, sleep on it and do some research to ensure the item you see is the item you need.
ASK YOURSELF WHY YOU NEED THE ITEM
Some things are wants, not needs. That said, before you purchase anything, think about why you need this item in your life. Ask yourself questions like “Am I going to use this item more than once a week?” and “Will this item make me happy for months and years to come?” before you purchase anything. If you find that the item you’re thinking about buying will only bring you temporary fulfilment, then it’s probably a good idea to skip it this time.
BE MINDFUL, CHOOSE POSH ORGANIZING
At POSH Organizing, we encourage our clients to be mindful about the things they buy and fill their homes with. Our homes should be a place where we feel at peace, decorated with items that we love and which reflect our personalities. For more information about our services at POSH Organizing, please feel free to reach out to us.