As the first day of spring approaches, many people are beginning their seasonal tradition of decluttering and organizing their belongings. Experts suggest starting with small organizing projects and parting with sentimental clutter to create more space and reduce the urge to accumulate new items. Ashlee Piper, a sustainability consultant, emphasizes the importance of turning off the shopping tap to save money, reduce maintenance, and be more eco-friendly.
To stop buying things you don’t need, experts recommend making purchasing less convenient by deleting credit card information from online accounts and blocking notifications from retailers. It’s important to ask yourself if an item is useful for your current life and if you will actually use it in the near future, rather than being influenced by an idealized future self.
Try implementing a ‘purchase pause’ to log nonessential items you are tempted to buy and reassess if you still want them at the end of the month. Recognize patterns in your purchasing behavior and consider borrowing or renting items you use infrequently to save space and reduce clutter. Community groups, Facebook Marketplace, and libraries can provide access to a variety of items without the need to own them outright.
By being mindful of your purchasing habits and making intentional decisions about what you bring into your home, you can create a more minimalist and sustainable living space while saving money and reducing environmental impact. Consider adopting some of these tips as you prepare for the new season ahead.
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